Brainstorming potential Math IA topics can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many sources of inspiration and ideas, it can be challenging to know where to start. But fear not, because we have some tips to help you get started.
Firstly, think about what you’ve learned in class so far. Take a look at your coursework and notes, and see if any topics stand out to you as particularly interesting or challenging. You might want to revisit topics that you found particularly challenging, as exploring them further can help solidify your understanding.
Another great source of inspiration is past exam papers. Look at the types of questions that have been asked in previous exams and consider how you could approach a similar problem in an original and engaging way.
Books, websites, and popular media can also be a great source of inspiration. For example, you might come across an article on a news website that describes a real-world problem that you’re passionate about. Try to see if you can frame the problem in mathematical terms and explore it further.
Once you’ve gathered a list of potential topics, it’s time to start narrowing them down. When evaluating your ideas, there are a few key questions to consider:
Is the topic relevant to the IB Math syllabus?
Your Math IA needs to be relevant to the IB Math syllabus. Make sure that the topic you choose aligns with the syllabus and allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts you’ve learned in class.
Is it interesting and engaging?
Your Math IA is an opportunity to showcase your creativity and passion for math, so choose a topic that you find interesting and engaging. You’re going to be spending a lot of time researching and analyzing the topic, so make sure it’s something that you’re genuinely excited about.
Will it be easy to collect data, or will you need to create your own data set?
If your Math IA requires data collection, make sure that the data is readily available or that you can create your own data set. It’s important to make sure that you have access to the data you need to complete your analysis within the word count limit.
Is the topic solvable with the mathematical concepts and techniques that you have learned?
Your Math IA needs to demonstrate your understanding of the mathematical concepts and techniques that you’ve learned in class. Make sure that the topic you choose can be solved using these concepts and techniques.
Can you demonstrate your understanding of the mathematical concepts in a clear and concise way?
Your Math IA needs to be clear and concise. Make sure that the topic you choose allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the mathematical concepts in a way that is easy to follow and understand.
Once you’ve evaluated your ideas and narrowed down your list, it’s time to choose a final topic. Remember, this is an important decision, so take your time and choose a topic that you’re truly passionate about.