Students in the International Baccalaureate program recently presented interdisciplinary research projects as part of the program’s Group 4 science requirement.
Group 4 includes the experimental sciences in the IB curriculum, typically consisting of biology, chemistry, and physics at the high school level. For this project, students worked in small groups to explore advancements or research within a medical specialty of their choosing. Each group approached the topic through different scientific disciplines, allowing them to examine the subject from multiple perspectives.
Most groups incorporated both biology and chemistry, while some also integrated physics into their investigations. Students were tasked with examining how their chosen medical field could be studied, improved, or advanced through the combined lenses of these sciences.
The presentations marked the culmination of weeks of collaborative work and research. Students synthesized their findings into presentations that demonstrated how the sciences intersect when addressing complex medical challenges.
Lindsey Lauer, AP and IB biology teacher, said the project emphasizes both scientific understanding and the learning process itself.
“This is what we call Group Four, which is all of the experimental sciences,” Lindsey said. “Students look at a topic and approach it through different science disciplines, so most groups have biology and chemistry represented, and some also include physics.”
The project is a required component of the IB diploma program. In addition to presenting their research, students will also write reflection pieces about their investigation and collaboration process.
Lindsey explained that reflection is a central part of the IB philosophy.
“IB is not just about learning the content,” Lindsey said. “It is about the pursuit of knowledge, and being able to reflect on that process. The process can be just as important, if not more important, than the knowledge itself.”
The interdisciplinary nature of the assignment also reflects the broader goals of the International Baccalaureate program, which encourages students to consider global perspectives and ethical implications in their studies.
“IB is all about how different things work together for the whole,” Lindsey said. “Because it is international, we also look at how those ideas connect to world problems and how we can solve them through different lenses.”
Learn more about the IB Program at Allen High School:
http://www.allenisd.org/ib
View the photo gallery from the event:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCMdwA
