How to Plan Your MYP Science Project Report: Complete Guide (2026)
Master the art of planning and structuring your MYP Science project report. Learn how to organize your research, experiments, and findings according to IB assessment criteria for maximum impact.
📚 Reference Resource
This guide complements the comprehensive MYP Revision Guide by Revision Dojo, which offers excellent strategies for preparing for MYP assessments across all subjects.
Why Planning Matters in MYP Science
Your MYP Science project report isn't just documentation—it's a demonstration of scientific thinking. The IB MYP Sciences assessment criteria evaluate how well you can inquire, design, process data, and reflect on scientific investigations. A well-planned report structure directly addresses these criteria and makes your scientific thinking visible to assessors.
According to the IB MYP Sciences guide, successful projects demonstrate:
- Clear scientific inquiry with testable hypotheses
- Systematic investigation design with controlled variables
- Accurate data processing with appropriate analysis
- Critical evaluation of methods and conclusions
The Pre-Planning Phase: Before You Start Writing
1. Understand the Assessment Criteria
MYP Science reports are typically assessed on four main criteria:
- Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Scientific knowledge applied to the topic - Criterion B: Inquiring and Designing
Research question, hypothesis, variables, and method - Criterion C: Processing and Evaluating
Data collection, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation - Criterion D: Reflecting on Impacts of Science
Real-world implications and ethical considerations
2. Choose a Focused Research Question
Your research question drives your entire project. A strong question should be:
- Specific: Avoid broad topics like "How does temperature affect plants?"
- Testable: You must be able to collect measurable data
- Manageable: Achievable with available time, resources, and equipment
- Scientifically relevant: Connected to MYP Science concepts
✅ Example of a Strong Question:
"How does water temperature (10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C) affect the rate of oxygen production in Elodea plants during photosynthesis over a 5-minute period?"
❌ Example of a Weak Question:
"Does temperature affect photosynthesis?" (Too vague—no specific variables or measurements)
3. Identify Variables Early
Before planning your report structure, clearly define:
- Independent variable: What YOU change (e.g., water temperature)
- Dependent variable: What you MEASURE (e.g., oxygen bubbles produced)
- Controlled variables: What you KEEP THE SAME (e.g., light intensity, plant type, water volume)
The Essential Structure: Report Sections Mapped to Criteria
Section 1: Introduction (Criterion A & B)
Purpose: Establish context and state your research question
What to include:
- Background science: Explain the scientific concepts (e.g., photosynthesis, enzyme kinetics)
- Why this topic matters: Real-world relevance
- Research question: Clearly stated and specific
- Hypothesis: A testable prediction based on scientific knowledge
💡 Pro Tip:
Include citations from scientific sources to strengthen Criterion A. Reference textbooks, scientific journals, or reputable educational sites to show you understand the underlying science.
Section 2: Method/Procedure (Criterion B)
Purpose: Demonstrate systematic experimental design
What to include:
- Materials list: Complete and specific (include quantities, concentrations, equipment models)
- Step-by-step procedure: Written so someone else could replicate your experiment
- Safety considerations: Risk assessment and precautions
- Variables table: Clear identification of all variables
- Diagrams: Labeled setup diagrams (if applicable)
⚠️ Common Mistake:
Writing "add some water" instead of "add 50mL of distilled water using a graduated cylinder." Precision matters! Your method should be detailed enough for exact replication.
Section 3: Results (Criterion C)
Purpose: Present raw and processed data clearly
What to include:
- Raw data table: All measurements with units, trials, and uncertainties
- Processed data: Calculations (averages, rates, percentages)
- Graphs/charts: With proper titles, axes labels, units, and legends
- Data patterns: Brief description of trends (no interpretation yet)
📊 Data Presentation Checklist:
- All values include units (°C, mL, seconds, etc.)
- Tables have clear headers and column labels
- Graphs use appropriate type (line, bar, scatter) for data
- Uncertainty or error is indicated (±0.5°C)
- Multiple trials are shown or averaged
Section 4: Analysis and Discussion (Criterion C)
Purpose: Interpret results and evaluate methods
What to include:
- Interpretation: What do the results mean? Do they support your hypothesis?
- Scientific explanation: Use scientific concepts to explain WHY you got these results
- Evaluation of methods: Strengths and weaknesses of your experimental design
- Error analysis: Identify sources of uncertainty and their impact
- Improvements: Specific suggestions to enhance reliability and validity
✅ Strong Analysis Example:
"The data shows that oxygen production increased from 12 bubbles/min at 10°C to 38 bubbles/min at 30°C, then decreased to 22 bubbles/min at 40°C. This follows the expected pattern for enzyme-catalyzed reactions: higher temperatures increase molecular kinetic energy (Criterion A), leading to more enzyme-substrate collisions and faster reaction rates. However, at 40°C, the enzymes likely began to denature, reducing photosynthetic efficiency."
Section 5: Conclusion (Criterion C & D)
Purpose: Summarize findings and discuss broader implications
What to include:
- Direct answer: Restate your research question and answer it based on data
- Hypothesis evaluation: Was your hypothesis supported or refuted?
- Real-world applications: How does this connect to society, environment, or industry? (Criterion D)
- Ethical considerations: Any moral or ethical aspects of your investigation
- Extensions: What further research could be done?
Section 6: Bibliography
Purpose: Acknowledge sources and demonstrate research
- Use a consistent citation format (APA, MLA, Chicago)
- Include all sources: textbooks, websites, journals, videos
- In-text citations should appear throughout your report
Timeline for Planning Your Report
Week 1: Pre-Planning
- Choose and refine research question
- Research background science
- Identify and list all variables
- Draft hypothesis
Week 2: Method Design
- Write detailed procedure
- Create materials list
- Design data tables (blank templates)
- Complete risk assessment
Week 3: Investigation
- Conduct experiments and collect data
- Record observations
- Take photos/videos if appropriate
Week 4: Analysis and Writing
- Process data and create graphs
- Write analysis and discussion
- Draft conclusion
- Compile bibliography
Week 5: Revision
- Review against assessment criteria
- Check for scientific accuracy
- Proofread for clarity and grammar
- Get peer or teacher feedback
Quick Tips for Each Criterion
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Show you understand the science behind your investigation. Explain concepts thoroughly, use correct terminology, and cite credible sources.
Criterion B: Inquiring and Designing
Your method must be detailed, logical, and replicable. Include precise measurements, safety considerations, and justify your choices.
Criterion C: Processing and Evaluating
Present data clearly, process it appropriately, and critically evaluate your methods. Identify limitations and suggest realistic improvements.
Criterion D: Reflecting on Impacts
Connect your science to the real world. Discuss applications, benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations relevant to your topic.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ❌Vague research questions that can't be properly tested
- ❌Missing units in data tables and graphs
- ❌Copying methods from the internet without modification
- ❌Describing results without explaining them scientifically
- ❌Generic improvements like "do more trials" without specifics
- ❌Forgetting to address Criterion D (real-world implications)
Final Checklist Before Submission
- Research question is clear, specific, and testable
- All variables (independent, dependent, controlled) are identified
- Method is detailed enough for someone else to replicate
- All data tables include units and uncertainties
- Graphs have titles, labeled axes, and appropriate scale
- Analysis explains results using scientific concepts
- Evaluation identifies specific limitations and improvements
- Conclusion addresses research question and hypothesis
- Real-world implications are discussed (Criterion D)
- All sources are properly cited in bibliography
Get Expert Feedback on Your Report
Planning is just the first step. Once you've drafted your MYP Science report, getting criterion-based feedback can help you identify what's working and what needs improvement before your final submission.
Criteria Guru provides instant, AI-powered feedback specifically aligned with IB MYP Sciences criteria. Our analysis highlights:
- How well you've addressed each criterion (A, B, C, D)
- Areas where your scientific explanation could be stronger
- Whether your method is sufficiently detailed and replicable
- Improvements needed in data presentation and analysis
- Suggestions for connecting your work to real-world implications
First submission is free • Results in 5 minutes
Additional Resources
Comprehensive revision strategies for all MYP subjects and assessment components
Deep dive into what IB markers look for in each assessment criterion
Published by
Criteria Guru Team