What is the IB Diploma Programme Group 4 Project?

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The group 4 project is an interdisciplinary activity in which all IB Diploma Programme science students must participate. The intention is that students from the different group 4 subjects analyse a common topic or problem. The exercise should be a collaborative experience where the emphasis is on the processes involved in, rather than the products of, such an activity.

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The group 4 project is a collaborative activity where students from different group 4 subjects work together on a scientific or technological topic, allowing for concepts and perceptions from across the disciplines to be shared in line with aim 10—that is, to “develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge”. The project can be practically or theoretically based. Collaboration between schools in different regions is encouraged.

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The group 4 project allows students to appreciate the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology. It may also allow them to understand the limitations of scientific study, for example, the shortage of appropriate data and/or the lack of resources. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary cooperation and the processes involved in scientific investigation, rather than the products of such investigation.

 

Aims:

• Students will develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science.

• Students will become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology.”

• Students will develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge.

 

This information is taken from the International Baccalaureate Organization curricular pages.

The original document can be viewed here.