Choosing your Biology IA-Why It’s Harder Than You Think (and How to Make It Easier)

Let’s be real – sometimes choosing an IA topic feels harder than actually writing the IA. Especially in science subjects like Biology, where the instructions can feel… vague at best. We’ve all stared at that “choose a topic of personal interest” line wondering: what does that even mean? Is “interest” supposed to mean Nobel-level curiosity, or just “something I can finish before I lose my mind”?

The truth is, the right topic makes everything else fall into place. But finding it? That’s the real challenge.

Here’s what we wish someone told us before we started:

1. Start with what’s doable – not just what’s cool

Sure, researching memory in snails or gene editing sounds fun, until you realize you don’t have a lab or $5,000 worth of CRISPR equipment. Instead, think simpler. Many great IA topics come from tweaking existing experiments or exploring textbook concepts that weren’t fully explained. For example, if your book mentions the effect of nutrients on plant growth but never goes into potassium specifically – that’s your in.

2. Ask around (even if you’re shy)

Upperclassmen are an underrated goldmine. They’ve done this before and might even have leftover data or tips. If you’re like me and awkward about asking (don’t worry, I get it), try just saying: “Hey, I'm having a difficult time finding an IA topic, what was your IA about?” – it opens the door without pressure.

3. Use online resources to your advantage

When in doubt, use Classify. Seriously. It’s a website that categorizes actual IB IAs by subject, grade level, and topic. You can browse Biology IAs, find ones that seem doable, and then put your own twist on it. For example, I found an IA testing how potassium in different teas affected Vigna radiata seed germination. I loved the structure but didn’t want to copy, so I changed the teas to roots. Boom – same structure, different concept, original RQ.

4. Make it yours

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel – just change the terrain. Whether it’s modifying the variable, using a new species, or narrowing down the focus, the goal is to make it personal and practical. Your IA doesn’t need to change the world. It just needs to be clear, logical, and genuinely yours.

Choosing a Biology IA topic can feel like you’re walking blindfolded through a lab. But trust us – once you find the right question, the rest flows. Don’t aim for perfection on Day 1. Start with what you can do, get inspired, and shape it into something that works for you. You’ve got this.

Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll help you actually start writing the thing.

Until then – your IBInsiders 🧠✨

-Su EGE