 Core Part of Diploma Programme  Relationship to TOK  Definition  Requirements  Required Elements  Subjects  Timeline  Summer Homework

 “The extended essay shares with the theory of knowledge (TOK) course a concern with interpreting and evaluating evidence, and constructing reasoned arguments.” (IBO 2012)

 The Extended Essay is “a substantial piece of writing of up to 4,000 words, enables students to investigate a topic of interest” (normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects) “that they have chosen themselves. It also encourages them to develop the skills of Independent research that will be expected at university.” (IBO 2012)

 Chosen from approved DP list  Involves higher level research  Opportunity for personal research  Required for all DP candidates  Aligned with Learner Profile  40 hour commitment for student  Externally Assessed  4000 word maximum  300 word abstract  Concludes with short interview, viva voce, with supervising teacher

 Title Page  Abstract  Contents Page  Introduction  Body (development/methods/results)  Conclusion  Bibliography and In-Text Citations  Appendices

 English  Spanish  French  Biology  Chemistry  History  Mathematics  Psychology  Theatre  Visual Arts  World Studies

 Group 1: Literature  Topic: Dance in Jane Austen’s novels  Research question: “What are the role and the significance of dance in Pride and Prejudice and Emma?”  Topic: Death in Emily Bronte’s and Emily Dickinson’s poetry  Research question: “How is the subject of death treated in selected poems by Emily Bronte and Emily Dickinson?”

 Biology  Topic: Altitude and physical fitness  Research question: Can a program of training at high altitude have an impact on the fitness of an athlete?  Approach: Using a digital heart-rate monitor, pre- and post-exercise heart rates and recovery times are measured for four athletes. These athletes then carry out a program of training at 2,500 meters above sea level, after which heart-rate and recovery time data is once again collected. The pre- and post-training data is analyzed and compared to published data.

 Chemistry  Topic: The caffeine content of a cup of tea  Research question: Does the time it takes to brew a cup of tea using a specific commercial brand of tea leaves significantly alter the amount of caffeine that is dissolved in the drink?

 History  Topic: Varying interpretations of the Salem witch trials  Research question: Which theory best explains the Salem witch trials?  Approach: Background reading is undertaken to enable identification and explanation of two dominant theories as to why the trials took place. The merits of the two theories are appraised using data obtained about the accused and the accusers.

 Math  Topic: The geometry of navigation  Research question: What was the role mathematics, and geometry in particular, in navigation when we relied on the stars? Does it still play a part now we have man-made satellites?  Approach: Using one of the two geometric representations of the earth, describe how maps and charts were produced to assist navigators in the past.

 Drama  Title: A study of the effects of the use of fabrics and lighting in The Tempest.  Research question: How can fabrics and lighting contribute to the creation of magical effects in a production of Shakespeare’s last play?  Approach: In-depth research is carried out into the use of fabrics and lighting in previous productions of The Tempest. There is a discussion, based on these examples, of how fabrics and lighting work with other production elements, how they can contribute to the creation of magical effects and how these affect the readings of the play.

 Visual Arts  Topic: Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s work  Research question: Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?  Approach: An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have been appropriated from other cultural sources.  Topic: The impact of immigration on an artist’s work  Research question: What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?  Approach: An investigation into the effects of migration on a selected artist’s work.

 Oct. – VCU Library field trip  Oct. - Research Proposal Due  Nov. – Select Teacher Supervisor  Jan. - Outline and Annotated Bibliography Due  March – Completed EE Due  End of May – Final EE Due

 Read IBO’s Extended Essay Guidelines ( ◦ Introduction ◦ Outline ◦ Details – All Essays ◦ At least 2 Details – Subject Specific  Choose 2 subject areas  Brainstorm & Reflect on 3 possible topics  Obtain a 2” three ring binder for EE  Due Thursday, September 13, 2012 in Seminar

International Baccalaureate Organization. Diploma Programme Extended Essay Guide: First Examinations Cardiff, Wales: Peterson House, Print.