OVERVIEW

What is MYP Sciences?

MYP Sciences covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics within an integrated inquiry-based framework, developing students' scientific knowledge alongside their ability to design investigations, process data, and reflect on the impact of science on society. It is assessed against four criteria — Knowing & Understanding, Inquiring & Designing, Processing & Evaluating, and Reflecting on the Impact of Science — each marked out of 8. In MYP Years 1–3, sciences are often taught as combined science; in Years 4–5, many Dubai IB schools introduce separate Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. MYP Year 5 students can sit the Sciences eAssessment. At Improve ME, our science tutors cover all three disciplines and are trained in the MYP assessment framework — preparing students for both school-based tasks and the eAssessment.

MYP

Qualification

Ages 11-16

Age range

IB Middle Years Programme

Exam boards

COURSE CONTENT

MYP Sciences Course Content

Inquiry-led coverage with criteria-based success strategies and progress to DP.

Biology Topics

Cell biology — prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cell structure and function, cell division (mitosis and meiosis)
Biological molecules — carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes — structure and function
Human body systems — digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, nervous system, hormonal system
Genetics — DNA structure, protein synthesis, inheritance, Punnett squares, genetic diseases
Ecosystems and ecology — food webs, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, human impact on ecosystems
Evolution and natural selection — evidence for evolution, adaptations, speciation
Plant biology — photosynthesis, transpiration, plant reproduction, plant hormones
Microorganisms and disease — bacteria, viruses, immune response, antibiotics

Chemistry Topics

Atomic structure — protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, mass number, isotopes
The Periodic Table — periods, groups, trends in properties, alkali metals, halogens, noble gases
Chemical bonding — ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding; properties of compounds
Chemical reactions — types of reactions, balancing equations, rates of reaction, catalysts
Acids, bases, and salts — pH scale, neutralisation, preparation of salts
The mole and stoichiometry — molar mass, mole calculations, limiting reagents
Organic chemistry introduction — hydrocarbons, functional groups, polymers
Electrochemistry — electrolysis, half equations, industrial applications
Energetics — exothermic and endothermic reactions, enthalpy, Hess's Law (Year 5)

Physics Topics & MYP Assessment Criteria

Forces and motion — speed, velocity, acceleration, Newton's Laws, momentum, work and energy
Energy — forms of energy, conservation of energy, power, efficiency, renewable and non-renewable sources
Waves — properties of waves, sound, light, reflection, refraction, electromagnetic spectrum
Electricity and magnetism — circuits, Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, electromagnetic induction
Space physics — Solar System, stars, galaxies, Big Bang theory
MYP Criterion A: Knowing & Understanding — recalling and applying scientific knowledge to solve problems
MYP Criterion B: Inquiring & Designing — formulating research questions, hypotheses, and safe, ethical investigation designs with controlled variables
MYP Criterion C: Processing & Evaluating — recording and processing data, identifying uncertainties, evaluating results and the validity of the investigation
MYP Criterion D: Reflecting on the Impact of Science — discussing how science and its applications interact with society, the environment, and ethics

ASSESSMENT

Assessment Structure

We support criteria-based success with clear expectations, task planning, and consistent feedback aligned to MYP objectives.

Internal

Criteria A–D (0–8 each)

Criterion A: Knowing & Understanding — recalling and applying scientific knowledge
Criterion B: Inquiring & Designing — research questions, hypotheses, variables, safe and ethical method
Criterion C: Processing & Evaluating — recording data, processing, uncertainties, evaluating results and validity
Criterion D: Reflecting on the Impact of Science — science and society, environment, ethics

eAssessment

Year 5 On-Screen Examination

Optional MYP Sciences eAssessment for Year 5 — externally moderated by IB
Assesses all four criteria through knowledge questions, data response tasks, and investigation analysis
Where taken, forms 80% of final grade; school internal portfolio 20%

School

Investigations & Portfolio

Internal assessments include practical investigations and data-response tasks
Schools submit samples for external moderation
We focus on Criterion B design and Criterion C processing — where most marks are lost

EXAM BOARDS

Assessment Framework

MYP Criteria

Inquiry Cycles

Not sure which board your child is on? We'll check at your free assessment.

TEACHING APPROACH

Our MYP Sciences Teaching Approach

01

Criterion B Investigation Design

Most students lose significant marks in Criterion B because designing a valid scientific investigation is a specific skill rarely taught explicitly. We train students to write precise research questions, testable hypotheses, identify variables (independent, dependent, controlled), and plan investigations that meet all IB safety and ethics requirements.

02

Data Processing Coaching

Criterion C requires students to process data correctly, identify uncertainties, present results graphically, and evaluate both their results and their methodology. We work through this systematically so students can tackle any data set confidently.

03

Conceptual Science Teaching

Rather than memorising facts for recall, we teach the underlying concepts so students can apply their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts — exactly what Criterion A exam questions demand.

04

eAssessment Preparation

For MYP Year 4 and 5 students, we prepare specifically for the Sciences eAssessment with timed practice papers, data response questions, and criterion-specific feedback.

WHY CHOOSE US