IB MYP Integrated Sciences

IB MYP Integrated Sciences Syllabus

The IB MYP Integrated Sciences syllabus brings biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space science together in one interdisciplinary course. Students develop conceptual understanding, inquiry skills and the ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world contexts.

Read the FAQs

Syllabus Overview

MYP Integrated Sciences is designed for students in MYP years 1–5 and aims to develop scientific literacy through inquiry-based learning. The course encourages students to explore connections between scientific disciplines rather than studying them in isolation. Emphasis is placed on understanding key concepts such as change, relationships and systems, and on using the scientific method to investigate questions that matter in local and global contexts.

Schools have flexibility in how they organise the curriculum across the five years, but all programmes must address the four assessment criteria and provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. The course also supports the development of approaches to learning (ATL) skills including critical thinking, communication and self-management.

Subject Content Areas

Biology: cells, ecosystems, physiology, geneticsChemistry: particles, reactions, periodic tablePhysics: forces, energy, waves, electricityEarth/space: rock cycle, climate, solar systemSchools choose topics to meet criteria and links

Assessment Criteria

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Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding

Measures how well students recall, explain and apply scientific knowledge.

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Criterion B: Inquiring and Designing

Evaluates the ability to formulate hypotheses, plan investigations and explain variables.

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Criterion C: Processing and Evaluating

Assesses data collection, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of methods.

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Criterion D: Reflecting on Impacts of Science

Looks at how students discuss the implications of science for society, the environment and ethics.

Interdisciplinary Connections

  1. Links with Mathematics, I&S, Design, LanguageIntegrated Sciences naturally connects with Mathematics (data handling, modelling), Individuals and Societies (environmental and ethical issues), Design (engineering challenges) and Language and Literature (scientific communication).
  2. Personal Project often uses science inquiryThe MYP Personal Project often draws on scientific inquiry skills, and students may choose a science-focused product or outcome.
  3. Required interdisciplinary units (IDUs)Interdisciplinary units (IDUs) are a required component of the programme and are assessed using dedicated IDU criteria.
  4. Builds foundation for DP Core interdisciplinary workThese links help students see science as part of a broader intellectual framework and prepare them for the interdisciplinary demands of the DP Core.

Year-by-Year Progression

  1. MYP1–2Foundations, basic labs, guided inquiry. Students focus on building foundational knowledge, basic lab skills and simple inquiry structures.
  2. MYP3Independent design, deeper concepts. Expectations shift toward more independent investigation design and deeper conceptual explanations.
  3. MYP4Complex analysis, evaluation, global contexts. Introduces more complex data analysis, evaluation of sources and stronger links to global contexts.
  4. MYP5Consolidation, Personal Project, eAssessment prep. Students consolidate all four criteria at a higher level, complete the Personal Project and, where the school participates, prepare for eAssessment. By October MYP5 students should be working more independently on both Personal Project and MYP revision, applying, analysing and evaluating rather than simply reproducing content.

eAssessment Preparation

On-screen exam tests criteria A, B, C

The on-screen exam tests criteria A, B and C through interactive tasks, data analysis and scenario-based questions.

ePortfolio: student-designed investigation

The ePortfolio typically includes a student-designed investigation assessed against all four criteria.

Structured prep often begins in November MYP5

From November, where schools participate in eAssessment, students may begin more structured preparation for ePortfolio requirements and on-screen examinations.

Participation varies by school

Not all schools participate; families should confirm their school’s eAssessment status and timeline.

Each criterion scored 0–8; final grade 1–7

Each criterion (A–D) is equally weighted. Teachers assess each on a 0–8 scale, and the four scores are combined to produce a final 1–7 grade.

Common Student Challenges

Challenges

  • Balancing breadth and depth across disciplines
  • Designing and evaluating valid investigations
  • Structured scientific report writing
  • Managing Personal Project alongside summatives
  • Time management and ATL skill gaps

How Support Helps

  • Targeted practice across four science disciplines
  • Explicit coaching on inquiry design and variable control
  • Structured guidance for criteria C and D report writing
  • Planning support for Personal Project and summative workload
  • ATL skill development for time management and self-management

How Tutoring Supports This Course

1

Conceptual understanding across four disciplines

Support is tailored to the MYP Integrated Sciences syllabus and focuses on building conceptual understanding across biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space science.

2

Inquiry skills for criteria B and C

Strengthening inquiry skills including formulating hypotheses, planning investigations, data analysis and evaluation of methods.

3

Scientific communication for criteria A and D

Developing clear scientific communication for knowing and understanding (A) and reflecting on impacts of science (D).

4

Summative and Personal Project support

Help students navigate the year-by-year progression, prepare for summative assessments and manage Personal Project science components.

5

eAssessment preparation where relevant

Where applicable, structure eAssessment preparation for on-screen examinations and ePortfolio requirements.

Getting Started with Support

Families can begin by completing the consultation form on the IB Tutoring Academy website. The form gathers information about the student’s current MYP year, school programme, specific challenges in Integrated Sciences and goals for tutoring. After submission, the academy matches the student with a tutor experienced in the MYP Sciences curriculum and arranges an initial session to agree a support plan.

Support is flexible and designed around the student’s school timeline and assessment calendar.

FAQ

What is the difference between MYP Integrated Sciences and separate science subjects?

Integrated Sciences combines biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space science in one interdisciplinary course assessed against the same four criteria, while separate sciences assess each discipline individually.

Do all MYP schools offer eAssessment for Sciences?

No. Participation in MYP eAssessment is optional for schools. Families should check with their school to confirm whether on-screen examinations and ePortfolio submissions are used.

How are the four assessment criteria weighted?

Each criterion (A–D) is equally weighted. Teachers assess each on a 0–8 scale, and the four scores are combined to produce a final 1–7 grade.

Can tutoring help with the Personal Project if it has a science focus?

Yes. Tutors can support the scientific inquiry, data analysis and report writing components of a science-focused Personal Project, aligned with the MYP Sciences criteria.

When should MYP5 students start preparing for eAssessment?

Where schools participate, structured preparation for ePortfolio requirements and on-screen examinations often begins in November of MYP5, though timelines vary by school.

Ready to Support Your MYP Integrated Sciences Journey

Complete the consultation form to connect with a tutor who knows the MYP Sciences criteria, inquiry expectations and year-by-year progression. We’ll design a plan around your school timeline and assessment calendar.