MYP Physics sits within the MYP Sciences subject group. It develops students’ ability to investigate the physical world — forces, energy, waves, electricity and the models that describe them — through hands-on inquiry, data analysis and reflection on the role of science in society. Assessment is criterion-based rather than a single exam mark.
The main areas of study in MYP Physics. On CritABCD you can filter practice questions by any of these.
Recall and apply scientific knowledge to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar situations, and analyse information to make judgements.
Formulate a testable hypothesis, design a method, and plan a safe, logical scientific investigation.
Present, analyse and interpret data, draw valid conclusions, and evaluate the method and suggest improvements.
Explain how science is applied to a problem and discuss its implications for people, society and the environment.
MYP Physics is assessed against four criteria, each out of 8: A Knowing and understanding, B Inquiring and designing, C Processing and evaluating, and D Reflecting on the impacts of science.
Each criterion is marked from 1 to 8 against level descriptors. Teachers combine the four criterion levels and use published grade boundaries to award a final MYP grade from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).
Physics is taught within the single MYP Sciences framework (which also covers the other sciences). The official IB MYP Sciences guide is available from the IB — see the link on this page.
This overview is written by CritABCD for study and revision. The official MYP Physics guide is published by the International Baccalaureate.