IB Students Connect Through Science and Community at ISG Jubail

Students from ISG Jubail welcomed peers from the American School of Dhahran (ASD) this month for the IB Collaborative Sciences Project, a cornerstone of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme that encourages collaboration across schools and scientific disciplines. Rooted in real-world inquiry and collective problem-solving, the project brought together Grade 11 students through weeks of virtual planning followed by a shared, in-person workshop in Jubail.

The theme of the year, “Collisions,” invited students to explore both literal and metaphorical meanings. Delving into topics ranging from molecular interactions to disruptions in ecosystems and human biology. With guidance from teachers, students designed original investigations and spent time discussing ideas with their partners before finally gathering in person at ISG Jubail for two days of hands-on experimentation and dialogue.

Mixed-school teams worked in the ISG Jubail science labs to carry out experiments, analyze results and present their learning to classmates and faculty. The energy throughout the event reflected a strong sense of purpose and mutual respect, as students engaged in scientific inquiry grounded in shared curiosity and diverse perspectives.

“Understanding how enzymes respond to heat is directly connected to why fevers can be dangerous, especially for small children,” explained a Biology HL student who hopes to study wildlife biology or conservation in Europe. “If the body gets too hot, essential proteins stop functioning properly, which can be life-threatening. Our experiment helped us see that danger at the molecular level.”

A Physics and Chemistry HL student with aspirations to pursue mechanical engineering in Asia or Europe, emphasized the collaborative aspect of the project. “Working with people you don’t know pushed us to develop collaborative skills that are essential in real-world labs,” the student said. “You have to adapt, communicate and solve problems together.”

Throughout the experience, students practiced collaboration, critical thinking and scientific reasoning, key elements of the IB Learner Profile. Working with new partners from another school encouraged adaptability, clear communication and collective problem-solving. 

“The collaboration between different schools brought out our individual skill sets. We approached the same problems with nuanced viewpoints and different lenses.” said one of the students who hopes to study mechanical engineering at university, contributed to a separate project investigating how holding your breath affects the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled, measured by pH changes in water, offering insight into human physiology through a chemical lens.

Science teachers from both schools played a vital role in guiding the process and creating space for student-led inquiry. From ISG Jubail, Mrs. Farah Hamoud, Mrs. Rayan El-Mir, Mr.  James Fredenburg and Mrs. Anindita Ghatak contributed to the event. From the American School of Dhahran, Mrs. Lucia Clemente, Mr. Richard Smith, Mr. Edwin Segbefia and Sonal Novick supported student teams throughout the project.

This collaboration reflected the spirit of the IB community, where curiosity, cooperation and open-minded thinking come together in the pursuit of meaningful learning. For this project, science became more than a subject, it became a way to connect across campuses and deepen understanding of the world and each other.