Who it is for
- Independent learners ready to sustain a question across several iterations
- Makers who need stronger research and documentation around a technical project
Programme / Research and innovation
A strong project begins by making uncertainty explicit.
This direction helps learners move from a broad interest to a bounded question, defensible method and transparent account of what was—and was not—found.
Research projects require enough time for source review, evidence collection and revision.OPENQUESTION
01 / Question02 / Understand03 / Build04 / Verify01
BIAA / FIT
Who this learning direction is for
Placement is based on readiness, prior experience and learning goals rather than age alone.
- 01Independent learners ready to sustain a question across several iterations
- 02Makers who need stronger research and documentation around a technical project
- 03Prerequisite: Learners should be able to manage a project log with guidance
- 04Prerequisite: Advanced work requires source evaluation and basic data interpretation
02
BIAA / QUESTIONS
Questions learners investigate
Each unit begins with a question that can be explored through observation, code, construction or evidence.
- 01What is the exact claim or uncertainty being investigated?
- 02Which sources and methods are appropriate to the question?
- 03What evidence would challenge the preferred explanation?
03
BIAA / LEARNING
What learners practise
Technical knowledge is developed alongside planning, documentation, testing and explanation.
- 01Question framing and scope
- 02Source search, evaluation and citation
- 03Method selection and research ethics
- 04Qualitative and quantitative evidence
- 05Technical writing, figures and limitations
04
BIAA / OUTCOMES
What learners produce
The expected outcome is a documented learning artefact, not an unverified promise of awards or certification.
- 01A research brief with question, context and method
- 02A traceable set of notes, data or prototype tests
- 03A concise report or presentation that separates evidence from inference
05
BIAA / PROCESS
Learning process and assessment
Learners move through a repeatable cycle and receive feedback against visible criteria.
- 01Map prior knowledge and open questions
- 02Review credible sources
- 03Select a feasible method
- 04Collect evidence, analyse and revise the claim
- 05Assessment: Sources are relevant and attributed
- 06Assessment: The method can answer the stated question
- 07Assessment: Limitations and conflicting evidence are reported
06
BIAA / RESPONSIBILITY
Safety, ethics and the next step
Responsible making is part of the curriculum whenever tools, data, AI or autonomous systems are involved.
- 01Projects involving people, personal data or living systems require additional review
- 02Citation and authorship remain visible when AI tools are used
- 03A prototype or literature review is not presented as validated professional research
- 04Next: Develop the work into an interdisciplinary capstone
- 05Next: Publish an authorised summary in the research or showcase area
BIAA / PROGRAMME FRAMEWORK
What learners make visible
Starting point
- Learners should be able to manage a project log with guidance
- Advanced work requires source evaluation and basic data interpretation
Core questions
- What is the exact claim or uncertainty being investigated?
- Which sources and methods are appropriate to the question?
- What evidence would challenge the preferred explanation?
What learners investigate
- Question framing and scope
- Source search, evaluation and citation
- Method selection and research ethics
- Qualitative and quantitative evidence
- Technical writing, figures and limitations
Project evidence
- A research brief with question, context and method
- A traceable set of notes, data or prototype tests
- A concise report or presentation that separates evidence from inference
Learning process
- Map prior knowledge and open questions
- Review credible sources
- Select a feasible method
- Collect evidence, analyse and revise the claim
How progress is reviewed
- Sources are relevant and attributed
- The method can answer the stated question
- Limitations and conflicting evidence are reported
Safety & ethics
- Projects involving people, personal data or living systems require additional review
- Citation and authorship remain visible when AI tools are used
- A prototype or literature review is not presented as validated professional research
Where this can lead
- Develop the work into an interdisciplinary capstone
- Publish an authorised summary in the research or showcase area
Questions to ask
Does BIAA guarantee publication?
No. Public sharing depends on quality, consent, permissions and accurate labelling; the educational value does not depend on publication.
Can a learner study an Academy prototype?
Yes, existing material may support a bounded case study, but the learner must distinguish source material, inference and new evidence.
BIAA / NEXT STEP
Review the Innovator pathway Review the Innovator pathway
Research projects require enough time for source review, evidence collection and revision.