BLOGS  >  FEBRUARY 24, 2023

IB Is Updating Science Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics


This year, biology, chemistry, and physics will be updated following the review of their curriculum. The IB reviews DP courses to make sure they use the latest educational research and that the lessons learned through the evaluation of the existing curriculum stay up to date in a changing world. The subjects will focus on a conceptual approach to learning and teaching. Each will explicitly reference concepts, skills, and the nature of science. The experimental program continues to be central to the delivery of content, skills, and techniques. Students across the science group will still be able to work together on a topic related to a real-world issue as part of the collaborative sciences project.

The new DP courses will be launched in February 2023 for first teaching in August 2023. The first assessment will take place in May 2025. Learn more about the latest updates at:

To support the upcoming DP first-teaching science subjects with high-quality guidance and comprehensive resources, the IB has successfully collaborated with established educational publishers – Hodder Education, Oxford University Press, Pearson, and Kognity – to launch digital and print resources. They are planned to be launched starting in February 2023, aligning with the release of subject guides for these courses.

These co-published resources fully align with the new IB curriculums, have passed IB’s rigorous quality-assurance process, were reviewed by IB subject matter experts, and are appropriate for IB World Schools. All resources that have been reviewed and approved by IB are published with the “in-cooperation with IB” logo on the cover. 

Discover the new Science resources from the IB co-publishers.

Recent Blog Entries

PreK-2: A Foundational Skills Checklist for Teachers and Administrators

September 24, 2026

The skills that decide whether a student reads on grade level in third grade get built long before third grade. Here’s what to look for across PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-2 – and what it takes to build the classroom...
Read more

Building a Multilingual School Library Collection in NYC

September 22, 2026

New York City Public Schools bring together a wide range of languages, cultures, and experiences thanks to the diverse communities they serve. A multilingual collection reflects that diversity, gives students opportunities to learn in the languages they know best, and...
Read more

Search, Curate, and Order Smarter: Titlewave 101 for Public Libraries

September 4, 2026

Grid ordering, EDI, curated lists, and street date delivery – how public libraries put the free Titlewave platform to work every week.
Read more

Six Fall Releases Patrons Are Asking For

September 3, 2026

Up to 25% off if preordered during the sale period.
Read more

Getting Started with Titlewave for NYC School Libraries

September 2, 2026

Building and maintaining your ideal library collection is easier than ever with Follett Content, an approved vendor for New York City (NYC) school libraries. Yes, Titlewave® helps simplify book ordering in FAMIS, but our goal goes beyond placing orders. We...
Read more

Enter the FlutterBee Fall Book Giveaway from Follett Content!

September 1, 2026

Enter the FlutterBee Fall Book Giveaway for a chance to win one of three seasonal book bundles curated for young readers – 15 titles selected to generate excitement and increase engagement this fall.
Read more

More Blog Entries