The TOK exhibition with objects from mathematics

The task in brief

• You choose one of the IB's 35 exhibition prompts (your teacher has the list) and build the whole exhibition around it.
• You present 3 objects, each with a commentary on how it shows TOK at work in the world in relation to your prompt.
• The commentaries together have a maximum of 950 words.
• The exhibition is linked to the core theme or to one optional theme, and is internal: marked by the school and moderated by the ib.

Our summary, not the IB's wording. Check every detail with your TOK teacher.

Choosing maths objects that work

1. Start from the prompt, not the object. Read your prompt and ask what it is really about (certainty, responsibility, representation…). Then look for objects that show that issue.
2. Prefer specific, real objects. 'The Mercator map on the wall of room 12' is stronger than 'maps'. A specific object has a context you can describe.
3. Each object should do different work. Three graphs that make the same point are weaker than a graph, a tool and a document that each show a different side of the prompt.
4. Pick objects with a story you know. Where did it come from, who made it, what happened because of it? Personal links are welcome.
5. Check the mathematics. If your commentary explains a projection, a probability or a model, make sure the maths is right.
6. Test each object with a question. Can you say in one sentence how it answers or complicates your prompt? If not, choose another.

Browse 29 object ideas from mathematics, each explained against a prompt of your choice.

Writing each commentary

• Identify the object precisely and say where it comes from.
• Explain the link to your prompt in your own words, using one or two TOK concepts.
• Use evidence: a fact about the object, a figure, a date or a quotation you cite.
• Show what is distinctive about this object compared with your other two.
• Stay within the word limit by cutting description, not analysis.

Planning checklist

• I have chosen one prompt and written it at the top of my plan (in my notes, not on a public page).
• I have a shortlist of five or six objects and have dropped the weakest.
• Each final object is real and specific, with a source or an image I took or may use.
• Each object links clearly to the same prompt.
• The three objects make different points.
• I have agreed my objects with my teacher.
• My draft commentaries are my own words, and I have cited every source.
• I have checked the word count and the format my school asks for.

Academic integrity

Your objects and commentaries must be your own choice and your own words. Do not reuse an object list or commentary from a website or a classmate. If you used an AI tool for anything, acknowledge it as your school requires. Read how to use help and AI honestly.