Judging Information

 

Judging Criteria

Scientific Thought (20 points)

• Is the problem or question stated clearly?
• Is the hypothesis stated clearly?
• Are variables recognized and defined?
• Are controls implemented?
• Were retests conducted/was sample size sufficient?
• Are conclusions or summary remarks justified by the data?
• Are conclusions drawn and clearly stated?
• Does this project have application in the real world?

Originality (10 points)

• How original is the question or problem investigated?
• How creative is the approach or experimental work?

Display Value (10 points)

• Does the display show what has been done?
• Is the display neat and orderly?
• Are tables, graphs, or charts clear and properly labeled?
• Was a logbook or notebook used to record data and observations?

Interview (10 points)

• Is the presentation clear and orderly?
• Does the student demonstrate knowledge of the subject area?
• Can the student answer questions effectively and accurately?

Tips on Being Judged

Science fair judges are often teachers, scientists, or people from science related industries in the area. They are interested in hearing about your project and are not there to frighten or try to stump you. They simply want to hear about what you investigated, how you did the work and how well you understand what you found. Your presentation is just as important as any other part of your project.

A normal judging interview would go something like this:

1. Introduce yourself.

2. Give the title of your project.

3. Explain the purpose of the project.

4. Tell the judge how you became interested in the topic.

5. Explain the procedure that you used in the project.

6. Show and explain your results and conclusions.

7. Tell the judges what you might do to expand the project in the future.

8. Explain any applications that your project might have.

9. Ask the judges if they have any questions and thank them for listening.


Time Considerations
Most judges can only spend a short period of time at each project, so you should make good use of that time. Impress the judges with how smoothly you can talk about your project. Limit your presentation to those portions of the experiment which are vital to your project.

Appearance
You should dress up to be judged. This is an important event at which you should look clean and professional. Dresses and ties are the usual attire, stand up straight and don't chew gum or be eating/drinking. Smile.

Get the Judges Involved in Your Project
Let the judges hold your notebook, research paper, or apparatus. Point out charts, graphs and photos on your display. Speak loud enough to be heard by all of your judges. Remember to pay attention to what your judges are saying and always be polite. Maintain good eye contact with the judges.

Between Judges
Stay at your project because you never know when a judge will be coming. Practice any part of your presentation that has given you trouble with past judges until it is smooth. You may want to bring a water bottle so that you can take a drink while your not being judged. Do not leave your project until it is announced you are free to leave. You will have a minimum of two judges. This does not mean that you can leave after talking with two judges. Special awards judges may want to judge your project, and there is often more than one round of judging.