SCIENCE FAIR JUDGING CRITERIA

Background Knowledge and Plan

• Knowledge of basic scientific concepts related to the experimental topic. An advanced project may include a formal literature review.
  • Are key scientific concepts developed?
  • Has a review of literature been done?
  • Does the student cite scientific literature as opposed to popular resources only?
  • Is there evidence of a procedural plan to obtain an answer to the research question?

Experimental Design / Procedures

• Articulation of hypothesis, independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials.
  • Does the project have a clear objective?
  • Is there a testable relationship between variables?
  • Does the independent variable change?
  • Does the dependent variable respond to a change in the independent variable?
  • If controls are necessary, were they used as a standard for comparison?
  • Is there adequate data to support a conclusion?
• Clear and Precise description of materials used and steps followed.
  • Is there a clear and accurate description of materials used?
  • Is there a description of the steps and procedures followed?

Results / Conclusions

• Presentation of data in tables, graphs, and summary sentences or paragraphs in support of the hypothesis.
  • Are the data tables clearly and accurately labeled?
  • Are appropriate graphs used?
  • Are summary sentences and paragraphs used with each table and graph?
  • Is there a statement of how the data support or do not support the hypothesis?
• Major findings, interpretations, suggestions for further study, and applications.
  • Are the major findings adequately described?
  • Was the purpose carried out to completion within the scope of the original intent?
  • Are the interpretations of the major findings correct or within reason?
  • Does the student have an idea of what further research is warranted?
  • Does the student understand the project’s ties to related research?
  • Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of some end product?

Display

• Attractive, legible, accurate, and consistent with fair regulations.
  • Is the display attractive and complete?
  • Is there evidence of correct grammar and spelling?
  • Is the display consistent with fair regulations?

Clarity

• The project communicates a scientific research basis, describes design principles, explains data analysis procedures, and recognizes limitations. It also shows project evolution over time, the influence of other individuals, and future implications.
  • How clearly can the student discuss the project and explain the project’s purpose, procedure, and conclusions?
  • Does the written material reflect the student’s understanding of the research?
  • Are the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner?
  • Is the data presented clearly?
  • How clearly are the results presented?
  • How well does the project display explain itself?
  • Was the presentation done in a forthright manner, without cute tricks or gadgets?
  • Did the student do all the exhibit work, or did someone else help?
  • Does the student recognize the limitations of the project?

Creative Ability / Originality

• Creative research should support an investigation and help answer a question in an original way. The assembly of a kit would not be creative unless an unusual approach was taken. Collections should not be considered creative unless they are used to support an investigation and to help answer a question in a creative way.
• An original idea for a project shows greater creativity than a suggested project from a textbook. Keep in mind that some projects may contain some elements that seem original. However, the material may have come from new curricula in textbooks or laboratory manuals that are unfamiliar to judges.
• Consider how much help the student received. An approach to solving a problem may seem to have originated from the student, but may have come from a scientist’s or engineer’s suggestions. If a student received assistance from an outside source, credit for creative ability should reflect the student’s own contributions.
• Does the project show creative ability and originality in the questions asked? The approach used to solve the problem? The use of equipment? The analysis of data? The interpretation of data? The construction or design of new equipment?