Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria for Science Projects

I.  Research Question (10 pts)

  • clear and focused purpose
  • identifies contribution to field of study
  • testable using scientific methods

II.  Design and Methodology (15 pts)

  • well designed plan and data collection methods
  •  variables and controls defined, appropriate and complete

III.  Execution:   Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation(20 pts)

  • systematic data collection and analysis
  • reproducibility of results
  • appropriate application of mathematical and statistical methods
  • sufficient data collected to support interpretation and  conclusions

IV.  Creativity (20 pts)

  • project demonstrates significant creativity in one or more of the above criteria

V.    Presentation  (35 pts)

a. Poster  10 pts)

  •  logical organization of material
  • clarity of graphics and legends
  •  supporting documentation displayed

b. Interview (25 pts)

  •  clear, concise, thoughtful responses to questions
  • understanding of basic science relevant to project
  •  understanding interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions
  • degree of independence in conducting project
  • recognition of potential impact in science, society and/or economics
  • quality of ideas for further research
  • for team projects, contributions to and understanding of project by all members

Judging Criteria for Engineering Projects

I. Research Problem  (10 pts)

  •  description of a practical need or problem to be solved
  • definition of criteria for proposed solution
  •  explanation of constraints

II.  Design and Methodology (15 pts)

  •  exploration of alternatives to answer need or problem
  •  identification of a solution
  •  development of a prototype/model

III.  Execution:  Construction and Testing(20 pts)

  •  prototype demonstrates intended design
  • prototype has been tested in multiple conditions/trials
  • prototype demonstrates engineering skill and completeness

IV.  Creativity  (20 pts)

  • project demonstrates significant creativity in one or more of the above criteria

V.    Presentation (35 pts)

a. Poster (10 pts)

  • logical organization of material
  • clarity of graphics and legends
  • supporting documentation displayed

b. Interview (25 pts)

  •  clear, concise, thoughtful responses to questions
  • understanding of basic science relevant to project
  • understanding interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions
  •  degree of independence in conducting project
  • recognition of potential impact in science, society and/or economics
  • quality of ideas for further research
  • for team projects, contributions to and understanding of project by all members