Judging Criteria
Judges evaluate and focus on:
- What the students did in the current year;
- How well a student followed the scientific methodologies;
- The detail and accuracy of research as documented in the data book; and
- Whether experimental procedures were used in the best possible way.
Judges look for well thought out research. They look at how significant your project is in its field, as well as how thorough you were. Did you leave something out? Did you start with four experiments and finish only three?
Judges applaud those students who can speak freely and confidently about their work. They are not interested in memorized speeches – they simply want to TALK with you about your research to see if you have a good grasp of your project from start to finish. Besides asking the obvious questions, judges often ask questions to test your insight into your projects such as “What was your role?”, “What didn’t you do?” and “What would be your next step?”
