Judging Criteria

Bullets do not have pre-determined numerical values

1. ORIGINALITY and CREATIVITY
   1. Does creative research support an investigation and answer a question in an original way?
   2. Does the creative contribution promote an efficient and reliable method for solving a problem?
   3. Does the project demonstrate genuine ingenuity?
   4. Does the project show creative ability and originality in the question asked?
   5. Was the project completed under adult supervision or did the student work largely alone?
   6. Did the student perform all project work or did someone help?
2. SCIENTIFIC METHOD
   1. Does the project follow the scientific method?
   2. Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously?
   3. Are the variables clearly recognized and defined?
   4. If controls were necessary, did the student recognize their need and were they correctly used?
   5. Are there adequate data to support the conclusions?
   6. Does the student recognize the data’s limitations?
   7. Does the student understand the project’s ties to related research/ life applications?
   8. Does the student have an idea what further research is warranted?
   9. Did the student cite scientific literature or only popular literature?
3. -OR- TECHNICAL DESIGN
   1. Is there a clear objective?
   2. Is the solution workable and economically feasible?
   3. Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of an end project?
   4. Is the solution a significant improvement over other alternatives?
   5. Has the solution been tested for performance under human or other applicable conditions?
4. THOROUGHNESS
   1. How completely was the project covered?
   2. Are the conclusions based on more than one experiment or replication?
   3. Do project notes, record books, and displays include a title, statement of purpose, and design of the experiment?
   4. Is the student aware of other approaches or theories?
   5. How much time did the student spend on the project?
5. SKILL and CLARITY
   1. How clearly does the student discuss the project and explain purpose, procedure, and conclusion?
   2. How clearly are the data presented?
   3. How clearly are the results presented?
   4. How well does the display explain the project?
   5. 5) APPROVAL FORMS and RECORD (DATA) NOTEBOOK
   6. Did the project follow all guidelines and protocols set forth by the Scientific Review Committee and/or Institutional Review Board (if applicable)?
   7. Is the student’s record book available for judges to examine?
      (Note: Absence of record book, or approval forms WILL affect judging outcomes)