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Judges

Procedure - Questions - Science Criteria - Technology Criteria


Extra Info for judges: at this link

Common Questions

  • Is it real science? Subjects like astrology, homeopathy, crystal power are probably not ok.
  • Is the project as good as the idea behind the project? 
  • How many actual data points does the project include (quantity)? 
  • What is the quality of data collection (quality)? 
  • What evidence does the log book actually record? 
  • Is the presentation worthy of display as a winner? 
  • If a lot of data has been collected, presentation is great, and the science is ok, why doesn't the project have at least highly commended?

Judging Criteria - Science

Thought and Understanding
►Exhibit demonstrates clear scientific thought. 
►Questions / cause & effect are identified. Prediction stated. 
►Experiments are devised & include methods, accuracy, variables, results, data. 
►Appreciation of need for accuracy in observation, measurement. 
►Records show analysis and are presented accurately. 
►Conclusions drawn and suitable discussion recorded. 

Originality
►In the selection of a topic or statement. 
►Uniqueness of approach. 
►Resourcefulness in obtaining, handling and interpreting data. 
►Ingenious use of equipment and materials. 
►Creative displays or use of illustrative materials. 
►Inventive apparatus. 
►Insightful conclusions. 
►Inspired applications of the principle, process or product. 

Thoroughness
►All reasonable aspects have been investigated. 
►Previous work in this area has been investigated. 
►Records are suitably detailed 
►Evidence of analysis in depth and sufficient detail. 
►Any assistance has been documented. 

Technical Skills
►Well designed and constructed. 
►Reliability of operation. 
►Use of instruments/tools. 
►Living plants and animals are well catered for. 
►The whole is well planned and neatly finished

Judging Criteria - Technology

Brief Development
 ►What is to be done? 
 ► Why should it be done? 
 ► The specifications are defined. 
 ► The end users are described and their needs identified. 
 ► Ideas to meet the need are described 

Planning for Practice
 ► Planning stages are identified. 
 ► Milestones are described. 
 ► Evidence of reflection and forward planning is presented. 

Possible Solutions
 ► Mock-ups, models or prototypes are shown. 
 ► Is it fit for the purpose? 
 ► Does it meet the brief? 
 ► Does it meet the needs of the end users? 
 ► Does it meet the specifications? 
 ► Any future opportunities are identified. 

Innovation and Originality
 ► Evidence of originality or innovation is shown. 

Technical Skills 
 ► It is well designed and constructed. 
 ► It is reliable in operation. 
 ► It shows skilful use of tools and instruments. 
 ► It is well planned and neatly finished. 

Presentation
 ► Steps are recorded with detail. 
 ► The text and diagrams are clear. 
 ► Assistance is acknowledged 

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