Judging

Judges evaluate and focus on 1) what the student did in the current year; 2) how well a student followed the scientific methodologies; 3) the detail and accuracy of research as documented in the data book; and 4) whether experimental procedures were used in the best possible way.

Judges look for well thought-out research. They look at how significant the project is in its field, as well as how thorough the student was. Did the student leave something out? Did the student 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 the student about his/her research to see if the student has a good grasp of her/his project from start to finish. Besides asking the obvious questions, judges often ask questions to test the student's insight into her/his project such as "What was your role?" "What did you do?" and "What would be your next step?

Criteria for Regional Judging