2018 Timberlane Science and Engineering Fair Judging Guidelines- Please review the criteria that was used last year to get an idea of how projects will be assessed. Criteria may be altered slightly for the 2019 fair.
I. Creativity (15 points)
1) Does the project show creative ability and originality in the question asked?
approach to solving the problem?
analysis of the data? interpretation of the data?
use of equipment? construction or design of new equipment?
II a. Scientific Thought – Research Project (50 points)
(If an engineering project, the more appropriate questions are those found in IIb. Engineering Goals.)
1) Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously?
2) Was the problem sufficiently limited to allow plausible attack?
3) Was there a procedural plan for obtaining a solution?
4) Are the variables clearly recognized and defined?
5) If controls were necessary, did the student recognize their need and use them correctly?
6) Are the conclusions based on a single experiment or replication?
7) Are there adequate data to support the conclusions?
8) Is the data analyzed correctly?
9) Did the student cite scientific literature, or only popular literature (e.g, local newspapers, Reader’s Digest, magazines)?
II b. Scientific Thought – Engineering Project (50 points)
1) Does the project have a clear objective?
2) Is the objective relevant to the potential user’s needs?
3) Is there evidence of background research?
4) Is the solution workable? acceptable to the potential user? economically feasible?
5) Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of an end product?
6) Is the solution a significant improvement over previous alternatives or applications?
7) Has the solution been tested for performance under the conditions of use?
III. Display (15 points)
1) Does the written material reflect the student’s understanding of the research?
2) How complete are the project notes?
3) Are the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner?
4) How clearly are the data presented?
5) How clearly are the results presented?
6) Are headings, descriptions, and clearly-labeled graphics used to accurately and succinctly summarize the project?
7) How well does the project display explain the project?
IV. Presentation and Interview (20 points)
1) How clearly does the student discuss the project and explain the purpose, procedure, and conclusions? Watch out for memorized speeches that reflect little understanding of principles.
2) Can the student give adequate, precise, and complete answers to questions?
3) Does the student recognize the data’s limitations?
4) Does the student understand the project’s ties to related research?
5) Is the student aware of other approaches or theories?
6) Does the student have an idea of what further research is warranted?