Contests

AiS and Science Fair Orals Eval Form

General comments concerning judging.

These are overall evaluations; components follow.

  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 your project is in its field, how thorough you were, and

     how much of the experiment  thought and design is your own work.

  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.

  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?”

PROJECT DATA BOOK (Research Notes)

  Accurate and detailed notes make a logical and winning project.

  Good notes show consistency and thoroughness to the judges and will help you

    when writing your research paper.

  Each entry should be dated and describe thoroughly what was observed, etc.

Score

Please score students by placing a check in the appropriate column.

1 is lowest, 5 is highest.

Comments

ABSTRACT

  After finishing the research and experimentation, you need to write a (maximum)

   250-word, one-page abstract.   

   An abstract should include.

Title

Name

School

A. Purpose of the experimentation

B. Procedures Used

C. Data

D. Conclusions

  The abstract may include any possible research applications. The abstract should

     not include acknowledgements, or work or procedures done by the mentor.

Score

Please score students by placing a check in the appropriate column.

1 is lowest, 5 is highest.

Comments

RESEARCH PAPER

  A research paper should be prepared and available along with the project data

    book and any necessary forms or relevant written materials.

   A research paper helps organize data as well as thoughts.

  A good paper includes the following Sections.

A.  Title Page and Table of Contents.

      The title page and table of contents allows a reader to follow the organization of

      the paper quickly.

B.  Introduction

      The introduction sets the scene for your report. The introduction includes your

      hypothesis, problem or engineering goals, and explanation of what prompted

      your research, and what you hoped to achieve.

C.  Materials and Methods

      Describe in detail the methodology you used to collect data, make observations,

     design apparatus, etc. Your  report should be detailed enough so that someone

     would be able to repeat the experiment from the information  in your paper.

    Include detailed photographs or drawings of self-designed equipment.

D.  Discussion

      This is the essence of the paper; the results and conclusions should flow smoothly

      and logically from your data. Be thorough. Allow your readers to see your train of

     thought, letting them know exactly what you did.  Compare your results with

     theoretical values, published data, commonly held beliefs and/or expected results.      

     Include a discussion of possible errors.  How did the data vary between repeated

     observations of similar  events? How were your results affected by uncontrolled events?

    What would you do differently if you repeated  this project? What other experiments should be

     conducted?

E.  Conclusion

      Briefly summarize your results. Be specific, do not generalize. Never introduce

      anything in the conclusion that has not already been discussed.

F. Acknowledgements

      Always credit those who assisted you, including individuals, businesses, and

     educational or research   institutions.

G.  References/Bibliography

      The reference list should include any documentation that is not your own (i.e.,

       books, journal  articles).See an  appropriate reference in your discipline for

      format.

Score

Please score students by placing a check in the appropriate column.

1 is lowest, 5 is highest.

Comments

VISUAL DISPLAY

  You want to attract and inform.

  Make it easy for interested spectators and judges to assess your study and the

    results you have obtained.

  Make the most of your space using clear and concise displays.

  Helpful hints for display:

a.  Current Year.

      Make sure the display reflects the current year’s work only.

b.  Good Title.

      Your title is an extremely important attention-grabber.

      A good title should simply and accurately present your research.

      he title should make the casual observer want to know more.

c.  Take Photographs.

      Many projects involve elements that may not be safely exhibited at the fair, but are

      an important part of the  project.

      You might want to take photographs of important parts/phases of your experiment

      to use in your display. Photographs or other visual images of human test subjects

      must have informed consent.

d.  Be Organized.

      Make sure your display is logically presented and easy to read.

      A glance should permit anyone (particularly the judges) to locate quickly the title,

      experiments, results, and conclusions.

      When you arrange your display, imagine that you are seeing it for the first time.

e.  Eye-Catching

      Make your display stand out.

      Use neat, colorful headings, charts, and graphs to present your project.

      Pay special attention to the labeling of graphs, charts, diagrams, and tables to

      ensure that each has a title and  appropriate labeled describing what is being

      demonstrated.

      Anyone should be able to understand the visuals without further explanation.

f.  Correctly Presented and Well-Constructed

      Be sure to adhere to the size limitations and safety rules when preparing your

      display.

      Display all required forms for your project.

      Make sure your display is sturdy, as it will need to remain intact for quite a while.

Score

Please score students by placing a check in the appropriate column.

1 is lowest, 5 is highest.

Comments

INTEL ISEF Judging Criteria (Points)

Please award students points in the following categories.

Note (from Jim Mims):

The following categories and weights were provided by the sponsors. Although not stated explicitly in any of the guidance, the assignment of points should be considered an overall score sheet.