Category Judging Criteria for Behavioral Sciences, Biology,
Chemistry & Physics

Scientific Methodology   (25 pts)

• The problem or hypothesis was clearly stated
• Dependent and independent variables were correctly identified and an appropriate experimental design was used to study the problem
• The student/team was careful and skillful in carrying out the project (including the accurate recording of data)
• The sample size was adequate and included appropriate controls
• The conclusions were supported by data and addressed the stated hypothesis

Presentation - Oral and Written   (25 pts)

• The description of the project was clear, adequately detailed and well documented
• The student/team showed good understanding of the problem and its significance, the methodology used and possible applications of the conclusions
• The student/team understood the limitations of the project and the data/results
• The student/team had ideas on what to do next and/or what to do differently next time
• The student/team was able to answer questions about the project in a thoughtful way

Originality/Creativity; Independence; Effort/Thoroughness; Learning Experience   (25 pts)          

• The student/team showed creativity in choosing the problem and/or the methodology used
• The student/team worked independently; team members all contributed to a team project
• The background research was satisfactory and appropriate references were cited
• An appropriate amount of time and effort was put into the project
• This was a valuable learning experience for the student/team
  
  

Category Judging Criteria for Computer Science

Scientific Methodology  (25 pts)

• The project had a clear objective
• The project was an improvement over current computer science inquiry
• The student/team was careful and skillful in carrying out the project
• The project provided the execution of the algorithm to demonstrate the utilization of the mathematical analysis
• For projects in theoretical computer science – The project involved creating/writing a new mathematical algorithm to solve a problem in programming
• For projects in applied computer science - The student/team created a simulation or a model, using computer science to explain, demonstrate, or make understandable existing scientific understanding

Presentation - Oral and Written   (25 pts)

• The description of the project was clear, adequately detailed and well documented
• The student/team showed good understanding of the problem and its significance, the methodology used and possible applications of the conclusions
• The student/team understood the limitations of the project and the data/results
• The student/team had ideas on what to do next and/or what to do differently next time
• The student/team was able to answer questions about the project in a thoughtful way

Originality/Creativity; Independence; Effort/Thoroughness; Learning Experience   (25 pts)          

• The student/team showed creativity in choosing the problem and/or the methodology used
• The student/team worked independently; team members all contributed to a team project
• The background research was satisfactory and appropriate references were cited
• An appropriate amount of time and effort was put into the project
• This was a valuable learning experience for the student/team

Category Judging Criteria for Engineering

Scientific Methodology   (25 pts)

• The project had a clear objective
• The solution was derived from sound scientific and engineering principles
• The solution was workable (i.e. safe, practical, economically feasible)
• The solution was an improvement over previous alternatives
• The solution was tested for performance under the conditions of use
  

Presentation - Oral and Written   (25 pts)

• The description of the project was clear, adequately detailed and well documented
• The student/team showed good understanding of the problem and its significance, the methodology used and possible applications of the conclusions
• The student/team understood the limitations of the project and the data/results
• The student/team had ideas on what to do next and/or what to do differently next time
• The student/team was able to answer questions about the project in a thoughtful way

Originality/Creativity; Independence; Effort/Thoroughness; Learning Experience   (25 pts)          

• The student/team showed creativity in choosing the problem and/or the methodology used
• The student/team worked independently; team members all contributed to a team project
• The background research was satisfactory and appropriate references were cited
• An appropriate amount of time and effort was put into the project
• This was a valuable learning experience for the student/team

Category Judging Criteria for Mathematics

• Scientific Methodology   (25 pts)
• The project had a clear objective
• The objective was original
• The mathematical approach (proofs, graphs, formulas, etc.) was clearly explained
• The project was carried out correctly
• For projects in theoretical mathematics - The student/team understood the project’s potential applications
• For projects in applied mathematics - The student/team understood the underlying mathematical theory

Presentation - Oral and Written   (25 pts)

• The description of the project was clear, adequately detailed and well documented
• The student/team showed good understanding of the problem and its significance, the methodology used and possible applications of the conclusions
• The student/team understood the limitations of the project and the data/results
• The student/team had ideas on what to do next and/or what to do differently next time
• The student/team was able to answer questions about the project in a thoughtful way

Originality/Creativity; Independence; Effort/Thoroughness; Learning Experience   (25 pts)          

• The student/team showed creativity in choosing the problem and/or the methodology used
• The student/team worked independently; team members all contributed to a team project
• The background research was satisfactory and appropriate references were cited
• An appropriate amount of time and effort was put into the project
• This was a valuable learning experience for the student/team