Training Powerpoint for Judges

1. SCIENCE FAIR JUDGESCIENCE FAIR JUDGE
TRAININGTRAINING
The followingThe following
slides will helpslides will help
you becomeyou become
more familiarmore familiar
with the San Luiswith the San Luis
Valley RegionalValley Regional
Science Fair.Science Fair.

2. San Luis Valley Regional Science FairSan Luis Valley Regional Science Fair
 March 10 and 11, 2016March 10 and 11, 2016
 Plachy Hall, Adams State CollegePlachy Hall, Adams State College
 Elementary, Junior, and Senior Divisions. 24Elementary, Junior, and Senior Divisions. 24
winners from the Junior and Senior Divisionswinners from the Junior and Senior Divisions
are eligible to participate in the Colorado Stateare eligible to participate in the Colorado State
Science and Engineering Fair, held in FortScience and Engineering Fair, held in Fort
Collins, CO April 7-9, 2016Collins, CO April 7-9, 2016

3. Project CategoriesProject Categories
Elementary CategoriesElementary Categories
1.1. Behavior and Social SciencesBehavior and Social Sciences
2.2. BiomedicalBiomedical
3.3. BotanyBotany
4.4. ChemistryChemistry
5.5. Consumer ScienceConsumer Science
6.6. Earth and Space SciencesEarth and Space Sciences
7.7. EngineeringEngineering
8.8. Environmental SciencesEnvironmental Sciences
9.9. Mathematics and Computer ScienceMathematics and Computer Science
10.10. PhysicsPhysics
11.11. ZoologyZoology

4. Junior & Senior Division CategoriesJunior & Senior Division Categories
1.1. Behavior and Social SciencesBehavior and Social Sciences
2.2. BiomedicalBiomedical
3.3. BotanyBotany
4.4. ChemistryChemistry
5.5. Consumer Sciences, Junior Division onlyConsumer Sciences, Junior Division only
6.6. Earth and Space SciencesEarth and Space Sciences
7.7. EngineeringEngineering
8.8. Environmental SciencesEnvironmental Sciences
9.9. Mathematics and Computer ScienceMathematics and Computer Science
10.10. PhysicsPhysics
11.11. ZoologyZoology

5. Be prepared to wear many hats…Be prepared to wear many hats…
1.1. ProfessionalProfessional
AuthorityAuthority
2.2. Role ModelRole Model
3.3. FacilitatorFacilitator
4.4. Counselor &Counselor &
MotivatorMotivator
5.5. EvaluatorEvaluator

6. Two Stage Judging ProcessTwo Stage Judging Process
 Afternoon of Day 1 – Review the projectsAfternoon of Day 1 – Review the projects
in the absence of the students.in the absence of the students.
 Morning of Day 2 – Oral interview withMorning of Day 2 – Oral interview with
students present.students present.

7. Top 10 Things a JudgeTop 10 Things a Judge ShouldShould DoDo
1.1. Work to put the students at ease – be genuine & smile.Work to put the students at ease – be genuine & smile.
Recognize that some students may be shy or speak English asRecognize that some students may be shy or speak English as
a second language.a second language.
2.2. Encourage conversation.Encourage conversation.
3.3. Listen actively.Listen actively.
4.4. Ask the students about their project, not just what they did.Ask the students about their project, not just what they did.
5.5. Ask the students enough questions to satisfy yourself thatAsk the students enough questions to satisfy yourself that
they understood the project – when you have reached thethey understood the project – when you have reached the
student’s knowledge limit,student’s knowledge limit, STOPSTOP asking questions.asking questions.
6.6. Let the students show their stuff – let them teach youLet the students show their stuff – let them teach you
something.something.
7.7. Give positive reinforcement to encourage participation.Give positive reinforcement to encourage participation.
8.8. Remember when you were 12 years old (or 9, or 17).Remember when you were 12 years old (or 9, or 17).
9.9. End the interview on a positive note.End the interview on a positive note.
10.10. Record constructive criticism on comment sheet.Record constructive criticism on comment sheet.

8. Top 10 Things a JudgeTop 10 Things a Judge Should NOTShould NOT Do!Do!
1.1. Display boredom.Display boredom.
2.2. Tally judging sheets in front of the students.Tally judging sheets in front of the students.
3.3. Make assumptions.Make assumptions.
4.4. Belittle the student or their project.Belittle the student or their project.
5.5. Spend your interview time talking about yourself or askSpend your interview time talking about yourself or ask
personal questions about the student.personal questions about the student.
6.6. Criticize (negatively) or treat lightly.Criticize (negatively) or treat lightly.
7.7. Compare to projects seen in other competitions or scholasticCompare to projects seen in other competitions or scholastic
events.events.
8.8. Refer to other projects you have seen.Refer to other projects you have seen.
9.9. Discuss winners or critical comments about particularDiscuss winners or critical comments about particular
projects in places where students or parents or teachers mightprojects in places where students or parents or teachers might
overhear.overhear.
10.10. Write negative comments on the comment sheet.Write negative comments on the comment sheet.

9. What do theWhat do the Science Fair ProjectsScience Fair Projects
look like?look like?

10. As a judge, what should I expectAs a judge, what should I expect
from the students?from the students?
 Pride in their projects and accomplishmentsPride in their projects and accomplishments
 Preparation for the fair and the ability toPreparation for the fair and the ability to
clearly and concisely explain their projectsclearly and concisely explain their projects
 Ability to answer questions about theirAbility to answer questions about their
projects at levels appropriate to their gradesprojects at levels appropriate to their grades
and agesand ages
 Wide variety of project quality andWide variety of project quality and
sophistication.sophistication.

11. Judging Tips – Both DaysJudging Tips – Both Days
 Look for evidence of laboratory, field, theoretical work orLook for evidence of laboratory, field, theoretical work or
analytical work, not just library research or gadgeteering.analytical work, not just library research or gadgeteering.
 Be sure to take into consideration the amount of time spentBe sure to take into consideration the amount of time spent
working on the project and the amount of data collected (if itworking on the project and the amount of data collected (if it
is pertinent to the student’s research).is pertinent to the student’s research).
 Determine if there are adequate data to support theDetermine if there are adequate data to support the
conclusions? Are the conclusions based on a singleconclusions? Are the conclusions based on a single
experiment or replication of experiments?experiment or replication of experiments?
 Was the student able to quantify her/his data?Was the student able to quantify her/his data?
 Does the experiment reflect the student’s knowledge andDoes the experiment reflect the student’s knowledge and
abilities? We understand and expect that the students will beabilities? We understand and expect that the students will be
receiving help with their experiments, however, we want thereceiving help with their experiments, however, we want the
final product to be their own work.final product to be their own work.
 Proving the hypothesis true is NOT the purpose of a scienceProving the hypothesis true is NOT the purpose of a science
fair project. A well supported answer to a problem is.fair project. A well supported answer to a problem is.

12. Judging Team ProjectsJudging Team Projects
 Team Projects will be located in theTeam Projects will be located in the
appropriate disciplinary category (i.e., aappropriate disciplinary category (i.e., a
plant project done by a team will be withplant project done by a team will be with
the other Botany projects).the other Botany projects).

13. How to Pre-Judge a Project on theHow to Pre-Judge a Project on the
First DayFirst Day
 Remember that the physical display isRemember that the physical display is SECONDARYSECONDARY to theto the
student’s knowledge of the project.student’s knowledge of the project.
 Take a quick look at all of your assigned projects to get a feelTake a quick look at all of your assigned projects to get a feel
for what they are about, what they look like and how theyfor what they are about, what they look like and how they
compare to each other.compare to each other.
 Read through the project display board. Were you able toRead through the project display board. Were you able to
understand quickly what the experiment was and what theunderstand quickly what the experiment was and what the
results were?results were?
 Read through the workbook, journal or lab notebook. TheRead through the workbook, journal or lab notebook. The
student should have one.student should have one.
 Write down your questions and compliments on the scoringWrite down your questions and compliments on the scoring
sheet for use in the oral interview on the second day.sheet for use in the oral interview on the second day.
 Record constructive criticism on the comment sheet andRecord constructive criticism on the comment sheet and
initial the sheet.initial the sheet.

14. Judging Tips – Oral InterviewJudging Tips – Oral Interview
 Arrive early and plan to stay through the entire judgingArrive early and plan to stay through the entire judging
interview period.interview period.
 Pace yourself. Your interviews should last no longer thanPace yourself. Your interviews should last no longer than
10-12 minutes with each of the students.10-12 minutes with each of the students.
 For team projects, ask questions to determine whetherFor team projects, ask questions to determine whether eacheach
member of the team understands the project.member of the team understands the project.
 Revise your scores as many times as you need.Revise your scores as many times as you need.
 If you are stuck on a project see your Category TeamIf you are stuck on a project see your Category Team
Leader or Science Fair representative.Leader or Science Fair representative. Don’t hesitate to askDon’t hesitate to ask
questionsquestions..
 Be consistent with your scoring. Don’t worry about how theBe consistent with your scoring. Don’t worry about how the
other judges are scoring projects.other judges are scoring projects.
 Please don’t give all of your projects the same score.Please don’t give all of your projects the same score.
 Judge the “best” and encourage the rest.Judge the “best” and encourage the rest.

15. Judging InterviewJudging Interview
Personalize YourPersonalize Your
LanguageLanguage
I liked…I liked…
I enjoyed…I enjoyed…
I noticed…I noticed…
I feel that…I feel that…
I recommend…I recommend…
A technique I haveA technique I have
used…used…
I understand that…I understand that…
Possible Judging QuestionsPossible Judging Questions
 What is the most important thing IWhat is the most important thing I
should know about your project?should know about your project?
 How did you get your idea?How did you get your idea?
 What was your question?What was your question?
 What were your results?What were your results?
 What was your control?What was your control?
 Did you run into any problems?Did you run into any problems?
 What skills did you develop?What skills did you develop?
 What are your unansweredWhat are your unanswered
questions?questions?
 If you continue your project, howIf you continue your project, how
would you proceed?would you proceed?
 Did you have fun? What did youDid you have fun? What did you
learn?learn?

16. IntroductionIntroduction 00 11 22 33 44 55
a. Problem clearly stateda. Problem clearly stated
b. Hypothesis clearly stated &b. Hypothesis clearly stated &
reflected background inforeflected background info
c. Appropriate backgroundc. Appropriate background
utilizedutilized
MethodsMethods
d. Design illustrates and. Design illustrates an
understanding of scientific methodunderstanding of scientific method
e. Observations/data clearlye. Observations/data clearly
summarizedsummarized
f. Data and conclusions recordedf. Data and conclusions recorded
Paper and DisplayPaper and Display
g. All data is understandable andg. All data is understandable and
clearly presentedclearly presented
h. Writing is appropriate toh. Writing is appropriate to
student’s level.student’s level.
Judging Form - GeneralJudging Form - General Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

17. InterviewInterview 00 11 22 33 44 55
i. Understands facts, theories, &i. Understands facts, theories, &
proceduresprocedures
j. Demonstrates enthusiasm for &j. Demonstrates enthusiasm for &
commitment to projectcommitment to project
k. Understands & interprets datak. Understands & interprets data
correctly & logicallycorrectly & logically
Creative AbilityCreative Ability
l. Approached the project withl. Approached the project with
originalityoriginality
ResultsResults
m. Tables, graphs, illustrationsm. Tables, graphs, illustrations
used effectively & correctlyused effectively & correctly
n. Student answered questionsn. Student answered questions
effectively & accuratelyeffectively & accurately
o. Conclusions were justifiedo. Conclusions were justified
p. Did project suggest anyp. Did project suggest any
extensions to the student?extensions to the student?
Judging Form (cont)Judging Form (cont) Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

18. For Teams OnlyFor Teams Only 00 11 22 33 44 55
q. Tasks & contributions of eachq. Tasks & contributions of each
team member are clearly outlinedteam member are clearly outlined
r. Each team member was fullyr. Each team member was fully
involved with & familiar with allinvolved with & familiar with all
aspects of the project.aspects of the project.
s. The final work reflect thes. The final work reflect the
coordinated efforts of all teamcoordinated efforts of all team
membersmembers
Judging Form (cont)Judging Form (cont) Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

19. Engineering GoalsEngineering Goals 00 11 22 33 44 55
a. Does project have clear objectivea. Does project have clear objective
b. Is the objective relevant to theb. Is the objective relevant to the
potential user’s needs?potential user’s needs?
c. Is the solution workable, acceptable toc. Is the solution workable, acceptable to
the potential user, economically feasible?the potential user, economically feasible?
d. Could the solution be utilizedd. Could the solution be utilized
successfully in design/construction ofsuccessfully in design/construction of
some end product?some end product?
e. Is the solution a significante. Is the solution a significant
improvement over prior alternatives?improvement over prior alternatives?
f. Has solution been tested forf. Has solution been tested for
performance under conditions of use?performance under conditions of use?
Paper and DisplayPaper and Display
g. All data is understandable and clearlyg. All data is understandable and clearly
presentedpresented
h. Writing is appropriate to student’sh. Writing is appropriate to student’s
level.level.
Judging Form – EngineeringJudging Form – Engineering Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

20. InterviewInterview 00 11 22 33 44 55
i. Understands facts, theories, &i. Understands facts, theories, &
proceduresprocedures
j. Demonstrates enthusiasm for &j. Demonstrates enthusiasm for &
commitment to projectcommitment to project
k. Understands & interprets datak. Understands & interprets data
correctly & logicallycorrectly & logically
Creative AbilityCreative Ability
l. Approached the project withl. Approached the project with
originalityoriginality
ResultsResults
m. Tables, graphs, illustrationsm. Tables, graphs, illustrations
used effectively & correctlyused effectively & correctly
n. Student answered questionsn. Student answered questions
effectively & accuratelyeffectively & accurately
o. Conclusions were justifiedo. Conclusions were justified
p. Did project suggest anyp. Did project suggest any
extensions to the student?extensions to the student?
Judging Form (cont) - EngJudging Form (cont) - Eng Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

21. For Teams OnlyFor Teams Only 00 11 22 33 44 55
q. Tasks & contributions of eachq. Tasks & contributions of each
team member are clearly outlinedteam member are clearly outlined
r. Each team member was fullyr. Each team member was fully
involved with & familiar with allinvolved with & familiar with all
aspects of the project.aspects of the project.
s. The final work reflect thes. The final work reflect the
coordinated efforts of all teamcoordinated efforts of all team
membersmembers
Judging Form (cont) - EngJudging Form (cont) - Eng Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

22. Mathematical ThoughtMathematical Thought 00 11 22 33 44 55
1. Seeks to solve a problem or answer a1. Seeks to solve a problem or answer a
question?question?
2. Query, problem or mathematical2. Query, problem or mathematical
pursuit clearly stated?pursuit clearly stated?
3. Logically outlines/organized and3. Logically outlines/organized and
complete?complete?
4. Note and acknowledge limitation of4. Note and acknowledge limitation of
the study?the study?
5. Reached a conclusion?5. Reached a conclusion?
ProcedureProcedure
1. Systematically conducted?1. Systematically conducted?
2. Clearly demonstrates & explains2. Clearly demonstrates & explains
mathematical principles?mathematical principles?
3. Limited so that it can be effectively3. Limited so that it can be effectively
completed?completed?
Judging Form - MathematicsJudging Form - Mathematics Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

23. DisplayDisplay 00 11 22 33 44 55
1. States the query problem or mathematical1. States the query problem or mathematical
pursuit clearly?pursuit clearly?
2. States the objective of the project clearly?2. States the objective of the project clearly?
3. Procedure clearly organized to explain the3. Procedure clearly organized to explain the
work, is concise & complete?work, is concise & complete?
4. Summarizes the conclusions reached?4. Summarizes the conclusions reached?
PaperPaper
1. Does the paper communicate the findings?1. Does the paper communicate the findings?
2. Was the presentation of the math logical,2. Was the presentation of the math logical,
clear, & correct?clear, & correct?
3. Are all necessary materials in the notebook3. Are all necessary materials in the notebook
& paper?& paper?
4. At least 3 bibliographies cited correctly?4. At least 3 bibliographies cited correctly?
5. More detailed than the information on the5. More detailed than the information on the
display?display?
6. Acknowledge help with project?6. Acknowledge help with project?
Judging Form (cont) MathJudging Form (cont) Math Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

24. InterviewInterview 00 11 22 33 44 55
1. Speaks clearly, slowly, concisely,1. Speaks clearly, slowly, concisely,
enough for comprehension?enough for comprehension?
2. Understands facts, theories,2. Understands facts, theories,
procedures?procedures?
3. Recognizes alternate interpretations?3. Recognizes alternate interpretations?
4. Demonstrates enthusiasm for and4. Demonstrates enthusiasm for and
commitment to the project?commitment to the project?
Judging Form (cont)Judging Form (cont) Score (low to high)Score (low to high)

25. After the Interview –After the Interview –
Determination of Grand AwardsDetermination of Grand Awards
 Grand Awards are 1Grand Awards are 1stst
, 2, 2ndnd
, 3, 3rdrd
, and two, and two
honorable mentions in each category.honorable mentions in each category.
 Judging teams convene with the categoryJudging teams convene with the category
Team Leader to make decisions regardingTeam Leader to make decisions regarding
project placement for Grand Awards.project placement for Grand Awards.
 Score sheets should be returned to theScore sheets should be returned to the
Team Leader for disposal.Team Leader for disposal.

26. Thank you for your commitment to the future of ourThank you for your commitment to the future of our
youth and science education!youth and science education!
This Power Point was adapted from a Power Point developed by the Natrona County and Regional
Science Fair Board.