Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria – Scientific Investigation

Thought and Understanding (30)

• Exhibit demonstrates clear scientific thought.
• Questions/cause & effect are identified. Prediction stated.
• Experiments are devised & include methods, accuracy, variables, results, and data.
• Appreciation of need for accuracy in observation and measurement.
• Records show analysis and are presented accurately.
• Conclusions drawn and suitable discussion recorded.

Originality (30)

• In the selection of a topic or statement.
• Uniqueness of approach.
• Resourcefulness in obtaining, handling and interpreting data.
• Ingenious use of equipment and materials.
• Creative displays or use of illustrative materials.
• Inventive apparatus.
• Insightful conclusions.
• Inspired applications of the principle, process or product.

Thoroughness (20)

• All reasonable aspects have been investigated.
• Previous work in this area has been investigated.
• Records are suitably detailed in the log book.
• Evidence of analysis in depth and sufficient detail.
• Any assistance has been documented.

Technical Skills (20)

• Well designed and constructed.
• Reliability of operation.
• Use of instruments/tools.
• Papatuanuku (living plants and animals) are well catered for.
• The whole is well planned and neatly finished.

Judging Criteria – Research

Thought & Understanding (30 Points)

• The exhibit demonstrates clear scientific thought, the application of appropriate scientific, research or testing method/s, an appreciation of the need for accuracy in observation, measurement, data collection and reporting; and an understanding of the underlying or related scientific principles embraced within the project. Questions, cause and effect are identified. Predictions are stated.  Records show analysis and are presented accurately.  Conclusions are drawn and a suitable discussion is recorded.
• This criterion is about how well the student understands science and technology relevant to their project.

Technical & Graphic Skill (20 Points)

• The project has been designed and assembled with skill and dexterity, equipment, models and the frame of the project have been well constructed; graphic materials have been carefully prepared and presented, instruments and tools have been used appropriately, living plants and animals have been well cared for, working parts are reliable; and the whole is well planned and neatly finished.
• This criterion is about how well you have executed the work for the project.

X Factor (Originality) (25 Points) 

• In the selection of a topic or statement of the problem, uniqueness of approach, resourcefulness in obtaining, handling  and interpreting data, ingenious use of equipment and materials; illustrative materials and the display is  creative,  inventive apparatus, insightful conclusions or inspired applications of the principles, process or product.
• This criterion is about the project being special and interesting; being different.

Thoroughness & Effort (15 Points) 

• The work which has gone into the project is reflected in the scope of the topic, the scale of the investigation, the detail obtained, the extent of the results, the repetition of the experiments, the construction of the project and its illustrative items, written material and other displays.  All reasonable aspects are investigated; previous work in the area is investigated. Records are suitably detailed, evidence of analysis in depth is provided in sufficient detail.  Any assistance obtained is been documented.
• This criterion is about how careful the student has been and how much work you has been put into the project.

Presentation (10 Points) 

• The exhibit is well designed and developed to be attractive, visually interesting, informative on all aspects of the investigation, well-illus­trated with photographs, models, specimens or samples; and with wide public appeal.
• This criterion is about aesthetics; it is about how the project looks.

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