Criteria For Judging The National Science Fair-International

(The material below and on pages 138 and 139 is reprinted through the courtesy of SCIENCE CLUBS OF AMERICA from the Sponsor Handbook.)

As nearly as possible, judges should adhere to point score value. They may give greater values to any criteria and subtract from others. For example, a 12-inch telescope, perfectly made, might get a low score if (as is likely) construction followed printed plans, because it might be given zero on the major values of Creative Ability and Scientific Thought. In such cases the judges may and should score to the scale of total points for each criterion, but substitute criteria involving motivation and long range extracurricular effort.

Judge only what is exhibited, not what might have been added or improved. Judges are to interview finalists.

I Creative Ability Total 30 Points

How much of the work appears to show originality of approach or handling? Judge that which appears to you to be original regardless of the expense of purchased or borrowed equipment. Give weight to ingenious uses of materials, if present. Consider purposeful collections creative.

II Scientific Thought Total 30 Points
Does the exhibit disclose organized procedures? Is there a planned system, classification, accurate observation, controlled experiment? Does exhibit show a verification of laws, or a cause and effect, or present by models or other methods a better understanding of scientific facts or theories? Give weight to probable amount of real study and effort which is represented in the exhibit. Guard against discounting for what might have been added, included, or improved.

III Thoroughness Total 10 Points

Score here for how completely the story is told. It is not essential that step by step elucidation of construction details be given in working models.

IV Skill Total 10 Points

Is the workmanship good? Under normal working conditions, is the exhibit likely to demand frequent repairs? In collections, how skilled is handling, preparation, etc.?

V Clarity Total 10 Points

In your opinion, will the average person understand what is being displayed? Are guide marks, labels, descriptions spelled correctly, neatly yet briefly presented? Is there sensible progression of the attention of spectator across or through exhibit?

VI Dramatic Value Total 10 Points

Is this exhibit more attractive than others in the same field? Do not be influenced by "cute" things, lights, buttons, switches, cranks, etc., without purposes.

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