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JUDGING AT THE CSF
 Each awards category is judged by its own judging panel. Because
of this, the number of judges examining each project can vary greatly.
If the project is seen by only the regular fair awards judges (and
this would be an exceptional case) eight judges would view the work.
Usually, however, the project is of interest to several groups.For example, a project addressing the use of garbage as a
source of energy and making heavy use of mathematical
techniques and computers could be judged by the Audubon,
mathematics, and computer science judging panels
in addition to the fair's regular physical awards category
and the special awards.
Judging is conducted in two steps. Preliminary judging takes place
on Wednesday and is based on the materials presented in the display
including notebooks and reports. Exhibitors selected as finalists
will be notified Wednesday evening and asked to be present for the
finalist judging held Thursday afternoon. During final judging,
the exhibitors will have the opportunity to discuss their work with
the judges.
The Judging Process
Regular Awards
Judging the number and quality of projects represented at the
Connecticut Science Fair is a challenging and demanding task, and
every effort is made to ensure that each project receives due consideration.
Judges are drawn from a wide range of technical disciplines representing
the highest professional levels of schools and colleges, industry,
technical societies and scientific government agencies. Recent science
fair alumni who are pursuing their college studies are enlisted
as judges to take advantage of their unique perspective.
Special Awards
Because of the specific subject emphasis of the special awards,
the judging criteria for the special awards are defined by the sponsoring
organization. Judging for special awards
is carried out separately, and involves judges familiar with, or
drawn from, the sponsoring organization. The subject emphasis, different
criteria, and separate judging all result in the presentation of
special awards to a wide range of projects from across the fair.
A ribbon marked "special award" placed on the project
indicates that it will receive a special award at the Awards Ceremonies
on Saturday afternoon.
JUDGING CRITERIA
> Judging Breakdown
> Sample Score Sheet
All projects are judged using the following standard criteria:
- Scientific Thought/Engineering Goals
Individual 30 percent Team 25 percent
The exhibit should show evidence of application of scientific
thought or engineering development. It may present a verification
of laws, explain a cause and effect or present by models, charts,
diagrams or other methods; a better understanding of scientific
facts or engineering principles. Consideration will be given to
the amount of preparation and effort which is represented in the
project.
- Creative Ability
Individual 30 percent Team 25 percent
The exhibit should show originality of approach or handling.
Ingenuity in use of available materials is desirable.
- Thoroughness
Individual 15 percent Team 12 percent
The exhibit should display completeness of the project within
the scope of the problems, including literature background, awareness
of theoretical basis, nature of observations and handling of data.
- Skill
Individual 15 percent Team 12 percent
The exhibit should show the scientific or engineering skills
exercised by the student in performing the project. Displays of
collections should show skill in handling, preparation, mounting
or other treatment.
- Clarity
Individual 10 percent Team 10 percent
The exhibit should be presented in a way that is clearly understandable
to the viewer. Labels and descriptions should be presented neatly,
yet briefly. Problem, approach, data obtained, and conclusions
drawn including finalist’s
presentation should be presented clearly.
- Teamwork
Individual- not applicable Team 16 percent
How well the team organized its work and balanced the work
among team members.
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