From the GSDSEF Website:

Elements of a Science Fair Project Information for Teachers & Parents

At the request of many of our judges, we have prepared a few guidelines to aid you in your work. We would appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Notebook

Every project should have a notebook, a detailed written record of the scientific study. The contents should be specific and concise and should display the student's use of the scientific method. Among its contents should be an Abstract, Hypothesis (or, in the case of engineering and computer projects, Statement of Goals), Procedures (showing sufficient repetition of tests/experiments), Results, Conclusions, Recommendations, Bibliography and Appendix (tables, figures, raw data). Additional sections may include an Introduction, Background Information, Nomenclature, Statement of Theory, Statistical Analysis and other topics specific to the individual project. Although you will not be able to thoroughly examine every notebook, you will find it helpful to check the contents at least briefly.

Display/Backboard

The display is essentially a compromise of content versus time. Ideally, it should stand on its own, describing the major elements of the project and should be easily read from 5 feet away. If logically and neatly organized, it should require no more than sixty seconds reading time. While appropriate graphs, photographs, illustrations and equipment displays are encouraged, gimmicks (e.g., flashing lights) are not. If, after reviewing the display, you feel confused rather than hungry for more, it has not served its primary purpose -- but keep in mind that it is only a small part of the overall project.

Interview with the Exhibitor (if selected to go to the county science fair)

A genuine interest in the student's work, coupled with the determination to make judging a positive learning experience, is a good formula to use here. The interview a) allows students to present their work in their own way, b) permits the judges to, by asking specific questions, review the work done and determine the student's understanding of the field and c) encourages verbal communication between exhibitors and judges.

Ideally, exhibitors will be well organized, familiar with their field of study, relatively composed, courteous and eager to learn. Please remember, however, that for many young exhibitors this is their first experience in a pressure situation. The importance of a positive approach cannot be over-emphasized. Your own maturity will prove a valuable tool in drawing out theirs.

Standards for Judging Science Projects
Established by the International Science and Engineering Fair

The Overall Project

A display may be dazzling, the notebook neat and well written and the interview eloquent but, if the basic project idea (the question to be answered or the problem to be solved) and method of answering or solving it won't fly, the student has not become a better scientist or engineer by doing the project. A review of the Judging Criteria on the score sheet available at the fair should prove useful in evaluating the overall project.

1. CREATIVENESS
Originality of the problem, uniqueness of approach and the handling and interpretation of data should be commensurate with the grade level of the students. Ingenious use of equipment and materials is considered without regard to the cost of the items involved.

2. SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT / ENGINEERING GOALS
Scientific Thought:

The project shows evidence of depth of study and effort in employing scientific procedures in the solution of a clearly defined problem including study of background, organized procedures, appropriate sampling, orderly recording and analysis of data and the formulation of logical conclusions.

OR
Engineering Goals:

The project has a clear objective relevant to the needs of the potential user. The product or process has been tested and is workable and feasible economically and ecologically.

3. THOROUGHNESS
The study is complete within the scope of the problem. Scientific literature has been searched, experiments have been repeated and careful records have been kept.

4. SKILL
Credit is given for special skills needed for the construction or use of equipment and for mathematical, computational, observational and design skills.

5. CLARITY
The purpose, procedures and conclusions are clearly explained orally and through the display. The project notebook is well organized, neat and accurate. Sources of ideas, data and assistance are clearly identified.

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