Judging Criteria | ACTC

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Judging Criteria

**Bullets do not have pre-determined numerical values**

1) ORIGINALITY and CREATIVITY

  • Does creative research support an investigation and answer a question in an original way?
  • Does the creative contribution promote an efficient and reliable method for solving a problem?
  • Does the project demonstrate genuine ingenuity?
  • Does the project show creative ability and originality in the question asked?
  • Was the project completed under adult supervision or did the student work largely alone?
  • Did the student perform all project work or did someone help?

2) SCIENTIFIC METHOD

  • Does the project follow the scientific method?
  • Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously?
  • Are the variables clearly recognized and defined?
  • If controls were necessary, did the student recognize their need and were they correctly used?
  • Are there adequate data to support the conclusions?
  • Does the student recognize the data’s limitations?
  • Does the student understand the project’s ties to related research/ life applications?
  • Does the student have an idea what further research is warranted?
  • Did the student cite scientific literature or only popular literature?

-OR- TECHNICAL DESIGN

  • Is there a clear objective?
  • Is the solution workable and economically feasible?
  • Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of an end project?
  • Is the solution a significant improvement over other alternatives?
  • Has the solution been tested for performance under conditions of us?

3) THOROUGHNESS

  • How completely was the project covered?
  • Are the conclusions based on more than one experiment or replication?
  • Do project notes, record books, and displays include a title, statement of purpose, and design of the experiment?
  • Is the student aware of other approaches or theories?
  • How much time did the student spend on the project?

4) SKILL and CLARITY

  • How clearly does the student discuss the project and explain purpose, procedure, and conclusion?
  • How clearly are the data presented?
  • How clearly are the results presented?
  • How well does the display explain the project?

5) APPROVAL FORMS and RECORD (DATA) NOTEBOOK

  • Did the project follow all guidelines and protocols ser forth by the SRC and/or IRB?
  • Is the student’s record book available for judges to examine?
    (Note: Absence of record book, or approval forms WILL affect judging outcomes)