Tri-County Regional Science and Technology Expo

1. Tri-County Regional Science and Technology Expo Wednesday March 26, 2008 WELCOME

2. Project Numbers • Project numbers refer to the Grade level. • Junior projects (grades 7-8) start with “J” • Intermediate projects (grades 9-10) start with “I” • Senior projects (grades 11-12) start with “S”

3. A Good Project at First Glance • A truly good science fair project should jump out at you as soon as you see it. What are some of the things you would notice about a great project as soon as you approach it, or after being there for only a minute or two? Students? Backboard? Presentation? Paperwork? Where is the Science?

4. Students and Presentation • at their project station • prepared to present their project • knowledgeable and interested in their topic • willing and able to answer questions about their research • the driving force behind their research • brief, complete and clear

5. Backboard and Paperwork • Backboard 1. Logical and well laid out. 2. Neat and easy to read. 3. A complete summary of the research. 4. Visually Pleasing 5. Creative • Paperwork 1. Complete project report with proper reference(s) to research materials and mentors (this may be present on their board as well) 2. Log book is present and clear.

6. Data Collection and Analysis • Data analysis is an important part of any science fair project. • How a student collects, analyses and interprets the data will show how much they truly understand about their project. • Some important things to consider are: 1. Was the data collected in a scientific manner? 2. Is the data clearly presented? 3. Can the student read and interpret their data? 4. Is the data collected important to the project? Is the data collection sufficient in size? 5. Has a complete analysis of the data been completed?

7. Scoring at the Regional Science Fair The TCRSTE uses the scoring rubric established by the Youth Science Foundation for judging. (see folder) The score sheet places a maximum and minimum point range for a project based on its level.

8. 7-12 Judging Sheets

9. Part A: Scientific Thought • Experiment • An investigation undertaken to test a scientific hypothesis using experiments. • Experimental variables, if identified, are controlled to some extent • Level 1: Repeating a known experiment. • Level 2: Modification of procedures of a known experiment. • Level 3: Devise an experiment and control some variables. Some statistical analysis is involved in the research. • Level 4: Devise an original experiment and control most variables. The experiment must include a complete data analysis.

10. Innovation Levels • Level 1: Duplicates an existing technology. • Level 2: Make improvements to an existing technology. • Level 3: Design a technology or adapt an existing technology for human or economic benefit. • Level 4: Integrate, design or adapt a system of technologies for human or economic benefit. • Innovation • The development and evaluation of innovative devices, models or techniques or approaches in technology , engineering or computers (hardware or software).

11. Study Levels • Study • A collection and analysis of data to reveal evidence of a fact or a situation of scientific interest. It could include a study of cause and affect relationships or theoretical investigations of scientific data. • Level 1: A study of basic information related to the topic. • Level 2: A study of basic information, collected data and personal observations. • Level 3: Study based on observations and literary research illustrating various options for dealing with a relevant issue. Appropriate analysis (arithmetic, statistical, or graphical) of some significant variable{s). • Level 4:Study correlating information from a variety of significant sources which may illustrate cause and effect or original solutions to current problems through synthesis. Significant variable{s) are identified with in-depth statistical analysis of data.

12. Part B:Originality/Creativity • Level 3 (good) • Mark Range 16 to 20 • Imaginative project, good use of available resources. well thought out, above ordinary approach. Creativity in design and/or use of materials. • Level 4 (excellent) • Mark Range 21 to 25 • A highly original project or a novel approach. Shows resourcefulness, creativity in design. Use of equipment and/or construction of project. Level 1 (low) • Mark Range 6 to 10 Little imagination shown. Project design is simple with minimal student input. A textbook or magazine type project • Level 2 (fair) • Mark Range 11 to 15 • Some creativity shown in a project of fair to good design. Standard approach using common resources or equipment. Topic is a current or common one.

13. Part C: Visual Display 1. Layout logical and self explanatory 1-5 Does the layout flow? Do you have to search for information? Does the student need to be there in order for you to understand the project? 2. Exhibit attractive and well constructive 1-3 Is the project neat? Is the project professional Is the project creative/original?

14. Part D: Oral Presentation 1. Clear, logical, enthusiastic presentation 1-5 Could you understand the students as they were speaking? Did their presentation represent their project? (did they stray?) Were they excited about their work? Proud? 2. Response to questions 1-3 Did they attempt to answer all questions? Were they successful? Were they knowledgeable?

15. Part E: Project Report and Project Log 1. Information content/substance 1-4 Is it well written and does it describe the project board? 2. readability/clarity 1-3 Can it be read easily and is it clear what the research was about? 3. Bibliography and citations 1-3 Are they there? (they may be on the board itself) Are they done properly? 4. Project log (hard copy or electronic) 1-4 Did they keep a log/diary of the events of their research? Was it complete? Detailed?

16. Project Summary This is to be filled out after your project observation and student interview Once this is complete you may decide to give feedback to the finalists, this is only recommended.

17. Judging: Round 1 • Each judge will interview approximately 12 projects each, in one of 3 grade categories (7-8, 9-10, 11-12). • Judges will have up to 20 minutes (we are aware that this time will vary) to evaluate each project. • Judges will deliver completed score sheets to either Rhoda or Trent who will be circulating the room. • Completed sheets will be delivered to Russell Deveau for tallying. • Top 10 scores from each division will be moved to second round.

18. Judging: Round 2 • The 30 highest scores will then be reviewed by a selected panel of 9 volunteer judges. • 3 groups of 3 judges will each review the top 10 of each division and determine if the standings are adequate and reflect an unbiased scoring method (this is the first year this method of scoring has been used) • Each group will then rank top 3 of their division to move to the third round.

19. Judging: Round 3 • Top 9 scores will then be reviewed again, by the same panel of 9 judges, and top 3 projects overall selected and placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as per a vote.

20. Questions? Pick up folders Evaluation sheet inside

21. Thank you for Judging the 1st Annual Tri-county Regional Science and Technology Expo!