The Judging Process

Abstracts and other materials will be available via this site before Feb 23rd for you to prepare.

On Feb. 23rd, you will have time in the morning to view the project materials and formulate questions. Then, after lunch, you will interview the students and ask your questions. Try to make each interview lat at least 10 minutes but not more than 15.

Team projects use the same criteria and rubric as individual projects. However, the team should not score highly unless all members of the team contributed equally to the project and can answer questions about it. Also, please consider if the amount of work completed is consistent with the number of students on the team.

Many of the students worked in research labs with scientists and graduate students. The abstract form and ISEF Form 1c on display indicate these projects and tell you about their mentor's assessment of their participation in the experiment. You should not assume that the student did not do the work for these projects. Instead, you should question them carefully about their procedures to ascertain how much of the work they did and how well they understand the science. Of course, this is true of projects mentored by teachers and parents too.

Please remember that while their work may be advanced, they are still high school students. They are not as mature and are far more emotionally fragile than the graduate and medical students you encounter at work. They often see criticism of their work as direct criticism of themselves. Please try to focus more on the positive aspects of their work while phrasing your criticism as suggestions for improvement. Competing in science fair is primarily an educational and motivating experience for the students, and the high point of that experience is their interaction with you. Please make it a positive experience.

After you complete your interview with a student, take a few minutes to circle the points you wish to award in each sub-category then enter your score online. Please review the three documents attached below even if you have judged before. We will be awarding prizes based on an average numerical score this year. Please be consistent and thorough in your rubrics.

The judging forms and a copy of the official ISEF evaluation criteria are attached below. Please consult them before judging day if possible.

Thanks again for volunteering.

ISEF Judging Guidlines