Category Descriptions & Rubrics
Rubrics & Category Descriptions
Rubrics & Category Descriptions
The official West Georgia Technology Fair Descriptors are listed below.
The official West Georgia Technology Fair Descriptors are listed below.
3D Modeling
3D Modeling
This category is defined as any original artwork digitally created and modeled in three dimensions using specialized software. Software may include, but not be limited to, Maya, AutoCad, Sketch Up, GollyGee Blocks, and Light Wave.
This category is defined as any original artwork digitally created and modeled in three dimensions using specialized software. Software may include, but not be limited to, Maya, AutoCad, Sketch Up, GollyGee Blocks, and Light Wave.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Animation
Animation
This category is defined as an original design with the primary purpose for allowing for the motion of objects. Software may include, but not be limited to Adobe Flash, KidPix, etc.
This category is defined as an original design with the primary purpose for allowing for the motion of objects. Software may include, but not be limited to Adobe Flash, KidPix, etc.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Audio Production
Audio Production
This category is defined as any original audio production that has been edited/produced with digital software. Projects may include speaking, singing, music, sounds effects, and other audio components. Software may include, but are not be limited to – Audacity, Garage Band, Wavosaur, etc…
This category is defined as any original audio production that has been edited/produced with digital software. Projects may include speaking, singing, music, sounds effects, and other audio components. Software may include, but are not be limited to – Audacity, Garage Band, Wavosaur, etc…
The project must be displayed on a computer in the program in which it was created. The student should be prepared to demonstrate to judges how the software was used to create the finished project.
The project must be displayed on a computer in the program in which it was created. The student should be prepared to demonstrate to judges how the software was used to create the finished project.
You may have up to 2 people on a team. Teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team. Teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the category rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the category rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Device Modification
Device Modification
This category is for devices engineered and/or modified by students to serve a specific purpose or meet a specific goal. Device and parts do not have to be new. However, the device must be fully functional.
This category is for devices engineered and/or modified by students to serve a specific purpose or meet a specific goal. Device and parts do not have to be new. However, the device must be fully functional.
Some examples include, but are not limited to: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Makey Makey projects
Some examples include, but are not limited to: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Makey Makey projects
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Digital Game Design (formerly known as “Game Design”)
Digital Game Design (formerly known as “Game Design”)
Digital Game Design should include original content, design, and rules of an interactive game. Students may use the software program of their choice in order to demonstrate creativity, originality, organization, and interactivity. Students should be able to explain to judges what inspired their game idea and how they programmed their game to achieve project goals.
Digital Game Design should include original content, design, and rules of an interactive game. Students may use the software program of their choice in order to demonstrate creativity, originality, organization, and interactivity. Students should be able to explain to judges what inspired their game idea and how they programmed their game to achieve project goals.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Digital Photo Production
Digital Photo Production
This category is defined as any computer-created original project using original student photographs. The project must be displayed on a computer in the program in which it was created. The student should be prepared to demonstrate to judges how the software was used to create the finished project. A hard copy of the finished project may be displayed but is not required.
This category is defined as any computer-created original project using original student photographs. The project must be displayed on a computer in the program in which it was created. The student should be prepared to demonstrate to judges how the software was used to create the finished project. A hard copy of the finished project may be displayed but is not required.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
This category is defined as any student-created, computer-generated, non-animated graphic design project. Digital Photography and 3D Modeling are NOT part of this category. The student(s) must be able to display the content from the source project files using the program it was created in.
This category is defined as any student-created, computer-generated, non-animated graphic design project. Digital Photography and 3D Modeling are NOT part of this category. The student(s) must be able to display the content from the source project files using the program it was created in.
Software may include, but not be limited to, Paint, KidPix, Photoshop, Corel Draw, Illustrator, or Free Hand.
Software may include, but not be limited to, Paint, KidPix, Photoshop, Corel Draw, Illustrator, or Free Hand.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Internet Applications
Internet Applications
Projects in this category have strength in their use of networks, either the World Wide Web or LANs (Local Area Networks). Examples of Internet application projects include web pages, websites, chat rooms, interactive games, bulletin boards, podcasts, and blogs.
Projects in this category have strength in their use of networks, either the World Wide Web or LANs (Local Area Networks). Examples of Internet application projects include web pages, websites, chat rooms, interactive games, bulletin boards, podcasts, and blogs.
Your computer is required to display this project. Internet access will not be available at the fair. All links must be captured one level deep. No tri-board displays.
Your computer is required to display this project. Internet access will not be available at the fair. All links must be captured one level deep. No tri-board displays.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Mobile Apps
Mobile Apps
An entry in this category is an app that is specifically developed for a mobile device (phone, tablet, smart device, etc.). This app can be developed for any operating system (Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, etc.) as long as the student has a device or simulator that can run the app on the day of the fair. (This category does not include mobile-friendly web pages – please see the Internet Applications category). Pre-planning documentation materials such as a storyboard and a flowchart are required.
An entry in this category is an app that is specifically developed for a mobile device (phone, tablet, smart device, etc.). This app can be developed for any operating system (Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, etc.) as long as the student has a device or simulator that can run the app on the day of the fair. (This category does not include mobile-friendly web pages – please see the Internet Applications category). Pre-planning documentation materials such as a storyboard and a flowchart are required.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Multimedia Applications
Multimedia Applications
Multimedia projects are defined as computer-based reports or creative presentations using any combination of sound and/or images with text. Possible software used for projects in this category includes but is not limited to PowerPoint, KidPix, AppleWorks, Astound, Storybook Weaver, and HyperStudio. If appropriate to the project, a storyboard may be displayed to show the sequencing of project creation.
Multimedia projects are defined as computer-based reports or creative presentations using any combination of sound and/or images with text. Possible software used for projects in this category includes but is not limited to PowerPoint, KidPix, AppleWorks, Astound, Storybook Weaver, and HyperStudio. If appropriate to the project, a storyboard may be displayed to show the sequencing of project creation.
Videos do not go in this category. Any hyperlinks need to be captured one level deep since Internet access will not be guaranteed. NO tri-boards are allowed.
Videos do not go in this category. Any hyperlinks need to be captured one level deep since Internet access will not be guaranteed. NO tri-boards are allowed.
Grade levels for this category are 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. The computer is required to display the project.
Grade levels for this category are 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. The computer is required to display the project.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Productivity Design
Productivity Design
This category is defined as any student-created, computer-generated project that uses desktop publishing or general productivity software.
This category is defined as any student-created, computer-generated project that uses desktop publishing or general productivity software.
Entries can be developed from various non-multimedia application programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases or any other non-multimedia software. This category includes, but is not limited to, desktop publishing projects. Hard copies of projects may be displayed at original size to show the judges, but no large displays are allowed, including tri-board displays.
Entries can be developed from various non-multimedia application programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases or any other non-multimedia software. This category includes, but is not limited to, desktop publishing projects. Hard copies of projects may be displayed at original size to show the judges, but no large displays are allowed, including tri-board displays.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Project Programming
Project Programming
Projects in this category are self-executing programs created using recognizable programming languages such as BASIC, C++, Pascal, LOGO, etc. All parts of the program must be the author’s design. Programs must be identifiable in one of the three following categories:
Projects in this category are self-executing programs created using recognizable programming languages such as BASIC, C++, Pascal, LOGO, etc. All parts of the program must be the author’s design. Programs must be identifiable in one of the three following categories:
Computer-aided instruction or educational/learning games.
Computer-aided instruction or educational/learning games.
Business or commercial applications.
Business or commercial applications.
Personal applications that, with minor alterations, could be marketed for larger commercial audiences.
Personal applications that, with minor alterations, could be marketed for larger commercial audiences.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
You may have up to 2 people on a team but teams and individuals will compete against each other within each grade grouping.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length of the project, the judge time is 15 minutes. Judges may only view a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Robotics
Robotics
Projects may be constructed from kits or published drawings, modified from other devices to create new applications, or constructed from the student’s own concepts and designs. All entries must be a working and functional piece of electro-mechanical hardware in which movement and intent is controlled through student-created programming. Examples of commercially available kits are robotic “arms” or robot movers, Lego and K’Nex style building kits, Capsella, VEX, and Technics style robotics kits. Devices controlled through direct, real-time remote control by the student are not appropriate (ie: remote-controlled cars). Once started, the robotics project should operate as a standalone independent machine without human interaction.
Projects may be constructed from kits or published drawings, modified from other devices to create new applications, or constructed from the student’s own concepts and designs. All entries must be a working and functional piece of electro-mechanical hardware in which movement and intent is controlled through student-created programming. Examples of commercially available kits are robotic “arms” or robot movers, Lego and K’Nex style building kits, Capsella, VEX, and Technics style robotics kits. Devices controlled through direct, real-time remote control by the student are not appropriate (ie: remote-controlled cars). Once started, the robotics project should operate as a standalone independent machine without human interaction.
A project may have a single member or a two-person team, but teams and individuals will compete against each other within grade groupings.
A project may have a single member or a two-person team, but teams and individuals will compete against each other within grade groupings.
Regardless of the length or complexity of the project, the judge time slots are 15 minutes in length. Judges may view only a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length or complexity of the project, the judge time slots are 15 minutes in length. Judges may view only a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Tech Programming Challenge-State Competition Only (contact Mrs. Clark)
Tech Programming Challenge-State Competition Only (contact Mrs. Clark)
This category is an on-site event in which one student is given a series of problems that she/he must solve during the two-hour competition time. Each individual will be awarded points for each problem solved correctly. Programs will also be judged on structure, design, and organization.
This category is an on-site event in which one student is given a series of problems that she/he must solve during the two-hour competition time. Each individual will be awarded points for each problem solved correctly. Programs will also be judged on structure, design, and organization.
Any questions regarding interpretation of the problems must be submitted in writing to the judges who may choose to answer or reject the question. The decisions of the judges are final.
Any questions regarding interpretation of the problems must be submitted in writing to the judges who may choose to answer or reject the question. The decisions of the judges are final.
Competition will begin with a briefing session. The contest problems will be distributed to all teams at the same time. At the end of the two hours, the programs developed in the competition will be submitted for judging. The judges will use the contestants’ computers to check the solutions to the problems. Results will be announced at an awards ceremony.
Competition will begin with a briefing session. The contest problems will be distributed to all teams at the same time. At the end of the two hours, the programs developed in the competition will be submitted for judging. The judges will use the contestants’ computers to check the solutions to the problems. Results will be announced at an awards ceremony.
Each contestant is required to bring the computer of their choice, appropriate operating system software, and programming software with which to compete. Students must also bring a power strip and extension cord to the test site. Contestants may bring an additional computer only for emergency situations in the event that one computer does not function. However, back up computers must remain unplugged and may not be used unless permission is obtained from one of the judges. Contestants may bring to the contest only the manuals for their computers. Any contestant using other resources including textbooks, published program listings, notes, or any storage media, will be disqualified.
Each contestant is required to bring the computer of their choice, appropriate operating system software, and programming software with which to compete. Students must also bring a power strip and extension cord to the test site. Contestants may bring an additional computer only for emergency situations in the event that one computer does not function. However, back up computers must remain unplugged and may not be used unless permission is obtained from one of the judges. Contestants may bring to the contest only the manuals for their computers. Any contestant using other resources including textbooks, published program listings, notes, or any storage media, will be disqualified.
Contestants will not be permitted to communicate with their advisors. No visitors will be allowed in the testing areas. Contestants will be monitored on a random basis. Each contestant must be able to enter their programming code, execute the solutions to the problems and save them as directed by the judges.
Contestants will not be permitted to communicate with their advisors. No visitors will be allowed in the testing areas. Contestants will be monitored on a random basis. Each contestant must be able to enter their programming code, execute the solutions to the problems and save them as directed by the judges.
Video Production
Video Production
This category is defined as any original video project that has been edited on a computer with digital video editing software and exported into a digital video format. The project must be displayed for viewing on a computer.
This category is defined as any original video project that has been edited on a computer with digital video editing software and exported into a digital video format. The project must be displayed for viewing on a computer.
A project may have a single member or a two-person team, but teams and individuals will compete against each other within grade groupings.
A project may have a single member or a two-person team, but teams and individuals will compete against each other within grade groupings.
Regardless of the length or complexity of the project, the judge time slots are 15 minutes in length. Judges may view only a portion of the actual project.
Regardless of the length or complexity of the project, the judge time slots are 15 minutes in length. Judges may view only a portion of the actual project.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.
Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.