Project Judging

Format of Judging

Format of Project Display

Each team will present their project using a soft copy of poster or PowerPoint presentation. The actual format of the project display (i.e. poster or PowerPoint) is not taken into account during the judging; what matters is the organisation and coherence of the material presented. Teams are to bring along their own laptops / tablets and should also have a copy saved on a USB drive as back-up.

Judging Criteria

The key components that will be assessed during project judging are:

1. Research Question / Engineering Goal and Background Information
2. Design and Methodology
3. Data Analysis and Interpretation
4. Communication and Teamwork

Research Question / Engineering Goal and Background Information (20%)

1. Was the research question or engineering goal stated clearly and unambiguously?
2. Was the problem sufficiently limited or well-scoped to allow a plausible approach?
3. Was the objective relevant to the potential user’s needs?
4. Was the team familiar with scientific literature in the studied field?
5. Was the team aware of other approaches or theories?
6. Did the team understand the project’s ties to related research?
7. Did the team cite scientific literature or only popular literature (e.g. local newspapers, Reader’s Digest)?

Design and Methodology (20%)

Science / Mathematics Projects

1. Was there a procedural plan for obtaining a solution?
2. Were appropriate data collection methods included?
3. Were the variables clearly recognised and defined?
4. If controls were necessary, did the team recognise their need and were they correctly used?

Engineering Projects

1. Did the team explore a range of alternatives to answer the need or problem?
2. Was a solution proposed / identified?
3. Was the solution workable, acceptable to the potential user and is economically feasible?
4. Was the solution a significant improvement over previous alternatives?

Data Analysis and Interpretation (25%)

1. Was the project carried out to completion within the scope of the original intent?
2. Were there adequate data to support the conclusions?
3. Did the team recognise the data’s limitations?
4. Did the team have an idea of what further research is warranted?
5. Could the solution be utilised successfully in design or construction of an end product?
6. Has the solution been tested for performance under the conditions of use?

Communication and Teamwork (35%)

1. How clearly did the team discuss the project and explain the purpose, procedure, and conclusions?
2. Were the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner?
3. How clearly were the data and conclusions presented?
4. How well did the project display explain the project?
5. Was the presentation done in a forthright manner, without tricks or gadgets?
6. Were the tasks and contributions of each team member clearly outlined?
7. Was each team member fully involved with the project, and is each member familiar with all aspects?
8. Did the final work reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members?