The finalists you meet will be proud of their accomplishments and should be able to explain their projects clearly and concisely. This explanation should include what they did as well as their results and conclusions. Their displays should clearly show the intent and outcomes of their work, and they should be able to answer questions about their projects at levels appropriate to their ages and grade levels. In addition, they should describe the methodology and equipment employed and the thought processes that were used to develop their hypotheses, designs, results, and conclusions. Although it is not required, finalists frequently will discuss further hypotheses based on their results. You may ask about that if you choose.
Interaction
The scientific method has led to stunning advances in our society. Scientists ask questions about nature and try to find the answer to those questions by observing and doing experiments. They then think about what they observe and the results of their experiments. Sometimes they get a definite answer to their questions; sometimes the results lead to new questions and new experiments. As this process goes on, they understand more and more.
Engineers use science to solve problems. Through innovation, they create new solutions for the benefit of all.
The purpose of the science fair is to give young people the opportunity to actually do some science and engineering. You represent several important roles to the finalists:
- Facilitator
- Motivator
- Role Model
- Counsellor
- Evaluator
Your most important task is to encourage and motivate the participants. Even those whose projects are of modest quality should finish the day with a sense of accomplishment and pride. This comes before your role as an evaluator of student projects. Clearly, you have a critical responsibility in the success of this enterprise.
Confidentiality
The judging process must remain confidential. Judges must not disclose any information regarding their evaluation of the projects except to those on their judging panel and Science Fair officials.
Conflicts of Interest
No one may act as a judge if an immediate relative is a finalist. In this case, we must regretfully ask you to excuse yourself as a judge. It is very important that the results of the judging process be seen by all observers to be impartial and without bias. The Chief Judge must be consulted in cases of distant relatives.
Treating Finalists With Respect
In most cases, Science Fair projects represent a significant enterprise on the part of the finalist participants. Although a project may have flaws, you should treat it as the serious project it is meant to be. In doing so, listen carefully to the finalist’s description and explanations, ask questions in order to reveal his/her understanding of the project and its conclusions as well as the relevant science, and while evaluating the project fairly and candidly, provide praise for the accomplishments demonstrated along with your appraisal.
Inappropriate comments by a judge to any participant are unacceptable, as are comments by one judge to another about a project in the exhibit area when finalists are present. Judges must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism at all times. It is important to remember that finalists participating in the Fair are in Grades 7-12. They are not adults. The relationship of finalist to judge is that of a minor to any adult in a position of authority. It is the responsibility of all judges to ensure that all interactions between themselves and the finalists are in the best interests of the finalists.
Educational Value of Interviews
The completion of a Science Fair project should result in significant learning. Although the primary purpose of the questions asked during judging will be to evaluate the project and its results, the finalist should emerge from the process with further insights, understanding, and even ideas about additional investigations. In other words, the best questions will cause the finalist to think more deeply about the project and become aware of issues not previously considered. Questions that may cause the finalist to further pursue the subject are encouraged.
Judges often want to help the finalist with information about the subject of the project, particularly if the judge finds that certain points require clarification or correction. This is commendable, but if information is provided by one judge, the finalist may use that information in his/her interview with judges who follow, which could result in a distortion of subsequent evaluations. If you wish to address misconceptions or errors, it is best to do this by asking questions (e.g., “Have you considered the effect of air pressure on the speed of a baseball?”) and/or suggesting to the finalist that he/she re-examine the areas in question. The judging form has a section for comments and suggestions for the finalists. This is a good place for providing additional information or suggesting that certain concepts, understanding, methods, or analysis require additional work.
Future Contact With Finalists
Not infrequently, a judge may be especially impressed with a finalist or project and would like to offer help or advice as a mentor, or even a job. If you wish to do this, contact the CWSF Chief Judge. If direct contact between a finalist and judge after the Science Fair would result in further benefit to the finalist, such contact will be facilitated by the CWSF Chief Judge, but only with the approval of the delegate, and parent or guardian. Judges may not ask finalists for their phone numbers, or initiate or propose any future contact.