AN OVERVIEW
Judging is, without a doubt, one of the most important phases of any science exposition. Because of its extreme importance, all judges should carefully review the following:
a. Expositions are not intended to be contests between students or schools. Each exhibitor is to be judged based on the rating criteria and not in comparison to another exhibitor.
b. Even though many exhibits show a remarkable degree of scientific knowledge, all judges are asked to keep in mind that all of the exhibitors are junior or senior high school students, many of whom are experiencing their first taste of scientific evaluation by a distinguished critic.
c. As a judge, use your own good judgment at all times. Be honest with yourself and the student. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of the students will ever actually go into scientific research; however, many of them will have a great deal to say about the future of science. Certainly a valuable experience with science at this level might potentially reap valuable rewards later.
d. The opportunity to discuss their project with interested adults acting as judges is a high point for most students. Be aware that most students have spent many months preparing for a judging period which normally lasts fifteen minutes. By all means feel free to discuss any aspect of the student's work; they deeply appreciate all questions and comments.
JUDGING MECHANICS
a. Be sure to report for final instructions promptly on the day of the Exposition. Allow yourself enough time for parking your car and traffic interference so that you will report on time. The judging chairman will inform you about when and where to report.
b. At the judges meeting, you will be informed of any last minute changes and/or special requests concerning judging assignments.
c. Each team is to be assigned about six projects or papers to judge. To reiterate, each exhibitor is to be judged based on the rating criteria and not in comparison to another exhibitor.
d. The Regional and State Expositions are so planned that each judging team is allowed fifteen to thirty minutes for each project or paper. This does not mean that you must spend this much time on each project. Times may vary more or less depending upon the quality and interest of the project.
e. You may be asked to judge projects in both divisions, Junior - grades 7 & 8, and Senior - grades 9, 10, 11, 12. If so, remember to judge them on the basis of individual merit, and please keep the maturity of the exhibitor in mind.
f. It is imperative that each judging team finish its judging responsibilities and have its judging results turned into the chair on time. Enough time must be available to prepare the awards by the Awards Chair. Please allot your time accordingly so that results are turned in when due.
g. Students must be with their project or at their assigned paper session room at the time of judging. If the student cannot be located within a reasonable period of time, then the project or paper is considered a no show, and no rating is to be given.
h. Many intangible factors are involved in judging. These can be evaluated only by talking with the student and cannot be estimated merely by looking at the physical aspects of the exhibit. Judges should keep in mind that a spectacular exhibit or one composed of costly equipment is not necessarily the best science project.
i. Be pleasant and interested.
j. Please remember that you are working with tomorrow's scientists; their ''decision for science" may rest on the impression you leave on them.
k. Fill out and return the judge's comment sheet to the student. Please indicate comments that would help the student improve. Comments might be positive or negative, but should not be sarcastic. Please make sure that your comments are clear and to the point. Do not indicate the award on this sheet.
l. Each project judged must have a final score so that the certificate of award can be made. Be certain that you are using the correct rubric when scoring the project. Do not show the student the score. Information on specific guidelines and procedures concerning ratings will be supplied and discussed by the judging chair.
m. Be sure every project for which you are responsible has been judged. Return the scoring rubric immediately following the judging of each project. DO NOT hold all scoring rubrics until you are finished judging all projects.