NJRSF Judging Criteria
The following evaluation criteria are used for judging at the NJRSF. As shown below, science and engineering have different criteria, each with four sections as well as suggested scoring for each section. Each section includes key items to consider for evaluation both before and after the interview.
Judging Criteria for Science Projects
- Research Question (20 pts)
- ___ clear and focused purpose
- ___ identifies contribution to field of study
- ___ testable using scientific methods
- Design and Methodology (20 pts)
- ___ well designed plan and data collection methods
- ___ variables and controls defined, appropriate, and complete
- Execution: Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation (20 pts)
- ___ systematic data collection and analysis
- ___ reproducibility of results
- ___ appropriate application of mathematical and statistical methods
- ___ sufficient data collected to support interpretation and conclusions
- Presentation (40 pts)
- Poster (20 pts)
- ___ logical organization of material
- ___ clarity of graphics and legends
- ___ supporting documentation displayed
- Interview (20 pts)
- ___ clear, concise, thoughtful responses to questions
- ___ understanding of basic science relevant to project
- ___ understanding interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions
- ___ degree of independence in conducting project
- ___ recognition of potential impact in science, society and/or economics
- ___ quality of ideas for further research
- ___ for team projects, contributions to and understanding of project by all members
Judging Criteria for Engineering Projects
- Research Problem (20 pts)
- ___ description of a practical need or problem to be solved
- ___ definition of criteria for proposed solution
- ___ explanation of constraints
- Design and Methodology (20 pts)
- ___ exploration of alternatives to answer need or problem
- ___ identification of a solution
- ___ development of a prototype/model
- Execution: Construction and Testing (20 pts)
- ___ prototype demonstrates intended design
- ___ prototype has been tested in multiple conditions/trials
- ___ prototype demonstrates engineering skill and completeness
- Presentation (40 pts)
- Poster (20 pts)
- ___logical organization of material
- ___clarity of graphics and legends
- ___ supporting documentation displayed
- Interview (20 pts)
- ___ clear, concise, thoughtful responses to questions
- ___ understanding of basic science relevant to project
- ___ understanding interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions
- ___ degree of independence in conducting project
- ___ recognition of potential impact in science, society and/or economics
- ___ quality of ideas for further research
- ___ for team projects, contributions to and understanding of project by all members