General Judging Criteria

Quality of the research and experimentation as evidenced by:

• Objectives and reasons for performing the research
• Clarity in stating the problem
• Identification of the important variables
• Originality and ingenuity in the research
• Selection of proper equipment for research task
• Quantity and quality of data generated by investigative procedures
• Recognition of the limitations in the accuracy and significance of the results obtained
• Degree to which the data supported the conclusions

Evidence of understanding of the scientific and technical principles involved in the investigation

Acknowledgment of major assistance

Duration of project and amount of work involved

Quality of the written presentation as evidenced by:

• Organization of the paper
• Composition (spelling, grammar, clarity of thought)
• Abstract

Quality of the oral presentation as evidenced by:

• Order of presentation
• The appropriate use of audio-visual
• Clarity of enunciation and voice projection
• The definition of terms when necessary
• Response to questions

The presentation is important in the evaluation; however, content - not form - will be given the major weight.

ORAL PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH PAPERS

Finalists and Semifinalists: Students deciding to do a research paper should first complete any necessary pre-approval - see certification forms as to what is needed. All Middle School/Senior High School students wishing to compete in the research paper competition need to complete the Research Paper Registration Form. These papers may be worked on by single individuals or by a team of up to three members. All research papers advancing to the regional level are semifinalists. All research paper participants will need to pay the $20 registration fee. Those students participating will need to send in three (3) copies of their research paper to the regional fair office by Monday, January 7, 2013 OR email a PDF of the research paper to science.fair@mnsu.edu. From there, the papers are placed in alike categories and read (ideally) by two experienced and knowledgeable judges. The research papers will be judged by both judges according to the judging forms for either Investigative Project or Library Research. Those students invited by the regional science fair office will orally present their research papers at assigned times beginning at 9:20 a.m. in Morris Hall (on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus) on fair day. The oral presentations should be done by 12:20 p.m. Presentations should last 15 minutes with 5 minutes following for questions and answers. Students who are also competing in the project competition will be excused for their oral presentation. Students are encouraged to try out their presentations prior to presentation time to avoid any hardware or software problems. Only Investigative-type of research paper can be advanced on to JSHS or State Science Fair.

Among other awards, senior high paper presenters (grades 9-12) will be completing for a chance to be one of the chosen presenters from our region at the State Symposium. Among other awards, middle school paper presenters will be competing for a chance to represent our region at the State Science Fair.

Research paper competitors will receive their judging evaluation sheets.