I. Creative Ability (Individual - 30, Team - 25)

1. Does the project show creative ability and originality in the questions asked?

• the approach to solving the problem?, the analysis of the data?, the interpretation of the data?
• the use of equipment?, the construction or design of new equipment?

2. Creative research should support an investigation and help answer a question in an original way.

3. A creative contribution promotes an efficient and reliable method for solving a problem. When evaluating projects, it is important to distinguish between gadgeteering and ingenuity.

II a. Scientific Thought (Individual - 30, Team - 25)

If an engineering project, the more appropriate questions are those found in IIb. Engineering Goals.

• Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously?
• Was the problem sufficiently limited to allow plausible approach? Good scientists can identify important problems capable of solutions.
• Was there a procedural plan for obtaining a solution?
• Are the variables clearly recognized and defined?
• If controls were necessary, did the student recognize their need and were they correctly used?
• Are there adequate data to support the conclusions?
• Does the finalist or team recognize the data’s limitations?
• Does the finalist/team understand the project’s ties to related research?
• Does the finalist/team have an idea of what further research is warranted?
• Did the finalist/team cite scientific literature, or only popular literature (i.e., local newspapers, Reader’s Digest).

II b. Engineering Goals (Individual - 30, Team -25)

• Does the project have a clear objective?
• Is the objective relevant to the potential user’s needs?
• Is the solution workable? Acceptable to the potential user? Economically feasible?
• Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of an end product?
• Is the solution a significant improvement over previous alternatives?
• Has the solution been tested for performance under the conditions of use?

III. Thoroughness (Individual - 15, Team - 12)

• Was the purpose carried out to completion within the scope of the original intent?
• How completely was the problem covered?
• Are the conclusions based on a single experiment or replication?
• How complete are the project notes?
• Is the finalist/team aware of other approaches or theories?
• How much time did the finalist or team spend on the project?
• Is the finalist/team familiar with scientific literature in the studied field?

IV. Skill (Individual - 15, Team - 12)

• Does the finalist/team have the required laboratory, computation, observational and design skills to obtain supporting data?
• Where was the project performed? (i.e., home, school laboratory, university laboratory) Did the student or team receive assistance from parents, teachers, scientists or engineers?
• Was the project completed under adult supervision, or did the student/team work largely alone?
• Where did the equipment come from? Was it built independently by the finalist or team? Was it obtained on loan? Was it part of a laboratory where the finalist or team worked?

V. Clarity (Individual - 10, Team - 10)

• How clearly does the finalist discuss his/her project and explain the purpose, procedure, and conclusions? Watch out for memorized speeches that reflect little understanding of principles.
• Does the written material reflect the finalist’s or team’s understanding of the research?
• Are the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner?
• How clearly is the data presented?
• How clearly are the results presented?
• How well does the project display explain the project?
• Was the presentation done in a forthright manner, without tricks or gadgets?
• Did the finalist/team perform all the project work, or did someone help?

VI. Teamwork (Team Projects only- 16)

• Are the tasks and contributions of each team member clearly outlined?
• Was each team member fully involved with the project, and is each member familiar with all aspects?
• Does the final work reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members?