WHAT TO EXPECT FROM JUDGES AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR JUDGING DAY. Preparing for the Judges

Creative ability (30)  Well defined, original problem is of significance, focused and clear Scientific thought or technology goals (30)  Clear hypothesis and high quality plan for scientific or technology investigation, accurate observations and data analysis, valid identification and interpretation of conclusions, a well reasoned argument Thoroughness (15)  Project carried out with careful and appropriate investigative procedures and methods, well- documented investigation Technical skill (15)  Exhibition is well constructed, visual presentation is carefully prepared and effective Clarity and gramatic value (10)  Oral presentation is effective and concise, student is able to engage in meaningful discussion and answer questions about project, clearly understands project o How will I be judged? o Preparing for your oral presentation o Preparing an effective visual display o What kinds of questions should I expect? o How do I answer questions? o What steps should I take to prepare? o Expectations

Preparing for the Judges Practice makes perfect  Communicating your research well is most important  Practice in front of someone, time your presentation, make sure it flows well, work as a supplement to your board Write a short speech  Be able to give your speech without reading. This should include:  How you got the idea  How you did the experiment  Results and Conclusions  How is your research relevant  Demonstrate that you know the theory behind your research.  Expect to be interrupted with questions Be Professional Prepare a 30 second “elevator speech” o How will I be judged? o Preparing for your oral presentation o Preparing an effective visual display o What kinds of questions should I expect? o How do I answer questions? o What steps should I take to prepare? o Expectations

Preparing for the Judges The display is the judge’s first impression of your research It must attract an audience and be informative Convince judges that your research is of sufficient quality to deserve closer scrutiny Free standing Includes pictures and text The judge can easily understand what your research is about and what your results are in a few minutes What do you think makes a good visual display? o How will I be judged? o Preparing for your oral presentation o Preparing an effective visual display o What kinds of questions should I expect? o How do I answer questions? o What steps should I take to prepare? o Expectations

Preparing for the Judges Common Questions:  How much help did you receive from others?  What does your data tell you?  Why is your research important?  What do your graphs represent?  What problems did you encounter and how did you fix them?  What are the three most interesting things you learned from your research?  How would you extend your research in the future? o How will I be judged? o Preparing for your oral presentation o Preparing an effective visual display o What kinds of questions should I expect? o How do I answer questions? o What steps should I take to prepare? o Expectations

Preparing for the Judges Think about other questions beforehand  Including questions specific to your research  If there are any holes in the research, make sure you can answer questions pertaining to this If you do not know the answer:  Don’t try to fake it, you are not expected to know everything Answer questions with confidence  Remember that it is YOUR research, YOU are the expert o How will I be judged? o Preparing for your oral presentation o Preparing an effective visual display o What kinds of questions should I expect? o How do I answer questions? o What steps should I take to prepare? o Expectations

Preparing for the Judges 1. Pick your topic 2. Research your topic 3. Organize 4. Make a time table 5. Plan your experiment 6. Consult with an adult sponsor 7. Conduct your experiment 8. Analyze your results 9. Draw conclusions o How will I be judged? o Preparing for your oral presentation o Preparing an effective visual display o What kinds of questions should I expect? o How do I answer questions? o What steps should I take to prepare? o Expectations

Preparing for the Judges o How will I be judged? o Preparing for your oral presentation o Preparing an effective visual display o What kinds of questions should I expect? o How do I answer questions? o What steps should I take to prepare? o Expectations What should you do when the judge approaches? How should you act during your presentation? What should you do after your presentation? How should you act between judging?

Take Home  Design your research project well  Take the necessary steps  Know your research  Know the background information  Practice your presentation  Practice makes perfect  Make sure you practice in front of someone  Be prepared for questions  Common and others  Make strong conclusions within reason and relate them to previous research

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