St Christopher’s Primary School Science Fair Judging Criteria
Student:
Judging Criteria 4 points
Identify and describe A cohesive and well structured problem, with a definite
the problem purpose or benefit for society.
Extensive research has been conducted on the topic
with a well articulated description of the need for this
solution.
Background research
Research has been conducted from more than three
sources all which have been listed.
Planning meets all of the ‘3 Point’ criteria; in addition
offers alternative solutions of sustainable materials and
Design planning
uses technology within the design planning.
Meets all of the ‘3 Point‘ criteria: in addition, offers
Producing and extensive records on the production of design. E.g.
implementing photo of student creating design, drawing of their
design during planning, etc.
Easy-to-follow sequence of the design and production.
Language is clear and accurate. Acknowledges all
Method / Procedure
assistance given with detailed explanation.
Extensive testing and evaluating have been conducted
on the design with a range of problems and
Testing and evaluating
improvements identified and recorded with detailed
explanation.
Constructed an innovative prototype that works as
intended*. Included clear instructions on how to
Final Prototype design operate the prototype.
* Models are of a representative nature, the technology does not need to ‘really’ work.
Reflection clearly describes, in students’ own words, key
Conclusion / Reflection understandings and skills from the project, and draws
conclusion on how to improve future designs
Project meets all of the 3 points criteria; in addition
shows special use of appropriate technology or special
Display artistic talents.
3 points
A clearly stated problem that has a defined purpose.
Research has been conducted on the topic with a
detailed description of the need for this solution.
Research has been conducted from two sources which
have been listed
Detailed planning has been conducted which includes;
Brainstorm of multiple solutions, identify final design
with labelled diagrams, material list and safety
concerns.
Utilises their plan and takes detailed records of how
they select and use materials, components, tools,
equipment and processes to safely produce designed
solutions.
Easy-to-follow sequence of the design and production.
One or two elements are missing.
Lists all of the assistance given, if any.
Sufficient testing has been conducted on the design
with a number of recorded problems and
improvements identified.
Constructed a well-made prototype that works as
intended*, most of the time. Included instructions on
how to operate the prototype.
Reflection clearly describes, in students’ own words, key
understandings and skills from the project.
Project is visually appealing through the use of colour,
labelling, organisation and includes all of the following
information: Question, research, design planning,
prototype testing and evaluating, and final prototype
reflection.
Topic:
2 points
Limited understanding of the problem stated.
Research has been conducted on the topic with a short
description of the need for this solution.
Research has been conducted from at least one source,
which is listed.
Planning has been conducted using only two of the
following criteria: Brainstorm of multiple solutions,
identify final design with labelled diagrams, material list
and safety concerns.
Uses one part of their plan and takes simple records of
how they select and use materials, components, tools,
equipment and processes to safely produce designed
solutions.
Basic sequence of design and production, which at
times is unclear.
Acknowledges some of the assistance that was given.
Limited tests have been conducted on the design AND
OR limited records of problems and improvements to
their design.
Constructed a prototype with poor workmanship and
does not work as intended*. Included some instructions
on how to operate the prototype.
Reflection only partially identifies the key
understandings and skills from the project. Description
may not be in the students’ own words.
Project is visually appealing but only includes two of the
following information: question, research, design
planning, prototype testing and evaluating and final
prototype reflection.
1 points
No problem has been stated or their question is not
related to the problem
Limited research has been conducted on the topic with
no description of the need for this solution.
No sources of information were used.
Limited planning has been conducted, it may include
one or none of the following criteria: Brainstorm of
multiple solutions, identify final design with labelled
diagrams, material list and safety concerns.
Does not utilise their plan during their design and no
record of the production of the design.
Difficult to follow: no sequence of design and
production.
Failed to acknowledge assistance given.
No tests have been conducted on their design AND OR
no records of problems or improvements to their
design.
No prototype is evident
Limited reflection and conclusion on the final prototype
design not in the students’ own words.
Project is complete but has limited visual appeal but
only includes one of the following: Question, research,
design planning prototype testing and evaluating and final
prototype reflection.