The Judging Process
How does judging work?
Harry Evry
Last Update il y a 2 ans
CSEF participants must submit a Project Presentation document in PDF form prior to the submission date. They may also optionally submit one link to an online video and one link to an online folder, archive or repository.
Category judges will use these items as their basis for the first round of judging. Depending upon the size of your category, some number of projects may be eliminated during this round. Special/Recognition Awards judges representing a variety of science, technology and industry organizations are also independently judging every project, and may implement there own unique judging criteria and procedures.
Category Finalists will proceed to the interview round. Each finalist will be assigned a schedule or window of interview times.
During the interview period, judges will enter the students virtual room and participants will present, explain and/or demonstrate their work. ZFairs provides tools for participants to share their screens or cameras for the purpose of these presentations. Interviews are scheduled in a tight sequence, so participants should be sure to leave time for follow up questions and discussions, The judges have already examined and judged each project in the first round, so some may choose to cutoff prepared presentations to use their time to address specific questions or areas of interest.
After the interviews, all Category Judges will meet as a caucus to discuss and debate the assignment of awards. The California Science & Engineering Fair is not judged by a numerical rubric or other mathematical system. Final winners are selected by overwhelming agreement of the entire panel of Category Judges.
Once a first place winners have been confirmed, a special committee representing one member from each Category Panel will meet to debate and select a single Project of the Year winner in each division.
In addition to Category Awards, a number of sponsor organizations have generously volunteered to offer offer a variety Sponsored Awards. These awards are judged independently by participating volunteers from each sponsoring organization.