Judge’s Scoring Rubric

Judge’s Scoring Rubric

I. RESEARCH PAPER

ABSTRACT: ​A concise statement of the problem, approach, key results, and conclusion​

INTRODUCTION​:  Clear statement of rationale (reason) for the project; clear statement of the problem to be addressed; sufficient explanation of background concepts; reflects accepted practices in the STEM discipline; uses a variety of strong valid references 

METHODS/MATERIALS​: Clear explanation of procedures which includes materials and equipment used; includes safety precautions which are consistent with risk analysis; appropriate use of materials, equipment, and technology; the design is consistent with STEM discipline

RESULTS​:  Contains sufficient trials, design iterations, or proofs; collected over an appropriate time period; appropriate data tables, graphs, or other visual presentations; appropriate statistical and/or other mathematical methods; addresses unexpected events or data; verbally summarizes key findings ​

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION​: Relates major findings to problem investigated; uses STEM literature to explain findings; articulates strengths, weaknesses, and improvements needed; describes applications of research and potential future projects 

GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF PAPER:​ Consistent with reporting procedures in a STEM discipline; components are clearly and succinctly written; correct spelling and punctuation; references from reliable publications – scholarly and peer-reviewed; follows the required style manual for citations and references 

II. SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATION

PRESENTATION:  ​Comfortable with communicating information (not reading audiovisuals); engages the audience through eye contact, volume, and pace of presentation; uses visuals that are sufficiently large, attractive, and increase audience’s understanding of the topic; comfortable with using technology; stays within the timeframe ​(35 points)

INTERACTION WITH JUDGES: ​Constructs a response that is supported by empirical evidence (results) and/or STEM literature;​ ​uses evidence that is relevant to the question; recognizes the difference between opinion and evidence in response;​ ​respectfully receives and responds to critiques from judges​; ​displays understanding of the project ​(15 points)  

III. QUALITY OF RESEARCH: Assesses the Quality of Research of the Project. Look to see if the research addresses a high-quality problem which is important for the STEM discipline; seeks to solve a problem whose results are not obvious to the student given their educational background; shows ingenuity in design, methodology, or analysis; strong evidence that student did the work and understands the project (35 points)

GENERAL IMPRESSION:   ​Represents a high-quality project for age, educational background, and/or work environment;​ ​evidence of growth in research skills throughout the project;​ ​evidence that student is interested and invested in the project;​ ​quality of the project in relation to other presenters, e.g. outstanding, good, average, below average ​(15 points)