Judging

Student looking at beaker in lab

Judges meet and interact with talented middle and high school students who are exploring their passions in science and engineering. Fair participants are eager to share their work with experts in their particular fields of interest. Judges evaluate the quality of the work exhibited in the students’ projects.

Judges are assigned projects based on their area of expertise and the volume of student projects by category. Judging takes place in two phases. Phase I allows judges to review their poster board, notebook, and supporting documents without students. During phase II, judges interview the students, asking questions to learn more about their project. Scores will be submitted, allowing for quantitative and qualitative feedback and evaluation. We are thankful for you, our STEM community, and appreciate your consideration of lending your expertise to the next generation of STEM leaders!


Judging Time/Commitment:
Friday, January 28, 2022
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Orientation – Light Breakfast Provided
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Phase I – Judging without Students
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Phase II – Student Interviews
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch Provided
Most judges complete their duties at noon, but are welcome to enjoy lunch and are invited to stay for the selection of awards and award ceremony for recognition.
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: Selection of Awards
Lead judges for each category determine the category winner if two projects receive the same score.


Judges also serve as ambassadors of their respective professions providing insight and wisdom and potentially influencing career choices for these future leaders. For many of these students, this will be their first encounter with science and engineering professionals.


Feel free to explore the Judging Rubrics below for Junior and Senior Division Science and Engineering projects:


We also encourage you to view the What is a Science & Engineering Fair Judge? document to gain some tips on how to be a good science fair judge.