Entering a Project in the Non-Judged Category

Because several parents have questioned the necessity of competition and judging, we have created a "non-judged" category of the GPHSF. Parents may choose to have their children enter projects to be displayed at the GPHSF without having to be interviewed by judges. (Indicate your preference in the "For Parents" box on the Registration Form.) Why might you want to choose this option?

The student might be very young or shy and not comfortable speaking to adult "strangers."
The student or parent may be opposed to the idea of academic competition.
The student may have a language barrier which would make interviewing difficult.
It may be the student's first experience with science fair; this may be considered a way to ease into it. ("Perhaps this year we'll just learn to do an experiment; next year we'll go for an award.")
It may just be your preference.

Judged

vs.

Non-Judged

Different:

Student writes a project report and submits it one week prior to the GPHSF
Student arrives to set up science fair exhibit between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.
Student is judged between 9:00 and 11:30 a.m.*
Student receives a ribbon at the awards ceremony

Student does not have to submit his/her project report
Student arrives to set up science fair exhibit between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m.
Student is not judged*
Student receives a certificate of participation

Same:

Student registers for GPHSF (including paperwork for restricted topics) and submits registration fee
Student follows GPHSF guidelines to conduct an experiment following a scientific method
Student prepares a visual display
Student attends GPHSF and stands at exhibit during afternoon public viewing (3:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
Student may attend lab demonstrations and awards ceremony.

*During the judging period, all students who are not being judged may visit other displays, stand at his/her own display to answer questions, visit the participants' waiting room, or go to a lab demonstration.

What are the judging criteria?

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Questions? Contact the GPHSF Director.

Last modified: 31 August 2004