Science Fair Judging – Why Didn’t I Win?
Guest Blogger: Dr, Maille Lyons, The Science Fair Coach
Most of the time, when you don’t win, a science fair there isn’t any feedback on why your project was not selected as one of the best. Here is a list of the 5 most common reasons a project, that might otherwise seem like a “winner” does not even place in the top tier.
1. Violation: Gadgeteering
Explanation: Projects that do not follow the scientific method to solve a problem will usually be dismissed as a demonstration or a gadget. This is particularly common with a new technology. For example, a project that demonstrates how a solar cell (or DNA extraction kit or hover-craft etc.) works is not sufficient for a competitive science fair project because there is no experimentation. The project might win at school level for the “wow” factor, but will not be considered for awards at higher levels. HOWEVER, the exception to this violation is for science fairs with a specific category for Engineering and/or Technology. In this case, learn and follow the engineering design principles, which are similar to scientific method.
2. Violation: Failure to follow scientific method
Explanation: The most common errors that fall under this violation are:
- no hypothesis (or
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