Judges
Interested in Volunteering your Knowledge and Expertise as a JUDGE?
The Worcester Regional Science and Engineering Fair is fast approaching. We are looking forward to a great day of in-person conversations and presentations at WPI on Friday, March 8th. We hope you will once again join us as a judge.
Judging will take place from 8 - 2 on Friday March 8th at WPI.
If you are ready to register as a judge, please click here (create account--> judge at top toolbar). Please note, accounts are not saved between years so even if you registered last year, you will need to create a new account for this year. Need more information or have questions? Email judging@wrsef.net with questions.
And please feel free to share this email or this flier with friends and colleagues who might be interested in joining as a judge - we are always eager to expand our judging pool and would love your help spreading the word.
How to Become a Judge:
The Worcester Regional Science & Engineering Fair (WRSEF) prides itself on being able to recruit a dedicated group of professionals to evaluate projects at the annual fairs. Judges may differ in their area of expertise or backgrounds, but they are alike in their love of science and their interest in educating and encouraging young people.
Judges must have a college degree or equivalent experience and/or training in one of the twelve judging categories. The categories are Astronomy, Behavioral Science, Biochemistry, Biology Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Parents of teachers with students in the fair, cannot serve as a judge. Corporations generally encourage employee participation in community service. WRSEF is always seeking new judges, so please contact us if you are interested in becoming a judge.
How to Judge:
Judges play a significant role in the science fair process. They use their expertise to evaluate and provide feedback to middle and high school students, some of which are presenting their first scientific research project. Having professionals review and discuss their work, may influence the career paths of the students. Please consult "Good Science Fair Judging" for more detailed information on how to judge.
High School Fair Judge Information:
Judges are encouraged to spend a few minutes touring the exhibit hall to get a general sense of the range and quality of projects before conducting the first interview.
Judges should become familiar with the Score Card before the fair. Team projects are judged on the same criteria as Individual projects, but adjustments can be made for "team work" in the Oral Presentation sub-score. Multi-year projects are to be judged solely on research done this year. Please note the minimum and maximum for each sub-score. Any number between the minimum and maximum may be used. Avoid extreme values unless warranted. Specific written comments to the students are always appreciated. Drop completed scorecards to a committee member at the registration table. Try to keep the time spent with each project to 15-20 minutes, and remember to log your visit at each display.
Middle School Information:
Judges are encouraged to spend a few minutes touring the exhibit hall to get a general sense of the range and quality of projects before conducting the first interview.
Judges should become familiar with the Score Card before the fair. Team projects are judged on the same criteria as Individual projects. Please note the minimum and maximum for each sub-score. Any number between the minimum and maximum may be used. Avoid extreme values unless warranted. Specific written comments to the students are always appreciated. Drop completed scorecards to a committee member at the registration table. Try to keep the time spent with each project to 15-20 minutes, and remember to log your visit at each display.
Please consult with the Middle School Chair, should you have any questions or comments about the judging process.