Judging At The Middle School Science Fair
 | Author:
Victor Sample
Vic Sample: MT43 News Treasurer |
Judging At the Middle School Science Fair Victor Sample In 2022, Janell Robischon (middle school teacher) contacted me about being a judge at the Middle School Science Fair. I was asked to judge the 8th graders.
I thought back to my eighth-grade experience and expected a bunch of “potato electricity generation” or “vinegar/baking-soda volcanoes”.
Well, I was WRONG!
I was astounded by many of the experiments the students performed. They were asked to find a project, formulate a hypothesis, perform the experiments, create a narrative complete with graphs/charts and pictures of their results and then summarize the results and whether their initial hypothesis proved out.
The students were judged on the uniqueness of their project, their level of enthusiasm in presenting the project, the presentation of the project (verbal and physical presentation), their overall understanding of the project and the results, their understanding of the science underlying the project and on their overall appearance.
I had a terrific time talking with the students about their projects and how sophisticated many of the experiments were performed. They were composed and knowledgeable about their projects; they understood the science, they understood their results, they had great ideas about how they could have done it better and, most importantly, they had great ideas about how they could follow up on their experiments and explore new paths and opportunities.
When Janell contacted me this year about being a judge, I was very excited to do it again. I was not disappointed! The eighth-grade students again proved they are smart, motivated and well-taught.
Congratulations to Janell Robischon and Anna Shearer for organizing a great event. Congratulations to the teachers that have done a wonderful job in preparing the students and, of course, congratulations to all of the participating students!
I hope to be invited to participate again in 2024!
