Chester County Science
Research Competition
Judges’ Presentation
Dr. Lucy Balian Rorke Fair
March 3, 2011
Dr. Jonas Salk Fair
March 4, 2011
Center for Arts and Technology-Pickering Campus
Phoenixville, PA
CCSRC Mission Statement
The Chester County Science Research Competition is dedicated
to encouraging, supporting and developing scientific inquiry
and discovery through individual and team science projects
conducted by elementary, middle and high school students. We
believe that students are the foundation of our nation’s future.
Their understanding and accomplishments in science and
technology will prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow
and successful citizens in our technologically advancing society.
We believe:

The Chester County Science Research Competition (CCSRC)
sponsored by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, provides an
opportunity for students to pursue inquiry-based science through
problem solving, planning and conducting research
investigations, and using appropriate tools to gather and analyze
data.
CCSRC Mission Statement



Inquiry-based science is an integral part of science education
supported by both the National Science Education Standards
and the Pennsylvania Science and Technology Standards.
Students involved in scientific investigations exemplify the
true nature of science.
Through the utilization of the rules established by the Society
for Science and the Public for the Intel International Science
and Engineering Fair, we provide a safe and flexible
learning environment that promotes creativity, investigation
and critical thinking.
The Chester County Science Research Competition also
provides an opportunity for students to present their projects
to professional educators and scientists and communicate the
results of their investigations at local, regional, national and
international competitions.
CCSRC Mission Statement


Specifically, the CCSRC recognizes and honors participating
students from all Chester County schools at an annual
regional science fair. We also provide an opportunity for
finalists from the Chester County Science Research
Competition to compete at the Delaware Valley Science Fairs
(DVSF). For those students who are successful at the DVSF,
a trip awaits to the Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair (ISEF).
It is our belief that the Chester County Science Research
Competition and its affiliated fairs encourage students to
pursue careers in science, technology, mathematics, and/or
engineering by providing a forum for developing academic
skills, conducting independent scientific investigation,
writing research papers, speaking, preparing an organized
display, and utilizing the processes and tools of science.
CCSRC Philosophy






All students deserve the utmost respect and admiration from the CCSRC
staff and judges.
All projects represent the best science projects entered by students in their
respective school fairs.
All students are to be commended for successfully completing a new,
challenging and sometimes difficult process to reach this level of
competition.
For many students, this is their first venture into an academic event outside
their school; our goal is to make this a positive and meaningful experience.
It should be presumed that all students have done their own work.
Teacher, parent and/or professional assistance is permitted and
encouraged.
Who Are These Young Scientists?



The students at our fair represent the
next generation of young people who
will become our scientists,
researchers, health care and
technology-based workers in our
society.
Each student has competed at a
local fair and their work was
selected as a top ten project from
their school.



Students participating in the Salk
Fair are 9 or 10 year olds and are
from grades 4 or 5.


Students participating in the Rorke
Fair are 11 to 18 years old and
represent grades 6 to 12.
They look up to you and respect your
role as an expert in science.
Students are excited to be attending
the fair and will be very nervous
during the interview.
They will be sensitive to your
demeanor, tone of voice, the interest
you have in their project, the number
of times they are interviewed and the
amount of time you spend discussing
their project with them. Children are
very intuitive.
The positive impact you have on
them during the interview will likely
be remembered for a lifetime.
What To Expect

Each student should be able to speak
authoritatively about his or her
project.





All projects should demonstrate the use
of an inquiry-based investigation.
Where applicable, the scientific method
should have been used.

Mathematics, engineering and
computer projects may not
demonstrate the scientific method.


In mathematics, engineering, and
computer science, a systemic approach
to problem solving should be evident.
Begin your interview with a friendly
greeting and introduction.
Some students will tell you everything
about their projects. Others will need
gentle prompts from you or the team to
bring out the information.
Project boards should have data displays.
Reference them during the interview to
determine if the student understands the
data.
Try to determine the depth of the
student’s understanding about the
scientific concepts and principals
underlying their investigations.
Judging Teams

All judges will work in teams of two or more judges.

Your judging will occur in two parts:

The morning will be reserved for interviewing the students.

The afternoon will give you time to more carefully analyze the student’s work and
discuss the merits of the project with fellow judges without the students being
present. You will be selecting the top three projects in each category and any
projects that deserve an honorable mention.

It is important that students are interviewed, at least, twice. You can either split your
team and work individually or you can return to each project as a team to do some
additional in-depth questioning.

Take notes using the judging forms as a guide for your evaluation of each project.

During the afternoon, you will complete an official judging form. Each judging form
must have, at least, an equal representation of strengths and weaknesses. A few hand
written notes of encouragement for the student are always appreciated. These forms will
be returned to the students after the fair. Please be fair, honest and kind.
What Should I Find at Each Project?

A very excited and nervous student who is eager to put their best foot forward

A project board with the following items, a(n):


title in question form

hypothesis

materials list

procedure

data charts, pictures, graphs, etc.

conclusion

abstract

student log or journal
Do not expect to find working models, plants, chemicals, or other manipulatives.
These are not required and some are not permitted.
How Do I Evaluate the Project Board?
Things to look for include:


Neatness, accuracy and organization are evident on the display
board.
The steps of the scientific method are utilized to investigate the
student’s idea. (For most projects. However, engineering, computer and math projects may not
exhibit the scientific method)



The use of graphs, charts, pictures and other visuals are used to
display data collected during the investigation.
A log book or journal that demonstrates the student’s effort in
completing the project. (Does not have to be neat!)
A one page abstract that clearly summarizes the student’s work
and understanding of the project.
Suggested Questions for Judging Projects

Where did you get your idea for your science project?

What were you hoping to learn by doing this project?

What did you learn by doing this investigation?

Did you find any unexpected data or results?

What aspects of your project did you find most interesting?

Did you encounter any difficulties and how did you resolve them?

What would you do differently if you were doing this project again?

How could you extend this project? Have you gotten any new ideas by
doing this project?
Rorke Fair Awards

Rorke Fair awards are given in four groups: first, second, third and honorable
mention. Only one project in each category and grade level can receive a first,
second and third. Honorable Mention may be given to twenty percent of the projects
in each category and grade.

In addition to your work, there is a second tier of judging that occurs. A small team
of special awards judges selects the three Best of Show projects for grades 6-8, 9, 10,
11, and 12. For the Rorke Fair, the Best of Show Awards will be selected from all of
the 1st Place projects. To accomplish this, it is important that we know who your 1st
place winner is for the category(ies) you are judging. Please list the category,
project name and project number on the 1st Place Award form in your packet and
give it to a fair official as early as possible, but not later than 2:00. You can then go
back to decide on the 2nd, 3rd place and Honorable Mention winners.

Other special awards are given to projects that, while they may not be exemplary,
exhibit some creative effort, interesting perspective or other unique characteristic
that deserves recognition. Please submit the category, project name and project
number to us for consideration by our special awards judges for other recognition on
the Special Awards form.
Salk Fair Awards



Salk Fair awards are given in three groups: Distinguished Honors, High Honors,
and Honors. Ten percent of the projects in each category may be awarded the
first three awards. For example, if there are ten projects in a category, you may
give one Distinguished Honors, one High Honors, and one Honors. Please note
that you have some flexibility here if you feel that two or three projects should
share an award.
In addition to your work, there is a second tier of judging that occurs. A small
team of special awards judges selects the three Best of Show projects for grades
4-5. For the Salk Fair, the Best of Show Awards will be selected from all of the
Distinguished Honors projects. Please list the category, project name and project
number on the Distinguished Honors Award form in your packet and give it to a
fair official as early as possible, but not later than 2:00. You can then go back to
decide on the High Honors and Honors winners.
Other special awards are given to projects that, while they may not be exemplary,
exhibit some creative effort, interesting perspective or other unique characteristic
that deserves recognition. Please submit those project categories, project names
and project numbers to us for consideration by our special awards judges for
other recognition on the Special Awards form.
With Deep Appreciation
On behalf of the children and future scientists of Chester
County, the Chester County Intermediate Unit and the
staff of the Chester County Science Research
Competition, would like to extend our sincere
appreciation to you for your dedication, time and
expertise in helping to make our fair a success.
•
Mary Jeanne Curley
Director of Public Relations
•
Jennifer L. Fraim
Coordinator of Special Events
•
Katherine A. Pettiss
CCSRC Advisor
•
David D. Jarvie
CCSRC Director