Judging Categories 2011
1. Original Undergraduate Research
Description: This category is for exhibits displaying independent research by undergraduate students. Emphasis will be placed on technical effort, presentation, and minimal faculty assistance. Students working on individual study projects/courses through a professor or on significant James Scholar projects are encouraged to submit their projects into this category.
Things to Consider: What is the importance of the research, and where does it apply? How is the research groundbreaking or original? Make sure the research is converted into a clearly defined project.
2. Class Projects
Description: This category is intended for class-sponsored projects. These projects are to be completed as part of a class instead of being done as an extracurricular.
Things to Consider: How does the material from the sponsoring class pertain to this project? Why is this project/class the best that the department has to offer? What is the relevance of this project? Make sure that background information about the sponsoring class is included.
3. Just for the Fun of It
Description: This category is intended for exhibits that showcase the more entertaining aspects of engineering.
Projects should consist of principles and technologies and their enjoyable applications. It should be noted that most projects in this category tend to become the “classic” science fair/demo exhibits with a large amount of audience participation. People should leave the projects entertained and informed.
A. Hands-On Learning
This sub-group consists of projects that depend heavily on audience participation.
B. Just Because
This sub-group consists of all other projects with the category of “Just for the Fun of It.”
4. The “Real World”
Description: This category is intended for exhibits that demonstrate an application of engineering toward the
“real” (outside of the classroom) world and everyday life. The presentation should include some background research on the engineering application in question and its implementation to a specific industry.
5. Back to School
Description: This category is intended for exhibits that explain recent technological developments in engineering or the sciences. Projects should explain the background leading up to these discoveries and the impact of these discoveries on the present and future.
6. Encore!
Description: This category is intended for any projects that have been exhibited since 2010. To qualify for this category, improvements on the project must be evident and explained during the presentation. Any projects that have been entered in previous years must be entered into this category no matter how improved it may be from years past. Any questions about the originality of the project should be directed towards Palak Doshi
(pcdoshi2@illinois.edu). Do not assume that last year’s work is still acceptable. Emphasis will be placed on the degree at which the improvements contribute to the project.
A. Non-Technical
Projects in this sub-group shall be reflected from past categories such as “Just for the Fun of It” and “EOH Theme Exhibits.”
B. Technical
Projects in this sub-group shall be reflected from past categories that are technical in nature.
7. Presentation of Society
Description: This category will consist solely of projects entered by student societies and should represent the functions, goals, accomplishments, and overall character of the society.
8. EOH 2011 Theme Exhibit: “Defining the Future”
Description: This category is intended for exhibits that best display the theme of EOH. The presentation should clearly explain its interpretation of the selected theme and how the exhibit exemplifies the theme. Emphasis will be placed on this last point.
9. Go Green!
Description: This award is intended for exhibits displaying technology based on sustainability and energy conservation. This includes low-energy devices, alternative energy sources, and efficient energy use.

Additional Awards:
People’s Choice
Description: This award will be given to the exhibit that receives the most votes from visitors at Engineering Open
House.
Spirit of Illini Engineering Award
Description: The Spirit of Illini Engineering Award will be given to the top performing department. If your exhibit relates to a specific department in the College of Engineering, be sure to indicate which department on the exhibit registration form.