4-H Fun with Science Festival
OFFICIAL ESSAY CONTEST RULES
IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ ALL OF THE CONTEST RULES. Presentations that do not adhere
strictly to these rules and guidelines will not be judged.
Objectives:
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To acquire an understanding of subject matter in a given project area.
To develop skills in researching, assembling and presenting information.
To provide opportunities for students to develop and enhance qualities of integrity,
sportsmanship, cooperation, poise and self-confidence.
To help students develop skills in leadership and communication.
General Competition Information:
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Schools may bring up to three (3) students.
Presentations should be limited to a maximum time of six (6) minutes.
Presentation is to be an illustrated talk. This is a presentation using posters or other
props explaining an idea, presenting information, or how to do something.
There is a five (5) minute setup time limit for demonstrations. The student may use
assistance as necessary to set up within the five minute limit. The limit begins once the
previous demonstrator has cleared away his or her materials.
Live Animals including small animals such as fish, hamsters, and hermit crabs are not
permitted at the competition.
Students are not allowed to bring to any competitions or have in their possession at
school during any 4-H event, activity or function the following items: loaded or unload
firearms, mace, box cutter, explosive devices including bullets and stun guns, razors,
guns or replica of guns, chemical sprays, razor blades, darts, ammunition of any type,
pellet or BB gun, night stick knife of any type or size stink bomb\pipe bomb, fireworks of
any type, any homemade bomb or smoke bob, martial arts devices, paint bombs, any
item that releases a spray, foam, smoke, gas, fire or odor, fuses for explosive devices,
fighting chains, metal or brass knuckles, pen style laser pointers or any item not allowed
by the county school system.
Videos, slides, computers, overhead projectors, portable music players may not be used
in the contest.
Topics:
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Presentations can be about any topic related to any aspect of science. Topics can relate to
Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Careers in Science.
4-H Fun with Science Festival Demonstration Contest
Score Sheet
SPEAKER’S NAME _____________________________________________________
TOPIC _________________________________________________________________
BASIS FOR SCORING
MAXIMUM
POINTS
General Appearance:
Posture, Appropriate Dress, Visible Distractions
Visual Aids
Neat, legible at a distance, contribute to the presentation, not on the
professional appearance. All visuals should be judged on their
effectiveness and contribution to the presentation not on the quality of
the visual itself.
Delivery
Eye Contact, Body Control, Gestures, Head Movement, Facial
Expressions
Orderly Progress
Introduction, central ideas, and summary. Speech should flow from one
concept to another in a natural manner.
Accuracy of Information
Presentation subject/topic is related to an area of science. Information
presented is accurate and up to date. Used research based information
in developing the presentation.
10
Coverage of Subject
Presentation includes specific pertinent facts about the subject in
sufficient detail. Points may be deducted if too little detail is provide on
the subject or area. Additionally a presentation that is not very long in
length may be faulted here for lack of coverage of subject.
25
Overall Quality
Originality, Appropriate Topic, Skill in Use of Notes, Topic Coverage
Time Limit – 6 minutes max. Point deducted if less than 4 minutes.
15
Total
10
10
10
15
5
100
SCORE