Here are some evaluation points for judging science fair projects.

Creative Ability/Originality

• There was a question asked.
• It was an original question and the answer was not known.
• The approach to answering the question was creative.
• The creativity of the study was within the creative ability of the student.
• The student utilized the scientific method in experimentation rather than any description and observation.

Scientific Thought

• The scope of the study was within the student's ability.
• The study was well thought out and the student showed initiative in thought and design.
• The goals and objectives for doing the study were well defined.
• The scientific literature was examined.
• A logical hypothesis was developed for this study.
• The data collected relates to the hypothesis.

Thoroughness

• The student collected all data available.
• The student identified all the controls.
• The sample sizes and population sources were carefully chosen.
• The variable of each experiment was clearly defined.
• Replications and duplications were utilized.
• The student anticipated the problems encountered.
• The student related the work to that reported in the literature.
• The data were collected in quantitative units.
• Several experiments (trials) were done; not just one.
• The study was completed or brought to a logical stopping place.
• The data were thoroughly analyzed.

Skill

• The experimental protocols were handled with skill.
• The experiments were designed with care and anticipation.
• Data measurements were done precisely.
• The study was skillfully designed and not too complicated.
• Technical problems were overcome and not merely avoided.
• A detailed notebook or log was kept.
• The study was the student's alone and excessive help was not evident.