Divisions
 
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  • Be sure to review and follow all rules
  • Projects must be submitted by deadlines
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  • Awards will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
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  • All projects will be judged according to the Danish System of judging, unless otherwise specified.
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    10-Writing Category

    Project Check-In
    This is a normal category; check-in is mid-May.
    Friday, May 14 from Noon-6pm; Saturday, May 15 from 9am-Noon.

    Rules
        
  • All written work must be in NOTEBOOK format; no display boards will be accepted.
  • Writing projects MUST be typed or handwritten by the student.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Presentation  10%  Is project neatly done and presented in an attractive format? Consider additional touches such as cover page, illustrations, page borders or numbering, etc. 
    Originality/Creativity  20%  Is the topic interesting or approached in an original way? Does the writer show original thought and effective use of language (esp. applicable in fictional writing and poetry)? 
    Grammar  30%  Does work display correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization and paragraph formatting? 
    Content  40%  Are key elements of the written work present when relevant: topic sentences, conclusion, bibliography/sources, literary elements, good use of vocabulary, etc. Does the material engage the reader and hold his interest? Is the depth of writing appropriate to the student's age? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    10-10  Poetry   One Poem = One Entry 
    10-20  Fictional / Creative Writing  Short stories, fables, etc. 
    10-30  Non-fiction  Research and report writing 
    10-40  Personal essay  Autobiographical/Memoir accounts, narrative & descriptive essays 
    20-Sewing Category

    Project Check-In
    This is a normal category; check-in is mid-May.
    Friday, May 14 from Noon-6pm; Saturday, May 15 from 9am-Noon.


    Judging Criteria:
    Appearance  20%  Is the overall appearance neat and attractive? 
    Creativity  20%  Does the project display original thought or design choices on the part of the student (selection of interesting project or pattern, colors, fabric, decorative touches, etc.)? 
    Difficulty/Complexity  20%  Does the level of difficulty seem appropriate or even challenging to the child's age? Does the project appear to have required many steps and much time and/or patience to complete? 
    Finished inside & out  40%  Does the project appear complete? Seams are finished with no loose threads or rough edges left untrimmed, etc. 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    20-10  Quilting  This may include quilts of any size, place mats, wall hangings, anything that uses quilting techniques. 
    20-20  Needlework  Embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint and crewel 
    20-30  Knitting and Crocheting   
    20-40  Clothing and textiles   
    20-60  Stuffed animals and dolls  Projects sewn and stuffed by child 
    30-Art Category

    Project Check-In
    This is a normal category; check-in is mid-May.
    Friday, May 14 from Noon-6pm; Saturday, May 15 from 9am-Noon.

    Rules
        
  • If you choose to mount artwork, please use a light-weight material.
  • Surfaces used may include paper, canvas, wood, glass, or other appropriate surface.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Age Appropriateness  10%  Is the work displayed and the project itself suitable for the age of the student? 
    Composition  30%  Did the artist make good choice and use of subject, space, and geometric elements (lines & shapes)?  
    Originality/Creativity  30%  Is the subject interesting or unusual, or a unique interpretation or view of a common subject? Does the artist make creative choices in color, perspective, etc? 
    Use of Medium  30%  Did the artist make effective use of the medium chosen for the project?  

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    30-10  Acrylic Oil Painting - freehand   
    30-20  Water Color - freehand  Includes tempera and finger paints 
    30-30  Colored Chalk and Oil Pastels   
    30-40  Sketches in color  Media used may include crayons, colored pencils, ink, or markers 
    30-50  Sketches in Black & White  Media used may include pen/ink, pencil, or charcoal 
    30-60  Mixed Media  Artwork that includes more than one media, such as ink, pencil, markers, pastels, charcoal, and/or paint. 
    35-Digital Art & Computer Graphics Category

    Project Check-In
    This is a normal category; check-in is mid-May.
    Friday, May 14 from Noon-6pm; Saturday, May 15 from 9am-Noon.

    Rules
        
  • Includes digital photography which has been significantly altered using a computer program such as Photoshop.
  • Please indicate computer program used to create artwork.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Concept Communicated  25%  Do the graphics effectively communicate the subject matter, ideas and/or information?  
    Design/Format  25%  Is the layout of the artwork effective and appealing? 
    Originality  25%  Does the project display some originality on the student's part, either in the subject matter and/or in the way the subject is presented (layout, color, etc.)? 
    Use of colors & shapes  25%  Did the artist use a variety and/or a good balance of colors and shapes? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    35-10  Computer-generated art and graphics  This may include artwork such as pictures, collages, flyers, brochures, posters, or digitally-altered photos. 
    40-Crafts, Original Category

    Project Check-In
    This is a normal category; check-in is mid-May.
    Friday, May 14 from Noon-6pm; Saturday, May 15 from 9am-Noon.

    Rules
        
  • All craft projects designed and made by the child WITHOUT a kit.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Difficulty/Complexity  20%  Does the level of difficulty seem appropriate or even challenging to the child's age? Does the project appear to have required many steps and much time and/or patience to complete? 
    Neatness  20%  Is the project or display neat and well done? 
    Quality of Outcome  20%  Does the project appear complete and correctly assembled? Does it appear that the student's efforts produced the intended/desired result? 
    Creativity/Originality  40%  Does the project show evidence of original thought or design choices on the part of the student (choice of project, colors, use of materials, decorative touches, etc.)? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    40-10  Clothing/Textile Decorating  Store-bought fabric item that has been decorated by child. This includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, aprons, pillowcases, totebags, etc. 
    40-20  Construction  Original project constructed with building-type blocks, such as Legos, K'nex, Erector, etc. Pieces should be glued together. 
    40-30  Wood and Metal Working  Original design. Wood/metal must be cut by student (with parental supervision as needed). 
    40-40  Plaster crafts  Original design made out of plaster or paper-mache. 
    40-50  Ceramics/ Sculptures  Project formed by child freehand using moldable material such as dough, clay, etc. No pre-purchased molds/projects. 
    40-60  Fiber Arts  Includes latchhook, weaving, macrame, string art, tatting, and knotting. 
    40-70  General Crafts  Original project made without the use of a kit that does not fit into above Divisions. May include projects using a variety of materials such as cardboard, paper, styrofoam, glass, tile, plastic, fabric, sand, beads, greenery, etc. 
    45-Crafts, Kits Category

    Project Check-In
    This is a normal category; check-in is mid-May.
    Friday, May 14 from Noon-6pm; Saturday, May 15 from 9am-Noon.

    Rules
        
  • Projects made with a kit which includes all materials needed to complete the project and design/building instructions.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Creativity/Originality  10%  Does the project show evidence of original thought or design choices on the part of the student (choice of project, colors, use of materials, decorative touches, etc.)? 
    Difficulty/Complexity  30%  Does the level of difficulty seem appropriate or even challenging to the child's age? Does the project appear to have required many steps and much time and/or patience to complete? 
    Neatness  30%  Is the project or display neat and well done? 
    Quality of Outcome  30%  Does the project appear complete and correctly assembled? Does it appear that the student's efforts produced the intended/desired result? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    45-10  Plastic Models  Planes, cars, boats, rockets made following step-by-step instructions. 
    45-20  Construction Kit  Projects made with building-type blocks, such as Legos, K'nex, Erector, etc. following design instructions. Pieces should be glued together. 
    45-30  Metal and Woodcraft Kit   Projects assembled with pre-cut or parent-cut wood (or metal) pieces and following design instructions. Includes Pinewood Derby car kits. 
    45-40  Ceramics/ Sculptures  Pre-molded ceramic item painted by child. 
    45-50  General Craft Kit  Project made following a set of instructions, not an original design. 
    50-Photography Category

    Project Check-In
    This is a normal category; check-in is mid-May.
    Friday, May 14 from Noon-6pm; Saturday, May 15 from 9am-Noon.

    Rules
        
  • All photos must be taken by student.
  • Photos may be taken with either a manual or digital camera.
  • Photos should be matted or mounted on light-weight material.
  • Photos which have been drastically manipulated or altered digitally should be entered in Category 35 - Computer & Graphic Arts.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Presentation  10%  Is the entry neatly and attractively cropped, matted and/or mounted? 
    Artistic Technique  30%  Did the artist make effective use of color, light, and perspective? 
    Composition  30%  Did the artist make good choice and use of subject, space, and geometric elements (lines & shapes)?  
    Originality  30%  Does the project display some originality on the student's part, either in the subject matter and/or in the way the subject is presented (layout, color, etc.)? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    50-10  Color Photography  One project = one photo, or one photo essay (a series of related photos telling a story) 
    50-20  Black and White Photography  One project = one photo, or one photo essay (a series of related photos telling a story) 
    50-30  Funniest Family Photo  Photo must be taken by the child.  
    60-History Category

    Project Check-In
    Special Check-in - All entries MUST be checked in Saturday before Fair Day in order to be judged.
    Check-in time is 11am - 1pm at the school.


    Judging Criteria:
    Age Appropriateness  5%  Is the work displayed and the project itself suitable for the age of the student? 
    Report Included  5%  A report or summary of the subject researched and what was learned should be included as relevant. References to sources used should be cited. 
    Concepts communicated  30%  Does the project clearly demonstrate the concepts/subject studied and learned by the student? Does factual information appear to be accurate and correct? 
    Neatness  30%  Is the project or display neat and well done? 
    Study & Effort  30%  Does project exhibit evidence of thorough research and study? Was a good effort made to organize the material and present it in an interesting and attractive way? Consider extra elements that may be included in the display. 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    60-10  Displays  Display may include maps, models/replicas, pictures, etc. but should also include a report with at least one resource cited. Research of subject should be evident. 
    70-Science - Scientific Method Category

    Project Check-In
    Special Check-in - All entries MUST be checked in Saturday before Fair Day in order to be judged.
    Check-in time is 11am - 1pm at the school.

    Rules
        
  • A one page report (min.) is encouraged and should be handwritten or typed by the student.
  • For an overview of the Scientific Method, go to www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml
  • Science entries which do not use the Scientific Method should be entered in Category 75.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Age Appropriateness  10%  Is the work displayed and the project itself suitable for the age of the student? 
    Neatness  20%  Is the project or display neat and well done? 
    Report Included  20%  A report or summary of the subject researched, procedures followed, and what was learned should be included when relevant. For scientific method experiments, this will include charts and/or graphs of data gathered. Also cited should be references to sources used. 
    All Steps Displayed  50%  All steps of the Scientific Method should be displayed: problem/question, hypothesis, procedure, results, & conclusion 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    70-10  Life Science  Experiments involving plants & seeds, animals, human body, five senses, health/nutrition, etc 
    70-20  Earth Science  Experiments involving rocks/minerals, water, weather, ecology, or astronomy 
    70-30  Physical Science  Experiments involving matter, energy, light, heat, sound, motion, simple machines, electricity, or chemistry 
    75-Science - Displays, Collections & Kits Category

    Project Check-In
    Special Check-in - All entries MUST be checked in Saturday before Fair Day in order to be judged.
    Check-in time is 11am - 1pm at the school.

    Rules
        
  • A one page report (min.) is encouraged and should be handwritten or typed by the Student.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Age Appropriateness  10%  Is the work displayed and the project itself suitable for the age of the student? 
    Report Included  10%  A report or summary of the subject researched, procedures followed, and what was learned should be included when relevant. For scientific method experiments, this will include charts and/or graphs of data gathered. Also cited should be references to sources used. 
    Neatness  30%  Is the project or display neat and well done? 
    Concepts communicated  50%  Does the project clearly demonstrate the concepts/subject studied and learned by the student? Does factual information appear to be accurate and correct? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    75-10  Displays, Kits & Collections  Projects in which the scientific method does not apply. A report or summary of concepts researched or learned should be included. 
    80-Baked Goods Category

    Project Check-In
    Special Check-in - All entries MUST be delivered first thing on Fair Day in order to be judged.
    Check-in time is 7:30am - 8:45am.

    Rules
        
  • All entries in this category must be made without a mix.
  • Baked Goods can be auctioned at the end of the day.
  • Make a note on Project Registration if you wish to donate an item to the auction.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Difficulty/Complexity  20%  Does the level of difficulty seem appropriate or even challenging to the child's age? Does the project appear to have required many steps and much time and/or patience to complete? 
    Visual appeal  20%  Is the item presented in such a way that it looks appealing and desirable to eat? 
    Taste  50%  Does the item have a pleasing taste and texture? Does it seem that the student's efforts produced the desired outcome? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    80-10  Yeast Breads   
    80-20  Non-Yeast/Quick Breads  No mixes. 
    80-30  Cakes  No mixes.  
    80-40  Pies  Crust must be homemade. 
    80-50  Cookies   
    80-60  Brownies and Bar Cookies   
    80-70  Candies  Includes fudge, truffles, peanut brittle, etc. 
    80-80  Puddings & Custards  No mixes. 
    80-90  Canning & Preserves  Includes any homemade fruit or vegetable preserves: jellies & jams, pickles, salsa, relish, etc. 
    85-Baked Goods, Appearance only Category

    Project Check-In
    Special Check-in - All entries MUST be delivered first thing on Fair Day in order to be judged.
    Check-in time is 7:30am - 8:45am.

    Rules
        
  • Cakes entered in this category may be made with a mix.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Difficulty/Complexity  20%  Does the level of difficulty seem appropriate or even challenging to the child's age? Does the project appear to have required many steps and much time and/or patience to complete? 
    Quality of Outcome  20%  Does it appear that the student's efforts produced the desired, intended result?  
    Creativity/Originality  30%  Does the project show evidence of original thought or design choices on the part of the student (choice of project, colors, use of materials, decorative touches, etc.)? 
    Visual appeal  30%  Is the item presented in such a way that it looks appealing and desirable to eat? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    85-10  Decorated Fancy Cakes  Layer or Sheet cake with piping, flowers, etc. wedding-cake style. 
    85-20  Decorated Novelty Cakes  Fun and creative shapes and designs. Judges looking for original ideas and creative use of materials.  
    85-30  Decorated Candies  Judges looking for creativity and attractive appearance. 
    90-Table Setting Category

    Project Check-In
    Special Check-in - All entries MUST be checked in Saturday before Fair Day in order to be judged.
    Check-in time is 11am - 1pm at the school.

    Rules
        
  • No Parental Influence! Have student practice and prepare prior to setting up at the Fair.
  • Table is to be set for 2 people.
  • Tables will be provided; each setting will be given a 30x30 inch area to work with.

    • Judging Criteria:
    Correctness  5%  Is each place setting complete and are items set in their correct positions at each place? 
    Appearance  20%  Is the overall appearance neat and attractive? 
    Use of handmade items  25%  Does table setting incorporate items made by the student, such as place mats, napkins, or a centerpiece? 
    Originality  50%  Does the project display some originality on the student's part, either in the subject matter and/or in the way the subject is presented (layout, color, etc.)? 

    Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    90-10  Table Setting  Any theme, place settings for two 
    92-Spelling Bee Category

    Rules
        
  • Check-in at 9:15am. Spelling Bee begins at 9:30am
  • No study list will be given. Have child study words appropriate for their age & grade level
  • Traditional judging method.

    • Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    92-10  Spelling Bee   
    94-Bible Sword Drill Category

    Rules
        
  • *Check-in at 1:45pm. Sword Drill begins at 2:00pm.
  • After the verse is called out, the first student to find verse stands and reads it aloud.
  • Bible Sword Drill will be separated into age divisions based on number of participants.
  • No Bibles with tabs will be allowed.
  • Traditional judging method.

    • Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    94-10  Bible Sword Drill   
    99-Olympics Category

    Rules
        
  • Events available from 9am - 12:30pm (except for 220 race)
  • Olympic results will be posted beginning at 3:00pm.
  • The 220 race begins at 1:00pm on the field; assemble at 12:45pm by Olympics table.
  • Traditional judging method; 1st through 6th places awarded.
  • Walk-up registration available on Fair Day; go to Olympics table in the field.

    • Project Divisions:
    Division Description Additional Information
    99-10  50 Yard Dash   
    99-20  100 Yard Dash   
    99-30  Standing Jump (a.k.a Broad Jump)   
    99-40  Running Long Jump   
    99-50  220 Race