2021 Virtual Science Fair Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does it mean to be a virtual science fair judge?
The junior and senior high fairs will be conducted 100% online in 2021 to promote the safety of our students and volunteers. Registered volunteers will each receive an email on January 15 telling them how to access the judging platform, review, and rate student projects. Each volunteer will have access to pre-recorded student videos in one science fair category. He/she will score and give an overall ranking to each project.
2. What is the time commitment required?
On average, each volunteer shift will take less than three hours during the week-long judging period. Volunteers who sign up to judge both a senior high and a junior high category will take about twice as long, depending on the number of projects in each category.
3. As a judge, will I talk directly with students online?
No. All student projects will be presented as pre-recorded slideshows where the student voice overs provide specific information about the projects. (Only grand award judging will take place synchronously.)
4. How does it work?
Volunteers can login anytime during the week-long judging period, January 15-22, to judge projects. They will only have access to the one category assigned to them. The online platform will use the same scoring rubric typically used at SCI://TECH. It does not matter if projects are all reviewed at once or a few at a time during the week, so long as all scores are submitted by noon on January 22.
5. Do I need a special app or subscription to participate as a volunteer?
No. Any computer, tablet, or phone with internet access should work without additional set up. Volunteers will receive a link via email that gives access to their category and list of student projects through the judging platform. Progress saves automatically.
6. Do I have to have a strong science background to be a good science fair judge?
No. Part of the process is for students to convey what they have learned during the process. Ideally, they share information clearly, regardless of the background of their judges. Volunteers without a strong science background should consider judging the junior high fair.
7. How can I participate?
Register as a volunteer at www.efta-us.org/scitech. Volunteers will be asked for their preference of category and whether they want to judge junior or senior high projects. There is a tremendous need for volunteers, so please spread the word.
8. Do students still get recognized with awards this year?
Students still have the opportunity to win medals and cash prizes at this year’s SCI://TECH fairs. SCI://TECH qualifies students for participation at the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston, which will also be virtual in 2021. Plus, any constructive feedback volunteers have for the students will be sent to students through their teachers.
1. What does it mean to be a virtual science fair judge?
The junior and senior high fairs will be conducted 100% online in 2021 to promote the safety of our students and volunteers. Registered volunteers will each receive an email on January 15 telling them how to access the judging platform, review, and rate student projects. Each volunteer will have access to pre-recorded student videos in one science fair category. He/she will score and give an overall ranking to each project.
2. What is the time commitment required?
On average, each volunteer shift will take less than three hours during the week-long judging period. Volunteers who sign up to judge both a senior high and a junior high category will take about twice as long, depending on the number of projects in each category.
3. As a judge, will I talk directly with students online?
No. All student projects will be presented as pre-recorded slideshows where the student voice overs provide specific information about the projects. (Only grand award judging will take place synchronously.)
4. How does it work?
Volunteers can login anytime during the week-long judging period, January 15-22, to judge projects. They will only have access to the one category assigned to them. The online platform will use the same scoring rubric typically used at SCI://TECH. It does not matter if projects are all reviewed at once or a few at a time during the week, so long as all scores are submitted by noon on January 22.
5. Do I need a special app or subscription to participate as a volunteer?
No. Any computer, tablet, or phone with internet access should work without additional set up. Volunteers will receive a link via email that gives access to their category and list of student projects through the judging platform. Progress saves automatically.
6. Do I have to have a strong science background to be a good science fair judge?
No. Part of the process is for students to convey what they have learned during the process. Ideally, they share information clearly, regardless of the background of their judges. Volunteers without a strong science background should consider judging the junior high fair.
7. How can I participate?
Register as a volunteer at www.efta-us.org/scitech. Volunteers will be asked for their preference of category and whether they want to judge junior or senior high projects. There is a tremendous need for volunteers, so please spread the word.
8. Do students still get recognized with awards this year?
Students still have the opportunity to win medals and cash prizes at this year’s SCI://TECH fairs. SCI://TECH qualifies students for participation at the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston, which will also be virtual in 2021. Plus, any constructive feedback volunteers have for the students will be sent to students through their teachers.