Listen to every student's presentation for five minutes. Then, ask several questions according to the judging criteria and provide feedback about the poster design, content, scientific method, data management, and student presentation to promote future improvement. Overall, a judging session should last 10-15 min.

Examine the quality of students' work, and how well they understand theır project and area of study. The physical display is secondary to students' knowledge of the subject. Look for evidence of laboratory, field or theoretical work, not just library research or gadgeteering.

Judges should keep in mind that competing in a science fair is not only a competition, but an educational and motivating experience for the students. The high point of the BOSEPO experience for most of the students is their judging sessions.

Students may have worked on a research project for more than one year. However, for the purpose of judging, ONLY research conducted within the current year is to be evaluated. Although previous work is important, it should not unduly impact the judging of this year’s project. Previous work should be clearly separated from the current work in student research papers and presentation.

As a general rule, judges represent professional authority to BOSEPO finalists. For this reason, judges should use an encouraging tone when asking questions, offering suggestions or giving constructive criticism. Judges should not criticize, treat lightly, or display boredom toward projects they personally consider unimportant. Always give credit to students for completing a challenging task and/or for their success with the project.

All communication with students should be formal and professional. Please refrain from informal conversations and banter, and never engage in commenting or discussions with the students regarding the personal stories they incorporate into their presentations, appearance, attitudes, beliefs or any other sensitive topic.  

Compare projects only with those competing at this fair and not with projects seen in other competitions or scholastic events.

It is important in the evaluation of a project to determine how much guidance was provided to the student(s) in the design and implementation of their research. When research is conducted in an industrial or institutional setting, the student should have documentation that provides a forum for the mentor or supervisor to discuss the project. Judges should review this information in detail when evaluating research.

Please be discreet when discussing winners or making critical comments in elevators, restaurants, or elsewhere, as students or adult escorts might overhear. Results are confidential until announced at the awards ceremony.