Understanding the CWSF Judging Process
Creating a successful STEM project involves more than just conducting an experiment or building a prototype. Understanding how your project will be evaluated can help you focus your efforts and present your work more effectively.
This guide explains the judging criteria used at the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF).
How CWSF Judging Works
When your project is evaluated at a STEM fair, judges will assess it across three main categories:
- Scientific Thought (with subcategories for Discovery or Innovation projects)
- Originality and Creativity
- Communication
For each category, judges assign a level from 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest. They also rate the quality within each level as High (H), Medium (M), or Low (L). This detailed system allows judges to differentiate between projects that fall within the same general level.
Understanding the Scientific Thought Category
The Scientific Thought category assesses how well you applied the scientific method or engineering design process. Projects are first classified as either “Discovery” or “Innovation” based on their primary goal:
Discovery Projects
These projects aim to add to human knowledge through original research or by analyzing data from multiple sources. If your project answers a “why” or “how” question about the world, it’s likely a Discovery project.
Example: Investigating the effects of different light wavelengths on plant growth or Analyzing climate data to identify local warming patterns
Innovation Projects
These projects aim to solve a practical problem by developing a new device, studying a model, or creating a new technique. If your project is designed to address a need or improve upon existing solutions, it’s likely an Innovation project.
Example: Designing a water filtration device using locally available materials or Creating an app to help people reduce their carbon footprint
What Judges Look For in Scientific Thought
Level 4 (Highest)
- Original research with controlled variables
- Thorough data analysis with clear conclusions
- Integration of multiple technologies or approaches
- Realistic evaluation of results and limitations
- Well-supported statements about the project’s significance
- Thoughtful suggestions for future work
Level 3
- Original experimentation with attention to variables
- Appropriate data analysis methods
- Innovative design or adaptations to existing technology
- Evidence of human benefit or advancement of knowledge
Level 2
- Extensions of known experiments with modest improvements
- Confirmation of existing conclusions
- Improved applications for existing technology
- Some awareness of broader context
Level 1
- Replication of known experiments without new insights
- Simple data collection without further analysis
- Basic models that duplicate existing technology
Originality and Creativity
This category evaluates how innovative your approach is and how resourcefully you used available materials.
What Judges Look For in Originality and Creativity
Level 4 (Highest)
- Novel approach to the problem or question
- Resourcefulness in design and use of equipment
- Creative methods of analysis or presentation
- For Indigenous knowledge projects: innovative approaches to issues of importance to Indigenous peoples
Level 3
- Creative use of available resources
- Well-thought-out project with above-average aspects
Level 2
- Simple design with some evidence of imagination
- Standard use of resources or equipment
- Common or current topic
Level 1
- Simple design with little evidence of imagination
- Project concept easily found in books or online sources
Communication
Your ability to effectively communicate your project is evaluated through five elements:
- ProjectBoard video
- ProjectBoard content
- Evidence of organized record keeping (logbook/journal)
- Judging interview
- Exhibit poster/display materials
What Judges Look For in Communication
Level 4 (Highest)
- Clear, informative ProjectBoard content and display materials
- Balance between clarity and brevity
- Appropriate, well-designed visual elements
- Diverse and high-quality references
- Thorough, organized records
- Clear, logical, and engaging oral presentation
- For team projects: equitable contribution from all members
Level 3
- Detailed and substantial communication components
- Well-executed but may require some explanation
- Use of sources beyond just web-based articles
Level 2
- Simple or incomplete elements
- Materials requiring clarification
- Almost entirely web-based sources
- For team projects: uneven contribution during presentation
Level 1
- Most elements are simple, unsubstantial, or incomplete
- Little evidence of attention to effective communication
- Insufficient or poor-quality sources
Tips for Improving Judging Results
Scientific Thought
- For Discovery projects: Clearly identify variables, control them where possible, and use appropriate analysis methods.
- For Innovation projects: Evaluate your solution against existing alternatives and be honest about limitations
- Include a thoughtful discussion of your project’s significance and potential future directions.
Originality and Creativity
- Choose a topic you’re genuinely curious about—your passion will fuel creative approaches
- Look for novel ways to address your question or problem
- Document your creative process and decision-making in your logbook
Communication
- Create a clear, visually appealing display that tells the story of your project
- Prepare a concise, engaging project video for ProjectBoard
- Keep detailed records throughout your project
- Practice explaining your project clearly and answering questions
- If it’s a partner project, ensure you both can discuss all aspects of the project
- Use high-quality references from diverse sources, not just websites
Special Considerations for Indigenous Traditional Knowledge Projects
Projects incorporating Indigenous Traditional Knowledge are evaluated with additional considerations:
- Importance to the land and community
- Holistic approach to knowledge creation
- Evidence of consultation with Knowledge Keepers or Elders
- Connection to issues of importance to Indigenous peoples
- Inclusion of place-based information from community members
- Support for traditional values of the community
Remember
- Have a conversation with judges. Tell the story of your project through a conversation instead of reciting a prepared speech. We don’t recommend memorizing a presentation – it can make it hard for judges to ask questions throughout, and can make it awkward if you forget your place. Instead, have a conversation where you set the scene of your project, invite them to become emotionally invested in the story of your project, and then share what you discovered and why it is important. This way you can answer judges’ questions throughout your conversation and naturally continue on with your story.
- You know your project better than anyone! If you feel nervous or unsure about presenting to the judges, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are the expert of your project, you know the details of all of the steps you took and the importance of your results.
- The judging process evaluates not just your results. Judges look at your entire scientific journey—from your initial question or problem definition through your methodology, analysis, and communication. Even projects with results that don’t support your hypothesis or expected outcomes can still be highly if the scientific process was sound and well-communicated. Judges value honesty about limitations and challenges you faced. Reflecting thoughtfully on what you learned and how your project could be extended shows scientific maturity that judges appreciate.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the judging criteria can help you focus your efforts and present your work more effectively, but don’t let it limit your creativity. The best projects come from genuine curiosity and passion, and it is your job to share that excitement and the story of your project with the judges.
Regardless of whether you win an award, the skills you develop through your STEM project journey will benefit you far beyond CWSF!