1) Does the project show creative ability and originality in the questions
asked?
The approach to solving the problem?
The analysis of the data?
The interpretation of the data?
The use of equipment?
The construction or design of new equipment?
2) Creative research should support an investigation and help answer a
question in an original way.
3) A creative contribution promotes an efficient and reliable method for
solving a problem. When evaluating projects, it is important to distinguish
between gadgets and ingenuity.
Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously?
Was the problem sufficiently limited to allow plausible attack? Good
scientists can identify important problems capable of solutions.
Was there a procedural plan for obtaining a solution?
Are the variables clearly recognized and defined?
If controls were necessary, did the student recognize their need and were
they correctly used?
Are there adequate data to support the conclusions?
Does the student recognize the data’s limitations?
Does the student understand the project’s ties to related research?
Does the student have an idea of what further research is warranted?
Did the student cite
scientific literature, or only popular literature (i.e., local newspapers
Does the project have a clear objective?
Is the objective relevant to the potential user’s needs?
Is the solution workable? Is it acceptable to the potential user? Is it
economically feasible?
Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of an
end product?
Is the solution a significant improvement over previous alternatives?
Has the solution been tested for
performance under the conditions of use?
III. Thoroughness
Was the purpose carried out to completion within the scope of the original
intent? If not, why?
How completely was the problem covered?
Are the conclusions based on a single experiment or replication?
How complete are the project notes?
Is the student aware of other approaches or theories?
How much time did the student spend on the project?
Is the student familiar with scientific literature in the studied field?
IV. Skill
Does the student have the required laboratory, computation, observational and
design skills to obtain supporting data?
Where was the project performed? (I.e., home, school laboratory, university
laboratory) Did the student receive assistance from parents, teachers,
scientists or engineers?
Was the project completed under adult supervision, or did the student work
largely alone?
Where did the equipment come from? Was it built independently by the student?
Was it obtained on loan? Was it part of a laboratory where the student worked?
If the student received help, does the student understand the work?
V. Clarity
How clearly does the student discuss his/her project and explain the purpose,
procedure, and conclusions? Watch out for memorized speeches that reflect little
understanding of principles.
Does the written material reflect the student's understanding of the
research?
Are the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner?
How clearly are the data presented?
How clearly are the results presented?
How well does the project display explain the project?
Was the presentation done in a forthright manner, without tricks or gadgets?
