Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria

The Tech Challenge judges will evaluate your project as a whole - they will look at how your device performs, what you have learned, and how well you work together. Your final score will include points for:

Device Performance

The Tech Challenge is based on a real-world problem. A device that looks impressive but does not work is not a good solution. A simple device that works every time will get a high score. Did you think about each task required in the challenge, and design your device to accomplish it? In many cases, you will need to make trade-offs (for example, finding the right balance between strength and weight). The judges will be excited about designs that are practical and could work in the real world.

Design & Engineering Process

In The Tech Challenge, how you came up with your solution is as important as the solution itself. The judges want to know about the process you used to design and build your device. Here are some processes the judges will look for:

Brainstorming - did you generate a lot of possible solutions before zeroing in on one idea? Be sure to keep notes on the other ideas you thought of.

Analysis - did you do some calculations or measurements to help get a better understanding of the problem? Put them in your journal.

Prototyping - did you make some quick, rough models of your device to check your assumptions? What did you learn from the testing process? The judges love to hear about this!

Documentation - do you have a schedule and a budget for your project? Did you capture all your brainstorming, analysis, and prototyping? Collect your documentation in a simple notebook and share it with the judges.

Teamwork and Presentation

The most important skill an engineer or scientist can have is teamwork. The judges will want to see evidence of teamwork as you make your presentation and operate your device. Does everyone have a role? Have you taken advantage of everyone's strengths and talents?

Technical people also need to be very good at communicating. Can your team present your ideas clearly, with spirit and style? Show us!

Judging Process Event Day

You will be paired up with two judges that will stay with you throughout the entire process.

  1. Pre-interview
  2. Device performance
  3. Post interview

The whole judging process takes approximately 40 minutes.

Device Performance

Each team will take a turn demonstrating their device. The judges will evaluate the device and its performance.

Interviews

Prior to your device demonstration, each team will go with their two judges for the pre-interview. Let your personalities and team style show through! During the interview judges will:

  1. Review your team's design documentation.
  2. Examine your device.
  3. Talk with each of you in order to understand your design process from brainstorming through testing and final preparations.
  4. Evaluate how you worked together - through the challenges and failures. They are listening to hear what you learned.

Checklist for the Interviews

Be prepared to:

  1. Discuss your roles, process and experience in working on the Challenge - especially how you dealt with failure.
  2. Point out elements in your documentation that highlight your process and experience.
  3. Explain your innovations in design and use of materials and how these relate to the Challenge.
  4. Reflect on what you learned and how your device completed the task during the device performance.
  5. Show off your creativity, inventiveness and style. You can do this through costumes, marketing materials and even video. (Note: You must supply your own laptop or video player - NONE will be provided)

Prepared presentations, other than your journal, are welcome, but not required. Prepared presentations should take no more than two minutes to ensure judges have plenty of time to talk with you.