The term "category" refers to the 13 fields of science into which student entries are grouped. The purpose of Category judging is to select the student entries that will be awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention place awards that are awarded by the Exposition itself (the "fair awards"). In addition, Category judging selects the Grand Prize ("Best in SHow") winners for the Exposition.

 

Category judging is performed by a team of judges lead by a team captain. A total of 26 teams are generally required (13 categories for both Junior [middle school] and Senior [high school] entries). Once the category winners have been selected, the team captains determine the winner(s) of the Grand Prize by judging the 1st place category winners.

 

Category judging takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. Category judges are expected to check in no later than 7:00AM so that judging can begin at 7:45AM following a brief organizational meeting.

 

To register as a Category judge click here.

 

 

 

(If you are looking for information concerning "Special Award Judging" click here.)