General Judging Information





The organizers of the Sussex County Science Fair (SCSF) are always seeking research scientists, science teachers, graduate students, engineers, technologists and medical professionals willing to volunteer one day of their time and expertise to help one of the most important Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programs in Sussex County, Delaware.

A student’s research project in Sussex County is usually first presented at the school that the student attends and then judged at the SCSF. Winners in each category and grade level are eligible to advance to the Delaware Valley Science Fairs (DVSF) in April of each year in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Medal winners from the DVSF can also participate at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) that is held each year in a different location in the United States.

Judges have the opportunity to examine the research projects before meeting the students, and then to interview them about their research. The interaction between the students and the judges is critical. Positive reinforcement and kindly criticism contribute a great deal to the intellectual development of the students. It is essential for students to meet and interact with our judges because that one to one interaction enriches the students overall educational experience. Contact with a young scientist or an engineer is a rewarding experience not only for the student but also for the judges! A few minutes of a judge’s contact with a student scientist or engineer may make a lifetime of difference in encouraging them to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or math.

Judging takes the better part of a day. Instructions on how to judge as well as additional supporting information are provided to each judge before evaluations begin. Judges are provided with a complimentary continental style breakfast as well as a light lunch.

To minimize costs, the primary method of communicating with our judges is through e-mail, so it is important that we have each judge’s current e-mail address. Thank you again to all of our prospective judges for you support of the SCSF.