Throughout its rich history, the Coriell Institute Science Fair has always relied on the contributions of outstanding volunteer judges. Our Fair draws the best and brightest students from all across South Jersey, and in turn we recruit the best and brightest experts to help judge the myriad of project submissions. We appreciate your time and your support of local student scientists!
It is with the safety of these student scientists in mind, that Coriell requires any volunteer who has direct contact with a minor through our Institution to pass a background check. We appreciate your cooperation in advance.
We have assembled some helpful information to guide you as you prepare to assist us Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the 43rd Annual Coriell Institute Science Fair. The Fair will be held at Camden County College, in Blackwood, in the Papiano Gymnasium (click here for directions to campus). Once on campus, you will see our signs directing you to the Judge Room. Parking is free.
If you have any questions leading up to the Fair, please email sciencefair@coriell.org. If you think you may know someone interested in volunteering to judge, we encourage you to share this webpage!
Judges Schedule
- The 7:30 a.m. instructional session is for all judges – please arrive promptly! You will meet your judging group and together we will review forms and judging criteria, and discuss special awards available to standout students. Breakfast will be served during this half hour. We suggest business casual dress for all judges.
- From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., judges will be admitted to the showroom to begin previewing projects. No students will be present during this hour.
- Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., students will stand alongside their projects and judges will conduct short, 5-10 minute interviews.
- From 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., judges will convene in their groups to determine standard and special award winners. Lunch will be served during this half hour.
- All judge results must be submitted by 11:45 a.m. Judges are excused once their winners are submitted but are invited to stay for the ensuing award ceremony. The award ceremony runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Judging Criteria
While reviewing projects at the Coriell Science Fair, there are several essential requirements for which judges should look. The following information will also be included in the worksheets available to judges on Fair Day.
- Creativity and originality – Use of innovative methods or design
- Scientific thought – Employment of scientific method, variables, repetition, controls
- Skill, craftsmanship – Does the project demonstrate excellence in design, performance, and data analysis? Does the project demonstrate exceptional problem solving ability?
- Thoroughness, effort, perseverance – A comprehension of the project's background, a well-researched approach, attention to detail
- Interview – Can the student successfully communicate important project information? Is the student passionate about the subject matter?
