Project Guides (Page 12)

From a Judge's Perspective: Tips for a Successful Scientific Interview

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By Sandra Slutz If you've made it to one of the top science competitions, congratulations! That is no easy feat. After all of your hard work, you want to make a good impression on the judges and convey your research well. The following information will give you an idea of what the competition is like from a judge's perspective, what criteria are used to decide the winners, and how to make the most of your limited time with a judge. For additional advice on how to impress the judges, read… Read more

Genetics Home Reference Tutorial

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The Genetics Home Reference is an online tool and resource for the general public to identify and learn about genetic mutations responsible for genetic diseases. With a basic understanding of genetics (see Table 1 below for resources) and with this guide, anyone can learn to use the Genetics Home Reference. Below are instructions, tips, and advice on how to get started using this resource. What can I use Genetics Home Reference for? The Genetics Home Reference has information on hundreds of… Read more

How Many Design Requirements?

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How many requirements should you have? That's a really good question without a good answer. You should have neither too many nor too few. (Big help!) What is "too many" depends on the product. An airliner might have thousands of design requirements, and that could be just right. For a project that you have time to complete for school, two or three, or maybe five design requirements are appropriate. The reality is that experience is very important in deciding how many design requirements… Read more

How to Analyze a Physical Product

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When you start to identify your design requirements, you already know what problem you are trying to solve. But what does "solving" your problem really mean? Your design requirements are the specific needs that must be met in order to call your design a solution. For a physical product, your problem is likely making a task possible or easier for a user to complete. An example is a pair of crutches. The problem statement is: People need a way to walk while using only one foot,… Read more

How to Analyze a Software Product or Website

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When you start to identify your design requirements, you already know what problem you are trying to solve. But what does "solving" your problem really mean? Your design requirements are the specific needs that must be met in order to call your design a "solution." For a software product or a website, your problem is likely related to completing a task on a computer in the easiest and most efficient way possible. An example is a website for ordering flowers. The problem… Read more

How to Analyze an Environment

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When you start to identify your design requirements, you already know what problem you are trying to solve. But what does "solving" your problem really mean? Your design requirements are the specific needs that must be met in order to call your design a "solution." For designing an environment, your problem is likely related to how to use a space in a way that is successful to its users. An example is a school cafeteria. The problem statement is: Students need … Read more

How to Analyze an Experience

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When you start to identify your design requirements, you already know what problem you are trying to solve. But what does "solving" your problem really mean? Your design requirements are the specific needs that must be met in order to call your design a "solution." For an experience, your problem is likely related to an event, an interaction, or a particular portion of time that you are trying to improve for a user or a group of users. An example is going to summer overnight camp for the… Read more

How to Be Successful at a Top Science Competition

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by Amber Hess Some of the key ingredients for success at the highest levels of high school science competition are: Knowing that you need a mentor (most students don't believe that they do) and having the initiative and persistence to seek one out. Mentors can be very useful because they can give you advice if you are stuck, help you present your research like a scientist, and write recommendations. Essentially all of the 2005 Intel Science Talent Search (now Regeneron Science Talent… Read more

How to Get Started Downloading and Using Storytelling Alice

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Note: this tutorial was originally written for Storytelling Alice, an older version of the Alice programming software. You can download the most recent version of the Alice software and access the latest tutorials at the Storytelling Alice website. Storytelling Alice (from Carnegie Mellon University) is an exciting 3-D computer programming environment that allows you to create your own animated stories and video games which you can share with your friends and family. While the words 3-D… Read more

Judging Tips for Top Science Competitions

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By Amber Hess Overview To win at one of the top fairs you need to have both a great project and you must communicate effectively during the judging interviews. Being strong in just one area won't cut it. Different fairs have different emphases on presentation: Depending on the fair, judges may or may not have had time to review your board before they come by for the interview. At my regional fair, having an outstanding board might mean you get asked fewer questions because some of the… Read more

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