Computer Science is the scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. It is the systematic study of the feasibility, structure, expression, and mechanization of the methodical processes (or algorithms) that underlie the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication of, and access to information.
Hardware Control : Create software controlling or cooperating with an electronic/mechanic device. You are free to choose from anything! You should try to piece together your own original device, from whatever spare parts and tools you have at your disposal. However, it needs to have a software component which interacts with the hardware parts. Creativity is as important as mechanical and programming skills in this section. Your only limit is your own imagination!
Programming : Create an application such as utility programs, mobile applications for Android or iOS, edutainment and entertainment applications, intranet and internet applications for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD or OSX. You may use any programming language (or scripting languages) you wish Python, C++, C#, Java, Pascal, ASP, ASP.NET, PHP etc. It is crucial that an application has usability and a proper easy-to-use interface as well as functionality. But of course, none of these matter if the key element is missing: a good idea. If you think you’re up to the challenge and are able to create a working program from top to bottom, you should definitely give it a try!
Judging
The IGO judges will consider the following factors when evaluating each project.
- Is the participant creative in presenting the project at the science fair?
- Does your research demonstrate creativity and authenticity?
- Is your research problem solved in an original way?
- Did you create or design your own set of unique equipment?
2. In your science fair project, did you use scientific methods and procedures?
- Was your research problem stated clearly?
- Did you do your initial research using scientific literature?
- Did you state your variables clearly?
- Did you make use of any controls?
- Are your conclusions backed up by your data?
- Are you aware of the limitations of your data and experiment? And, are these limitations included in your conclusion?
- Did you include any recommendations for additional research?
3. Did you complete your science project thoroughly?
- Have you thoroughly considered your science fair project and completed it in a systematic way with an easy-to-follow approach making use of scientific methods?
- Did you fully complete all sections in your research experiment?
- Have you created a project journal?
- Does your project journal include detailed notes taken throughout your experiment and investigation?
4. Was the quality of your technical skills exceptional?
- Did you use all of the necessary equipment to collect your data?
- Did you test your project at home, at school, or in a university laboratory?
- Where did you get your equipment from? Did you design it on your own? Is it something that you borrowed? Did you work in a professional laboratory?
- Did you build your project on your own or did you use external assistance? If someone else helped you, do not forget to give credits to them as this is important for the judges to see.
5. Are you certain that you have clarity with all of the specifics of your science project?
6. It will also be looked at how beneficial your project can be to the society.
Judging Criteria
| Research Question | Clear and focused purpose (3 points) Identifies contribution to the field of study (3 points) Testable using scientific methods (4 points) | 10 |
| Objective and Scope | Clearly defined and achievable objectives; Well-defined and relevant scope to current trends in computer science, such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, etc. | 10 |
| Background Research | – Awareness of other approaches or theories concerning the project – Familiarity with the scientific literature in the field – Solution different from existing solutions | 10 |
| Design and Methodology | Well-explained and appropriate design for solving the problem; Suitable and robust data collection and analysis methods; Exploration of alternatives and justification of chosen approach; Clear description of algorithms and tools. | 15 |
| Implementation and Testing | Systematic implementation, adherence to coding practices, testing, reproducibility, quality product, exceptional features, further expansion. | 10 |
| Creativity and Innovation | – Does the project demonstrate significant creativity and originality? – Does it offer a unique approach or new perspective on a scientific problem/topic? – Does it display innovative thinking or creative problem-solving skills? – Does the project have potential applications or implications for the real world or scientific community? | 15 |
| Materials | – Is the material organized logically? – Are the graphics and legends clear? – Is supporting documentation displayed effectively? | 5 |
| Oral Presentation | – Communicates the relevance or importance of the research/project – Clear, concise, thoughtful responses to questions – Understanding of basic science relevant to the project – Understanding interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions – Degree of independence in conducting the project – Recognition of potential impact in science, society, and/or economics – Quality of ideas for further research – For team projects, contributions to and understanding of the project by all members | 15 |
| Overall Impression | Does the participant demonstrate genuine interest and enthusiasm for their project? Does the participant exhibit a good understanding of the scientific principles involved in their project? Does the project reflect a significant investment of time and effort by the participant(s)? | 10 |