Engineering projects at the International Greenwich Olympiad focus on practical solutions to global challenges. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative ways technology can contribute to sustainability and improve quality of life.
Project Areas
1. Bioengineering
Bioengineering, or biological engineering, involves designing and engineering biological systems. This broad field may include product design, sustainability, and the analysis of biological processes. Projects can focus on applications in medicine, agriculture, or environmental sustainability.
2. Civil & Construction Engineering
Civil and construction engineering involve the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as bridges, roads, dams, and buildings. Projects can address challenges in urban planning, sustainable construction, or innovative structural design.
3. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering applies principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to transform raw materials into useful products. Projects may focus on creating sustainable chemical processes, new materials, or environmentally friendly manufacturing solutions.
4. Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering focuses on optimizing systems to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Projects can address time, cost, material, energy, or resource optimization in manufacturing, logistics, or service industries.
5. Material Science
Material science explores the properties and applications of different materials—metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites—at the micro, nano, and atomic levels. Projects may investigate new materials, improved performance, or innovative uses in engineering applications.
6. Electrical & Computer Engineering
Electrical engineering covers the design and application of electrical systems, circuits, and devices for power, communications, and control. Computer engineering focuses on digital systems, hardware-software integration, and innovative computing solutions. Projects may include robotics, renewable energy systems, or advanced computing applications.
7. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering applies physics principles to the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Projects may involve vehicles, machines, heating & cooling systems, industrial equipment, or medical devices.
8. Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics explores the relationships and conversions between heat and other forms of energy. Projects may focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, or innovative thermal solutions.
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 |
| Plan and Methods | – Is the experimental design well-explained and appropriate? – Are data collection methods thorough and suitable? | 10 |
| Variables | Variables are clearly defined (independent, controlled, dependent) which may have been worded as “What I changed,” “What I kept the same,” and “What I measured” | 5 |
| 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 |
| Construction and Testing | Appropriate use of engineering methods; Sufficient data collected; Prototype demonstrates intended design; Prototype has been tested in multiple conditions/trials; Prototype demonstrates engineering skill and completeness. | 10 |
| Interpretation | – Is there appropriate use of mathematical and statistical methods? – Is sufficient data collected to support interpretation and conclusions? | 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 |