Each year about 5,000 elementary and high school students from the Fraser Valley region prepare and exhibit science projects at their schools. The top projects qualify to compete in the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair. The top outstanding young scientists from Grade 7 to 12 will advance to nationals and compete at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
A judge’s most important role is to encourage students to continue their interest in science. There are two types of judging: “Divisional Judging” (Grades 7 – 12 only) and “Special Awards Judging” (all grades).
Divisional Judging is the more formal of the two. Judges evaluate for creativity and scientific merit. It results in the awarding of gold, silver, and bronze for our region. Projects are entered in one of eight categories: Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Curiosity and Ingenuity; Digital Technology; Disease and Illness; Energy; Environment and Climate Change; Health and Wellness; Natural Resources, and are assigned to judges based on their areas of expertise.
Special Awards (Provincial and Regional) Each year more than $10,000 are donated by science-oriented community businesses, professionals and service organizations. These awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of the young scientists in the Fraser Valley. They include trophies, plaques, certificates, and cash awards. The University of the Fraser Valley recognizes the best science fair project done by a Grade 11 or 12 student in our region with an award of a year's tuition. Small teams of judges with expertise in the award area evaluate projects according to criteria for excellence specified by the award donor.
We hope that you volunteer to make the afternoon a memorable one for the students, for a science fair is not only a competition, but also an educational and motivating experience for students. Students consistently report that the best part of their experience is talking with knowledgeable scientists who treat their work with respect. Please help us make this a positive and enjoyable experience for these young people.
If you have questions regarding judging at the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair, please contact us at fvrsf@ufv.ca