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Judging FAQs

How does judging work?

  • Judges are trained on how to judge and given detailed instructions.

  • Judges do not need to be historians or be experts in the field.  

  • Judges work in teams of one to three.

  • Judges interview students and talk with them about their research.

  • Judges evaluate students’ projects using a rubric, and rank the projects.

  • All projects are evaluated—and all students interviewed—in the first rounds when finalists are determined.  Finalists are evaluated in the final rounds when winners are determined. 

How can I prepare to judge?

  • Complete the online judge training

​Judging procedures are reviewed--and questions answered--the morning of the State Contest before the contest begins.

How long is the event?  

  • 7:30-1:00 for preliminary round judges.  

  • 7:30-4:00 for those who want to judge preliminary & final rounds.

  • Noon-4:00 for those who want to judge final rounds only.

  • The Awards Ceremony is held at 5:00 pm, and judges are encouraged to attend.