The Art of Science Fair Judging
What Students Remember Isn’t the Ribbon
Recently, I attended the 2026 SXSW Education conference in Austin, TX. I was drawn to the discussions on AI in education that seemed to resonate with my book, Saving Curiosity. One session stood out: Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s speech about her book, Mattering: How to Find Meaning in a World That Doesn’t, which discussed how students thrive when they feel that what they do and who they are truly matter.
That idea brought me back to an unexpected place: science fair judging. I still remember standing in sixth grade at the Alamo Regional Science and Engineering Fair in San Antonio, TX, presenting my project on acid rain and plant growth. A panel of judges dressed sharply in their military uniforms, many from a nearby Air Force base, listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and, most importantly, encouraged me. I don’t remember if I won that year, but I remember how they made me feel like my work mattered. Their words stayed with me long after the poster boards came down. And now, as a judge, I try to offer that same experience to every student I meet.
Judging Beyond the Rubric
Of course, every science fair has a judging rubric. But once those boxes are checked, something more important begins. Curiosity reveals itself in conversation, and this is where judging becomes more about discovery.
I’ve seen it happen many times. A student starts with a rehearsed explanation, then something shifts. The thoughtful question is asked, and suddenly they light up. It’s the moment the project becomes theirs. If you’ve ever seen The Goonies, it’s a bit like listening to Chunk tell a story, unfiltered, enthusiastic, and completely genuine. This is my favorite part of the experience, and that’s where the real learning lives.
Why the Conversation Matters
When my own kids finish their science fairs, they always talk about the conversations with the judges. They remember the questions, the encouragement, the feeling that someone truly listened. Not every student leaves with an award, but every student can leave with something just as valuable: the sense that their work mattered. This feeling shapes how they approach the next idea to explore. If judging is an art, it starts with asking better questions that move beyond the project and into the student’s thinking. Here are three that consistently open the door:
Where did you get the idea for this project?
This reveals ownership. It tells you whether the project was assigned or inspired.
How does this help others?
This builds a connection. It helps students see their work in a broader context.
What’s your vision for what comes next?
This extends thinking beyond the fair. It invites students to see themselves as ongoing creators, not just participants.
The Quiet Responsibility of a Judge
In Saving Curiosity, I discuss the importance of creating environments that encourage students to think independently in an AI-driven world. Science fairs are one of the few places where that can still happen in a visible, meaningful way. But this experience depends on one critical factor: The interaction.
Science fair judges have a powerful role. In just a few minutes, they can either reinforce a checklist or ignite a sense of purpose. The difference often comes down to a simple shift from “Is this project good?” to “Why does this project matter to you?” When students feel that their work matters, they begin to see themselves as someone who can create, question, and contribute. And that’s a result that lasts far beyond any science fair.
— Maharlika Connor, author of Saving Curiosity
Source: Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: How to Find Meaning in a World That Doesn’t (New York: Penguin Press, 2023).
