Download Invention - Vista Verde Middle School

Vista Verde Middle Science STEAM Expo
Guidelines adapted from: stemexpo.org
Invention
An invention is a new device, process, or an improvement
on an existing machine or product that solves a real problem or need.
Project Display
A successful entry display in this category will contain the following:
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A clever marketing name given to the invention
A description of the use of the invention, and the benefits associated
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An abstract explaining why this invention is new/different from others in the marketplace
Pictures or other documentation showing the construction process
A ‘mock-up’, prototype, or construction of all or part of the invention
Summary Paper
A summary paper or research will be written by participants to show the following information:
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Overall invention clearly described including what it is, how it would be used, benefits, and intended
audience
Description of the design process that occurred in the creation of the invention, including any problems
encountered and the solutions
Drawings or descriptive text that describes the construction process and any materials required
The Invention will be judged on the following:
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Preparation and display of the invention and/or its component
Prototype or mock-up design and construction
Summary paper showing further details about the invention
Research evidence that no similar product or process exists
Invention addresses a real-world need
Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering is the process of discovering the technological principles of
a device, object, or system through analysis of its structure, function, and
operation. It often involves taking something (e.g., a mechanical device or
electronic component) apart and analyzing its workings in detail.
Project
A Reverse Engineering project should be of enough complexity to allow the student to gain an understanding of how
something works in detail, without being overwhelming.
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Select a product (typically, mechanical in nature), disassemble the unit, then mount and label all
components.
A successful entry may have sub-components that are further disassembled
The tools used can be simple or complex, but the methods and sequence for disassembly should be
documented.
Project Display and Description
A successful entry in this category will have the parts of the product mounted and labeled to show the following:
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The overall unit and operation of the unit is described
Each component is described adequately, material is identified, and its function explained
Components are arranged so that they model how the unit would be assembled correctly
A paper describing the operation and functionality of all of the components should be created and may
include:

Drawings or images of the parts and how they fit together
 A description of the steps for taking apart the unit
 A journal that documents notes that are taken during the disassembly
 A description of how the original object actually functions
Reverse Engineering will be judged on the following:
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Preparation and display of the components or subcomponents of the original object
Descriptive paper showing accuracy in explanation of components and overall operation.
Shows completeness of thought and cause and effect are clearly identified
Shows understanding of how the object works and is generally understood
Contains clear documentation on the disassembly process
Robotics & Computer Science
A robot is a mechanical device that can perform tasks automatically. Similarly
computer science is the design of software that can perform tasks. Computer
software and robots can both be operated automatically (autonomous), semi-autonomous, or
remotely controlled. Both computers and robots are designed to be used for one or more specific
purposes.
Physical Design
Good physical design may refer to a functional robot that can perform a task and/or a program that allows the user
to control an operation. (User Interface).
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Sensors and/or user input is appropriate for the planned purpose(s)
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Manipulators (arm/wrist/body) and/or displays are used as needed to accomplish the needed tasks
The interface or exchange of information between the robot and the controller is complete and appropriate
for the purpose
Operation is repeatable and consistent with the planned function
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Display, Documentation, and Software
The project display should show the following and will include a summary paper or research with more information.
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A working robot or, if software, the working software should be presented
The function or purpose of the robot or software should be described
A description of the methodology used to operate the robot or software may be included
The Robot or Computer Science Project will be judged on the following:
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Physical design and/or operational functionality
Display and documentation provided
Entry relates to real-world applications
Robot or software and/or the associated purpose is original or innovative
Illustrations, images, or other media that is presented as supporting information
Rube Goldberg
A Rube Goldberg is an assembly, contraption, invention, device, or apparatus
that is deliberately over-engineered or overdone to performs a
very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually in a chain
reaction. The category is named for American cartoonist and
inventor Rube Goldberg (1883-1970).
Project Design
This type of entry requires a sequential progression of cause-and-effect steps.
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Starts with a single, simple initialization action
Continues through multiple steps which may branch and then merge again
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Finally performs a clearly defined and (usually) simple task
Display (Diagram), Documentation, and Construction
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The entry should have a diagram (illustration) of the sequence from initial step to conclusion.
The entry may also have a complete construction of the sequence.
Should be documented with a written sequential procession from beginning to final step.
Illustrations should clearly define the sequence of operation, including direction of force.
The entry size is limited to 36” x 30” (1/2 of a standard 6’ conference table).
This project must incorporate a minimum of 4 out of 6 simple machines in its design and clearly show what
forces are involved.
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Simple machines include lever, wheel and axle, pulley, incline plane, screw, and wedge.
 Physical forces include inertia, gravity, friction, potential and kinetic energy.
Rube Goldberg will be judged on the following:
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The project should be able to successfully complete the assigned task for the judges.
Sequence fully runs with little to no outside intervention
Project show a level of complexity equivalent with the grade level of student
Diagram of operation is complete and understandable
Sequential progression clearly labeled with indications of simple machines and physical forces
SCIENCE STEAM FAIR JUDGING GUIDE & RUBRIC
Invention
This rubric will be used to assess each science fair project at Vista Verde Middle School. The descriptions found under
the column labeled “4” represent an advanced project in which all of the criteria were meet. A score of “3” represents a
proficient project in which some elements of that category were not present. A “2” represents a basic project that needs
improvement in that area. A score of “1” represents a below basic project, this project lacks most or all of the elements
needed.
Category
Creativity and Originality
of Invention
4
3
2
1
The invention is original and
unique. Addresses a real
world need and evidence is
provided that no similar
product or process exists.
A product such as this exists,
however it has been adapted
by the student.
This product or a slight
variation of this product is
widely available and shows
little modification from the
original.
Product shows little if no
originality and/or has no
real world need.
The display has been
constructed with excellent
craftsmanship. Attractive,
easy to follow, and layout is in
appropriate logical order.
Visual aids promote
understanding.
This display has been
constructed with good
craftsmanship with only a few
sections that could have used
more work, effort, and/or
neatness.
Project lacks organization and
information is not clearly
presented or is missing. A
judge is having a difficult time
following the steps of your
project due to the lack of
organization.
Display was incomplete
or chaotic with no clear
plan. Key information is
missing.
Student has a well written
description of the invention
and the benefits associated
with it. Research evidence is
included that no similar
product or process exists.
Summary paper is well
written, however the research
does not address all areas.
Overall good summary of
invention, however research
evidence was poor or not
present.
Invention summary is
poorly written or was
not complete. Research
was not well reviewed or
is missing.
The prototype is complete
and clearly shows the
importance aspects of the
invention. Prototype is well
designed and constructed.
The prototype is complete but
requires a few clarifying
questions from the student.
Prototype is well designed and
constructed.
The prototype is missing
parts/components to be fully
functional and it unable to
show the important aspects of
the invention. Construction is
good.
The prototype is
incomplete and
inoperable. Construction
technique is poor.
The invention includes a
clever marketing name and
includes promotional material
directed at intended
audience.
The invention includes a clever
marketing name and but
promotional material is not
complete.
The invention includes a
marketing name but lacks
the “wow” factor. Promotional
material not evident.
No marketing or
promotional material is
present.
Design and construction
process is clearly
demonstrated through the
use of pictures, drawings
and/or descriptive text.
Descriptions of any problems
encountered and solutions are
included.
Design and construction
process is demonstrated
through the use of some
pictures, drawings and/or
descriptive text. Descriptions of
any problems encountered
and solutions are not
included.
The design and construction
process is not clearly presented
with sufficient evidence.
Descriptions of any problems
encountered and solutions are
not included.
No evidence is present
which documents the
design and construction
process.
Score: ____
Exhibit/Display
Score: ____
Summary Paper
Score: ____
Mock-up/Prototype
Score:____
Marketing and
Promotional Material
Score: ____
Design Process and
Documentation
Score: ____
Student Name_____________________________
Final Score ______________
SCIENCE STEAM FAIR JUDGING GUIDE & RUBRIC
Reverse Engineering
This rubric will be used to assess each science fair project at Vista Verde Middle School. The descriptions found under
the column labeled “4” represent an advanced project in which all of the criteria were meet. A score of “3” represents a
proficient project in which some elements of that category were not present. A “2” represents a basic project that needs
improvement in that area. A score of “1” represents a below basic project, this project lacks most or all of the elements
Category
Complexity of Product
Selected
4
3
2
1
The product selected has
appropriate complexity in its
design and construction and is
appropriate for the age
group of the participant.
The product is sufficiently
complex for the age group of
the participant.
The product selected does not
haves a high degree of
complexity and is a few grades
below the age of the
participant.
The product selected is
far too simple with few
sub-components and
does not match the age
of the participant.
The display or exhibit has
been constructed with
excellent craftsmanship.
Attractive, easy to follow, and
layout is in appropriate
logical order. Visual aids
promote understanding.
This display has been
constructed with good
craftsmanship with only a few
sections that could have used
more work, effort, and/or
neatness.
Project lacks organization and
information is not clearly
presented or is missing. A
judge is having a difficult time
following the steps of your
project due to the lack of
organization.
Display was incomplete
or chaotic with no clear
plan. Key information is
missing.
Operation of original
(assembled) unit is explained
clearly.
Operation of original
(assembled) unit is explained
well but requires some
clarifying questions from
student.
Operation of original
(assembled) unit is explained
but is difficult to follow.
Operation of original
(assembled) unit is not
explained or could not
be found during
judging.
The deconstruction of the unit
is complete and thorough. All
sub-components have been
taken apart and the
disassembly process has been
documented. May include
tools used in deconstruction.
The deconstruction of the unit
is complete. Most of the subcomponents have been taken
apart and the disassembly
process has been documented.
The deconstruction of the unit
was partially done. Many of
the sub-components were not
taken apart and the
disassembly process not
documented well.
The deconstruction of
the unit was poor. A
large percentage of the
sub-components were
not taken apart and the
disassembly process not
documented.
Each sub-component has
been clearly labeled,
described, and its operation
explained.
Most sub-components have
been clearly labeled,
described, and their operation
explained.
Many of the sub-components
were not clearly labeled,
described, or had their
operation explained.
Most of the subcomponents were not
described making true
understanding of its
workings impossible.
Components are arranged so
that they model how the unit
would be assembled correctly,
they are presented in a logical
sequence to show their
location within the completed
unit. The process is
documented through the use
of pictures or drawings.
Components are arranged so
that they model how the unit
would be assembled correctly.
The process is documented
through the use of pictures or
drawings.
Components are arranged
neatly but they are not
presented in a logical
sequence. The process is
documented through the use
of pictures or drawings.
Components are not
arranged in a logical
way so as to model the
assembly process. Little
or no documentation of
the process is included.
Score: ____
Exhibit/Display
Score: ____
Operation of the unit
Score: ____
Disassembly
Score:____
Description of Subcomponents
Score: ____
Documentation of
Assembly process
Score: ____
Student Name_____________________________
Final Score ______________
SCIENCE STEAM FAIR JUDGING GUIDE & RUBRIC
Rube Goldberg
This rubric will be used to assess each science fair project at Vista Verde Middle School. The descriptions found under
the column labeled “4” represent an advanced project in which all of the criteria were meet. A score of “3” represents a
proficient project in which some elements of that category were not present. A “2” represents a basic project that needs
improvement in that area. A score of “1” represents a below basic project, this project lacks most or all of the elements
Category
Complexity of Design
Score: ____
Exhibit/Display
Score: ____
Documentation
Score: ____
Space used is appropriate
and incorporates required
simple machines
4
3
2
1
The Rube Goldberg has
appropriate complexity in its
design and construction and is
appropriate for the age
group of the participant.
The Rube Goldberg is
sufficiently complex for the
age group of the participant.
The Rube Goldberg does not
haves a high degree of
complexity and is a few grades
below the age of the
participant.
The Rube Goldberg is
far too simple with few
steps and does not
match the age of the
participant.
The display or exhibit has
been constructed with
excellent craftsmanship.
Attractive, easy to follow, and
layout is in appropriate
logical order.
This display has been
constructed with good
craftsmanship with only a few
sections that could have used
more work, effort, and/or
neatness.
Project lacks organization and
information is not clearly
presented or is missing. A
judge is having a difficult time
following the steps of your
project.
Display was incomplete
or chaotic with no clear
plan or function. Key
information is missing.
The entry includes a very
clear and easy to follow
diagram that illustrates the
sequence from initial step to
conclusion. Stages are clearly
explained in written steps or
narrative.
The entry includes easy to
follow diagram that
adequately shows the
sequence of operation. Stages
are explained but may require
additional input by student.
Some diagrams and written
directions are included that
aid in following the sequence
of operation but they are
vague and hard to follow.
Little or no diagrams
and written directions
are included.
The entry follows the
guidelines for size 36”x 30”
and incorporates a minimum
of 4 out of 6 simple machines.
The entry is slightly out of the
parameters for space but
incorporates the 4 out of 6
simple machines required.
The entry has exceeded the
parameters for space and/or
has failed to include at least 4
simple machines.
The entry has both
exceeded its space
allowance and has
included less than 2
simple machines in its
design.
The entry clearly shows what
forces are involved in the
design and operation of the
device. Appropriate labels or
other documentation exists
that shows understanding of
how these forces are involved
in the chain reaction.
The forces involved in the
chain reaction are noted but
their understanding is not
clearly demonstrated.
The entry shows some of the
forces involved in the
operation of their apparatus
but no clear understanding is
demonstrated.
The Rube Goldberg does
not show which forces
apply to the operation
of the contraption nor
does it show
understanding of how
they apply.
The entry shows a high degree
of deliberate, overengineering as evident by a
complex, multi-step, chain
reaction sequence. The project
is able to successfully
complete a clearly defined
task with little to no outside
intervention.
The entry is a multi-step
device that is over-engineered.
The project was able to
complete the task but
required multiple runs and/or
outside intervention.
The project has many steps
but does not meet the
challenge of being overengineered. Had difficulty
completing the task but did so
after multiple attempts with
outside intervention.
The entry did not have
enough steps to
considered overdone
and/or failed to
complete the assigned
task.
Score:____
Forces Involved
Score: ____
Over-engineering and
Task Completion
Score: ____
Student Name_____________________________
Final Score ______________
SCIENCE STEAM FAIR JUDGING GUIDE & RUBRIC
Robotics and Computer Science
This rubric will be used to assess each science fair project at Vista Verde Middle School. The descriptions found under
the column labeled “4” represent an advanced project in which all of the criteria were meet. A score of “3” represents a
proficient project in which some elements of that category were not present. A “2” represents a basic project that needs
improvement in that area. A score of “1” represents a below basic project, this project lacks most or all of the elements
Category
Complexity of Device
Designed or Created
4
3
2
1
The device has appropriate
complexity in its design and
construction and is
appropriate for the age
group of the participant.
The design is sufficiently
complex for the age group of
the participant.
The Design does not haves a
high degree of complexity and
is a few grades below the age
of the participant.
The device is far too
simple and does not
match the age of the
participant.
The display or exhibit has
been constructed with
excellent craftsmanship.
Attractive and easy to follow.
Visual aids promote
understanding.
This display has been
constructed with good
craftsmanship with only a few
sections that could have used
more work, effort, and/or
neatness.
Project lacks organization and
information is not clearly
presented or is missing. A
judge is having a difficult time
following the steps of your
project.
Display was incomplete
or chaotic with no clear
plan or function. Key
information or
components are missing.
The device is able to perform
the designated task
consistently and is repeatable.
Overall the operation of the
device is efficient and the
exchange of information
between the device and
controller is complete and
appropriate.
The device is able to perform
a task but it is not clearly
defined. Overall the operation
of the device is good and the
exchange of information
between the device and
controller is evident.
The device is not able to
perform a task consistently
and is the task is vaguely
defined. Overall the operation
of the device is marginal with
poor exchange of information
between device and
controller.
The device is not able to
perform a task. Task is
poorly defined or not
present. Overall the
operation of the device
is poor.
Design information and/or
software source code is
documented and explained
well. Clearly describes the
function of the device, and
includes illustrations, images
or other supporting
information.
Design information and/or
software source code (if
provided) is documented and
explained adequately.
Describes the function of the
device, and includes some
illustrations or supporting
information.
Design information is
documented and explained
adequately. Describes the
function of the device, and
includes some illustrations or
supporting information.
Design information is not
documented. Describes
the function of the
device, and includes no
or few illustrations or
supporting information.
Device includes sensors and/or
requires minimal user input.
Manipulators are included
and function as described and
the sub-components operate
smoothly.
Device includes some sensors
but require user input.
Manipulators are included
and function adequately, the
sub-components operate
smoothly.
Device includes no sensors and
requires heavy user input.
Manipulators are included but
function poorly, subcomponents operate
adequately.
Device includes no
sensors, manipulators
are not included or
failed to function
The device clearly describes
how it relates to real world
applications. The entry and its
associated purpose is original
and can easily be applied to
other situations.
The device describes how it
relates to real world
applications. The entry and its
associated purpose is original.
The device loosely describes
how it relates to real world
applications. The entry and its
associated purpose lacks
originality.
The device does not
describe how it relates to
real world applications.
The entry and its
associated purpose show
no originality.
Score: ____
Exhibit/Display
Score: ____
Operational Functionality
Score: ____
Descriptive Document Summary Paper or
Research
Score:____
Physical Design
Score: ____
Project Relevance and
Application
Score: ____
Student Name_____________________________
Final Score ______________