Thus far we have focused on your role as a judge inherent in the word, “judge.” One key role you have is accurately and fairly rating projects.But your other - and actually much more important role – is as inspiration. Remember students have invested multiple months in their projects – possibly longer than any single school assignment – and now they get to meet actual scientists who study the same thing. That’s very exciting, and very intimidating! What you say and do can have a life-long impact. If you’re excited to meet students, smile, ask encouraging questions, and
give constructive feedback, then you might be helping a budding scientist grow! In contrast, if you’re sarcastic, look bored, or show contempt, you might squash a career path they’d consider. While your ratings should always be honest and accurate, your interactions should always err on the side of being gentle.
Any time you can share something positive with a student, please do! You can compliment their effort, a beautiful poster board, or how well they explain a scientific concept. Share enthusiasm, like how one of your colleagues down the hall, and right here on this campus, studies the very same thing! Make generous comparisons (e.g., wow, I didn’t learn that until my first year of college). Whenever possible, turn what could be negative feedback into an opportunity.For example, looking at a student’s results, you could say, “you should have done … .” But notice a statement like this emphasizes where the student fell short. Instead you could say, “I like how you figured out …, and if you’d like to take your project to the next level next year, try … .” Notice how now you’re inspiring them to keep pursuing excellence – just like we as scientists know our theories are our best estimate awaiting falsification and each study is a step toward a true understand.