April 03, 2023
Wanted: judges and volunteers for science fair
SIU this month again will host students from around the region for the annual Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region 8 Science Fair, and organizers are looking for some 200 judges and volunteers to help with the event.
This year, officials expect about 1,500 students with 350 projects from junior high and high school students from the state’s 21 southernmost counties to enter the event, which is set for April 28-29, at the Banterra Center and other campus locations.
Judges’ duties
Judges will begin their day at 8:15 a.m. on April 29 with an orientation at the Banterra Center. The competition will follow 9 a.m. to noon.
Each two-person team typically will judge several projects based on a standardized rubric. It takes 3 to 4 hours to complete the judging duties.
No prior experience is needed to be a judge. New volunteers can select what areas they feel most comfortable judging and will be teamed up with experienced judges. In addition, an orientation will be provided.
Judges will select projects to advance to the state competition.
The deadline to sign up as a judge is April 14.
Volunteers needed too
The university also is seeking volunteers for both Friday and Saturday that week. Volunteers will perform a variety of tasks including, welcoming students and their family/supporters, answering questions, providing support as well as assisting with setup.
This is a two-hour time commitment. To volunteer, sign up by April 14.