PA High School Computer Fair 2011
Programming
Scenarios:
Projects entered into the Programming category must be based on one of the following scenarios:
- Create an interactive educational game such as card games, coin flips, or rolling dice. Use your imagination!
- Create a program that relies on an algorithm to perform string manipulation, data conversions, data sorting, image manipulation, etc. Be creative!
- Create a database-driven application with user login and registration that will have the capability for the user to submit and display a text entry. Examples would be an interactive blog, forum/chat, or comment/rating functionality. The sky’s the limit!
Example Languages:
C/C++, Java, Visual Basic, PHP, Python
Specific Category Rules
- Projects MUST contain a flowchart (see Programming Scoring Guideline for details).
- No live internet connections will be available; all projects must be contained on a local hard drive and must not rely on an internet connection.
- Projects may be displayed on a single computer.
- Displays and monitors must not exceed 21 inches.
- Space will be assigned and limited to 3 feet per project.
- Spelling and grammar will be judged on narrative and project.
- Directions for re-launching the project must be provided, as well as any passwords. (May use narrative)
A project will be disqualified if any of the following occur:
- The narrative description is missing. (see below)
- Copyright information and credits are not included on the narrative or displayed with the project. (see below)
- A flowchart is not displayed/available that clarifies the process used to create the project. (see scoring guideline)
If a project meets the above rules it will be judged using the following: Programming Scoring Guideline
Narrative Descriptions
Narrative descriptions are required for all projects; the narrative description/project summary is now included in the PA Computer Fair Participation Packet. If the narrative is not provided, the project will be disqualified. Narratives must be detailed enough to provide the judges with any information to fairly judge the project. Attach additional pages if necessary.
PA Computer Fair Participation Packet
Copyright Requirements
The PA Computer Fair Participation Packet includes a participation agreement that must be signed by all participating students on a project and their teacher sponsor. Part of the agreement outlines copyright expectations, as well as other project requirements.
Suggested sites to search for media:
- Creative Commons - This site provides searchable material from various authors that are usable under certain conditions. Click here to find out more about Creative Commons Licenses.
- Public Domain Pictures.net
The Pennsylvania High School Computer Fair, although educational, removes the student work from the classroom and therefore requires the student to get permission from the owner to use any copyrighted music, video, graphics etc. Fair use does NOT apply. Remember to credit music or items that were created by yourself or friends as well.
Flowchart
All projects need to display the process used to create the project. This should be specific and as detailed as possible to give the judges the necessary background regarding how it was developed. You may choose to put it on your tri-fold display or bring a loose-leaf notebook with your notes.
- The flowchart will not be judged for grammar or appearance, but should be legibile and organized.
- The flowchart is REQUIRED for this category. Projects without it will not be judged.