Regional Competition Information

When and Where

  • Date: March 28, 2012
  • Location: Carnegie Science Center
  • Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Schedule of Events:

  • 8:30am- 9:00am          Registration/ Set up projects
  • 9:15am – 9:30am         Welcome/ Orientation
  • 9:30am – 10:15am       Explore Science Center Exhibits
  • 10:15am – 11:00am     Omnimax Theater film (TBD)
  • 11:00am – 11:30am     Explore Science Center Exhibits/ Lunch
  • 11:30am – 12:00pm    Peer Viewing of Projects
  • 12:00pm                      Awards Ceremony

Specific Regional Rules

  • Students may work individually or in groups. Groups will be limited to three students.
  • Internet connections will not be provided at the competition. If a project relies on internet access, students are responsible for their own internet connection.
  • It is highly recommended that each school bring a laptop with the student projects already loaded. This will prevent configuration and compatibility problems. If you are not able to bring a laptop, you will need to have your project at the IU one week prior to the competition date. You may also have to supply the IU with a copy of the software you used to create the project if we do not have that software already available.
  • All entries must designate a faculty member or sponsor. All communication will go through that person. The faculty member or sponsor must accompany students to the regional and state competitions. All entries must register online and be submitted by the faculty member.
  • There will be no entrance fee charged to either the school district or student to participate.

Copyright Requirements

The Pennsylvania 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.

Display boards or other items that are included with but not part of the project may not contain copyrighted material. Display boards are not judged for appearance, however, they will be inspected and can cause the project to be disqualified if copyrighted material is found.

The Copyright Signoff form, Project Narrative/Summary, and Photo Release form have been combined into one file for your convenience (Computer Fair Participation Packet). This completed packet MUST accompany every project. Click here to download.

Narrative Description/Project Summary

Each student must submit a narrative description/project summary with each entry into the PA Computer Fair. The PA Computer Fair Participation Packet includes the document with instructions on what information to include. The summary will be the student's opportunity to provide judges with any background information they wish the judges to be aware of during the judging process. The summary will be placed with each project for the judges to read as they evaluate the student's entry. This summary should not be more than one page and must include the following items:

  • The project's objectives, vision and/or overall purpose.
  • A list of the software applications used to create the project. List any additional equipment (scanners, digital camera, etc.) used in the creation of your project.
  • List the approximate time spent creating the project and name all contributors to the project.
  • If design elements/graphics are included, please describe where the elements originated. Pease include citations of all design elements that are not original.
  • A brief description of the process used to create the project.
  • Any additional information the student's feel the judges should be aware of while evaluating the project.

Awards

  • Awards are given to the top 3 placing projects in each category
  • 1st place teams in each category are registered to compete at the state competition

Other Important Dates

  • Deadline to register – March 16, 2012

Judging Criteria

  • Preliminary judging: a minimum of two judges will view the project to determine a group of finalists.
  • Final judging: All judges will view each of the finalists projects and may require the students to answer questions.
  • All judging rubrics are posted on this website.
  • Judges' decisions are final.

For More Information

Amy Cribbs
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
475 East Waterfront Drive

Homestead, PA  15120
(412) 394-4193 or via e-mail at amy.cribbs@aiu3.net