Evaluation
firSTep Online Edition is organised in three phases:
Local Rounds organised by the schools under their own jurisdiction. Schools will host their local competitions, evaluate and rank projects internally, and enter the results in the firSTep Registration webpage by the deadline.
Qualifications: Each school will receive a quota for the Grand Finals based on their level of participation in the local rounds. Schools themselves will decide which projects advance to the Grand Finals, according to the quota they are allocated.
Grand Final: Qualified projects, selected by schools according to their quota, will be presented at the Grand Finals and evaluated by the firSTep jury over Zoom.
The jury will be looking for the following criteria in students’ projects:
Evaluation rubric
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
Not yet
(1 point)
Almost there
(2 points)
On track
(3 points)
Strong work
(4 points)
Outstanding
(5 points)
About rubrics:
- Personal Interest:
We want to see that this project really matters to you.
- Why did you choose this topic?
- What makes it exciting or meaningful for you?
- Problem Statement:
Your project should start with a clear problem or theme.
- What question or challenge are you trying to answer?
- Can you explain it simply in one or two sentences?
- Creativity / originality:
We want to see your own ideas and imagination at work.
- Did you try something new or different?
- How is your project unique compared to others?
- Does your research show creativity? Is there any different and original approach to the problem you want to solve?
- Did you construct or design new equipment?
- Usability and Value:
Your project should be useful or have a positive effect.
- Who will benefit from your project?
- How does it help solve a real-world problem or spread an important message?
- Scientific Methods:
-
Show us the process behind your work.
- Did you collect information or do research before starting?
- If it’s an engineering project, did you test your ideas?
- If it’s a storytelling project, is your story clear and well-structured?
- If it’s a global citizens project, did you explore social, cultural, or community research to understand the issue better?
- Did you use scientific literature or reliable sources when you did your initial research?
- Which methods did you use to solve the problem or communicate your message?
- Did you keep a project journal?
- Did you keep detailed notes in your journal?
- Future Improvements (Reflection):
-
No project is perfect—we want to see how you think about making it better.
- What worked really well?
- If you had more time, what would you change or add?
- Display, Portfolio, Documentation:
-
How well do you show your work on paper or in visuals?
- Did you make sketches, notes, or storyboards?
- Can someone understand your project by looking at your documentation?
- Project Video:
-
Your video is like a window into your project.
- Does it explain your idea clearly?
- Is it engaging enough to make people interested in your work?
- Presentation:
-
This is your chance to shine in front of others.
- Do you speak clearly and confidently?
- Do you make people curious, inspired, or excited about your project?