Category Descriptions

Note to Students:

When filling out the student/project registration form, you must choose the category that best describes your project. Use the category descriptions below to help you decide. If you are having trouble deciding, ask your teacher or another adult to help you make your decision.

Often you will find that your project fits more than one category description. Please note: you only have TWO category choices on the student/project registration form. Circle the number 1 beside the category that describes your project best and the number 2 beside the category that describes your project second-best. This allows your project to be considered for awards associated with both categories.

Click here to see a list of all the major award associated with each category.

Physical/Chemical Sciences Physical/Chemical Sciences projects examine the nature and interaction of energy and/or non-living matter. Projects in fields such as physics, chemistry and astronomy belong in this category.

Mathematical Sciences Mathematical Sciences projects use mathematical models to solve theoretical or real-world problems. Many Mathematical Sciences projects might also fit in the Physical/Chemical Sciences or Computing Sciences categories, depending on the nature of the project.

Computing Sciences Computing Sciences projects concentrate on the development of computer equipment or programs. these projects involve the use of a computer to accomplish the tasks and the data is of secondary significance. Projects that create or improve a computer program or computer hardware belong in this category. This category is generally not used for projects using computers to store and handle data only. Many Computing Sciences projects might also fit in the Engineering or mathematical Sciences categories, depending on the nature of the project.

Engineering Engineering projects apply technical, scientific and mathematical knowledge to solve a practical problem or achieve a purpose. Projects in this category usually focus on developing and/or testing structures, machines, devices, systems or processes.

Earth Sciences Earth Sciences projects focus on a topic relating to the planet Earth and may include the examination of the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, and the solid earth. Projects in fields such as geology, oceanography, geography and climatology belong in this category.

Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences projects examine biological and/or physical factors in an environment. projects in fields such as ecology, pollution, resource management, sustainable development, and capture/recapture all belong in this category. Environmental Sciences projects might also fit in the Earth Sciences, Life/Biological Sciences or Physical/Chemical Sciences categories, depending upon the nature of the project.

Consumer Goods/Food Sciences Consumer Goods projects test or compare consumer goods or food products. Food Sciences projects examine food systems and interactions between ingredients, including shelf-life studies, and microbiological and chemical testing. Projects in this category might also fit in the Physical/Chemical Sciences, Health/Medical Sciences or Life/Biological Sciences categories, depending on the nature of the project.

Life/Biological Sciences Life/Biological Sciences projects examine some aspect of the life or lifestyle of a non-human organism. Projects in fields such as botany, zoology, animal behaviour, microbiology and cellular biology belong in this category.

Health/Medical Sciences Health/Medical Sciences projects examine some aspect of human life or lifestyle and its translation into improved health for humans, including effective health services and products. Projects in fields such as human physiology, genetics and disease, health of populations, and the social, cultural and environmental dimensions of health belong in this category. Heath/Medical sciences projects include animal research only if it has a direct application to human health.

Biotechnology Biotechnology projects involve the application of biological principles to solve a problem, create a product or provide a service. Projects involving agricultural crop or livestock applications, genomics, microbes, and health aids (prosthetics, hearing aids, etc.) belong in this category. Many Biotechnology projects might also fit in the Health/Medical Sciences or Life/Biological Sciences categories, depending on the nature of the project.

Social Sciences Social Sciences projects examine how people learn, interact, or are affected by a variable. Projects in fields such as psychology, sociology, communication, anthropology and education/learning belong in this category.

Top of Page

Share on Facebook

Stumble It!

Share on del.icio.us