Students and Teachers - Please review this page.
 
Thank You from Larry
• Thank you to all the students and teachers who have participated in the 2010 VSF. Many teachers have volunteered extra time to help students prepare their projects and websites. Parents and students should remember to thank their teachers. I hope we haven't made too many serious errors in judging. If you feel a serious error has been made please see the Judging Errors section below. This is the 10th year for the VSF and I feel it continues to be a worthwhile supplement to traditional science fairs. ...Larry.

Thank You Notes from Students to Sponsors
• "Thank You" notes from students and teachers - Each team should prepare a "Thank You" note (on paper) for the sponsor of their prize and/or sponsors in general. Each September, I go hat in hand to our sponsors for funding. The thank you notes are very helpful.
Send them to me and I will forward the "Thank You" to the appropriate person.

     Larry Oberg
     Virtual Science Fair           
     201-1280 Newport Avenue                 
     Victoria, BC V8S 5E7

General Comments
• This year we raised $17,000 of which all $17,000 was used for cash awards.
•  Some websites contained imbedded YouTube video or live links to YouTube which results in the project being ineligible for the VSF.

•  If you wish to fix errors in your project, contact me, and I will unlock your file. Of course, this will not affect the judging which is completed for 2010.

Judging Errors
• Judging Errors - WIth 500 projects to review, it is entirely possible there have been some worthy projects overlooked or placed in an incorrect award category. If you have any questions or concerns contact me via email and please include the userid and/or the project number along with the teacher's name (if it is your project). larry@virtualsciencefair.com
I will respond within a couple days.
   Remember please:
    1) Email rather than phone.
    2) Include your userid or project number.
    3) Include your teacher's name and school (if it is your project).

• Judging Margin of Error - There is likely a margin of error in judging of + or - one award level. This means that some Magna Cum Laude (2nd place) could have more correctly been Cum Laude (3rd place) or Summa Cum Laude (1st place)

• Posting Errors - I have made every effort to post the results accurately, but if any errors exist in the online version of the results, they will be corrected in accordance with the official copy in my office.

• Why didn't I receive a higher award? If you are asking yourself this question complete the following steps before contacting me regarding a Judging Error .
   1) Look over the projects in your award level as well as the projects in one level above and below your level. How do they compare to your project?
   2) Review carefully the Do's and Don'ts.
   3) Review the website checklist.
   4) Look over the Judging Comments in the VSF Blog

• Most Common problems with projects:
   1) No index.htm page therefore the project did not display.
   2) Missing images
   3) Live links are not allowed. Especially unacceptable are live links to YouTube.
   4) Source of images etc. not given. See
   5) No Project information page.
   6) Images with huge file sizes. Reduce file size with image editing software.See
Cheques and Certificates
• Mailing Date - I expect to have cheques and certificates in the mail by June 12, 2010.

• Cheques and Certificates will be Mailed to Schools - Each student receives a personalized certificate. The award cheque will be issued to the team captain. The captain should cash the cheque and share the award equally with the other team members.

• Mistakes in Awards - Please notify me of any mistakes in amounts or recipients of awards.

• Spelling Mistakes on Certificates - I use the text (name, title etc.) on the registration form for certificates.

• Extra Blank Certificates - I will include a few blank certificates in each school package.

Miscellaneous
• Award Levels - Summa Cum Laude is the highest level, followed by Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, Cum Honore and Cum Virtute.

• "Thank You" notes from students and teachers - Each team should prepare a "Thank You" note (on paper) for the sponsor of their prize and/or sponsors in general. Each September, I go hat in hand to our sponsors for funding. Funding decisions are made by ordinary individuals (not a faceless corporation) and you would be surprised of the importance of a simple "Thank You."
Send it to me and I will forward the "Thank You" to the appropriate sponsor.

     Larry Oberg
     Virtual Science Fair           
     201-1280 Newport Avenue                 
     Victoria, BC V8S 5E7