Judging Criteria

 

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Children’s Science Picture Book

One book will be chosen as the winner in this category, the author and illustrator will be honored.

  • The book is appropriate for children in grades K-4.

  • The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.

  • Although written for young children, the book successfully examines important scientific concepts without perpetuating stereotypes or misconceptions.

  • The book has a clear purpose, is well organized, and the scientific concepts are accurately presented.

  • In accordance with Project 2061’s Science for All Americans, the book must support the development in young people of positive attitudes toward learning science, mathematics, and technology.

  • When fitting, the book shows that doing science engages people of all ages and backgrounds.

  • The illustrations engage the young reader and enhance the text.

  • The illustrations accurately depict the scientific concepts being examined.

  • The illustrations provide an alternate way for students to examine the concepts being discussed in the text.

  • The illustrations show children of different backgrounds involved in science.


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Middle Grades Science Book

One book will be chosen as the winner in this category, the author will be honored.

  • The book is appropriate for children in grades 5-8.

  • The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.

  • The book has a clear purpose, is well organized, and the scientific concepts are accurately presented.

  • The science portrayed in the book is open to inquiry and should encourage the reader to ask questions.

  • When fitting, the book shows that people of different ages and backgrounds are involved in science.


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Young Adult Science Book

One book will be chosen as the winner in this category, the author will be honored.

  • The book is appropriate for young adults in grades 9-12.

  • The book has the ability to engage young adult readers in all aspects of science, including technology, mathematics, medicine, history of science, and biographies of scientists.

  • The books are judged on their ability to engage the YA audience. Both young adult and adult titles may be considered.

  • The book encourages the discussion and understanding of scientific ideas.

  • The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.

  • The book has a clear purpose, is well organized, and the scientific concepts are accurately presented. 

  • In accordance with Project 2061’s Habits of Mind benchmark, the book should enable high school readers to view science and technology thoughtfully, being neither categorically antagonistic nor uncritically positive.


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Hands-On Science Book

One book will be chosen as the winner in this category, the author will be honored.

  • The book is appropriate for children in grades K-8.

  • The book is accessible to all and contains fun investigations, opening the door to even more things to explore.

  • The activities are inquiry based and encourage the reader to explore scientific concepts by asking good questions.

  • The activities are open ended and enable the reader to develop problem-solving and research skills that enable them to become lifelong learners.

  • The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.

  • The book has a clear purpose, is well organized, and the scientific concepts are accurately presented.