Young Scientist Awards helping Teachers and Students in open-ended investigations and applying the holistic marking criteria.

The Young Scientist Awards and similar award systems are a valuable tool in motivating and making science open-ended investigations enjoyable. The students develop the practical skills, that the science curriculum expects, through their own investigation. The students also gain a greater depth of knowledge and understanding through their investigations by having to plan, conduct, and communicate their investigation while developing their scientific thinking and problem solving skills. Such programs are of benefit to teachers in that the award systems in place (the prizes on offer) provided a motivation for students to participate and be motivated in the science curriculum. the student and school is recognised for participation. Being the students own interest area is a motivation factor.

Using the holistic marking methods on looking at the overall assignment and matching it to the rubric is an interesting approach. From the experience in using it I found it a little difficult work with in the fact that some students work has aspects from across the board and required analysis from looking at the piece of work. Although this difficulty was faced it also proved beneficial in giving marks between 1-4. However working in pairs while working was a good method of introduction to the procedure which was not experienced before. It allowed ideas to be shared and thoughts generated which would not have been recognised working alone. The standard of work across the board was quite surprising and the length of and detail of the projects was varied. But regardless of length, presentation and detail it was a good experience to be marking using the holistic method and having such a broad range.