Q&A

Questions from finalists and answers from the judging committee. After watching the 4 videos and reading the answers to questions from finalists, if you still have a question, please fill out our Q&A form and come back here in 48 hours for an answer. 

The Questions will appear in bold

The answers from the judging committee will be underneath. We are looking forward to answering all your judging questions!

Would it be considered plagiarism if a very similar experiment has already been performed? Like if you have made some changes, but it is basically very similar. Is it just enough to cite it?

If you have performed a similar experiment to one that has been done before, you need to do two things: The first is to cite it. The second is to write about what you have done in the experiment that is different: what unique contributions have you made? This information should be included in your five page report and on your poster.

In the five-page report, does the bibliography/references/acknowledgements have to be double-spaced as well? Or is it acceptable for it to be single-spaced?

For the Project Report, your acknowledgements should be included in the body of the report and be double-spaced. The references and bibliography may be either single-spaced or double-spaced.

Is it enough to repeat the experiment 10 times? How much times should an experiment be repeated?

This is a harder question to answer, because the number of times an experiment should be repeated depends on the kind of experiment that you are doing. Scientists repeat experiments to determine that their results are consistent - so the question to ask yourself is, are you getting consistent results? We suggest that you talk to your science teacher or mentor to determine if 10 times is appropriate for the kind of experiment that you are doing.

Is the bibliography included in the 5-page allowed?

Yes, you can include the bibliography in the 5 pages if you wish.

Does the poster require acknowledgements and references or can they just be included in solely in the report?

Your poster should have acknowledgements and references on it. You only need to include references for sources that you have used on the poster itself.

For referencing the poster, does there have to be a specific format in which the referencing must be done? (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)

For referencing, there is no required format - please select the one you are most familiar with and use it consistently throughout your poster & other materials.

Is it ok if a presentation is shorter than expected? For example, a special awards presentation should be about 90 seconds long, according to the Judging 101 video. If my presentation is 56 seconds, should I elaborate on the subject, or should I just keep it as is?

We recommend a 4 minute presentation for Special Awards, as the judges will have 10 minutes scheduled to talk with you. Your 90 second version (or "elevator pitch") is for Challenge awards or for when people stop by who tell you they only have a few minutes. It is OK if your presentation isn't exactly 90 seconds. When you are working on it, think about what knowledge you want the judge to remember about your project - have you gotten the points you need to across in your elevator pitch?

I've got my completed logbook from the day I started my experiment and I completed it a long time ago when my project was completed. I am just wondering what to do with the pages that I have not used in the book. Do I just leave it empty?

Yes, you can leave the pages you did not use in the book as blank pages.

• EXPERIENCE Montreal’s “JOIE DE VIVRE”, history and beauty;
• MEET new friends from across Canada;
• SHARE a week with other Canadian students who are also interested in science and technology;
• INTERACT with scientists, engineers and other professionals who work here in Montreal;
• DISCOVER the wonders and beauty of Montreal;
• EXPLORE all that McGill University and Montreal have to offer;
• WELCOME thousands of visitors in the Exhibit Hall including students and teachers from Montreal area schools;
• ENCOURAGE others to build upon their curiosity in science and technology;
• INSPIRE youth to tackle the challenges facing the world with scientific and technological solutions; and
• CELEBRATE at our ceremonies and special events.

Optional Arrival Activities on Saturday and Sunday:

• Campus Tours (Saturday afternoon & evening, and Sunday all day) Finalists and Delegates are encouraged to join a guided campus tour on arrival day(s). Tours will be offered in the early afternoon and evening on Saturday, as well as all day Sunday. Tours will start with an overview of the essential CWSF facilities such as the McConnell Arena, the Athletics Complex, and followed by a 30-45 minute tour of lower campus. Be sure to have appropriate footwear. Remember that McGill is located on Mount Royal.
• Swimming at McGill Athletics Complex (Saturday Evening, 18:00 - 20:00)
• Hike Mount Royal Park (Various opportunities through the week): We are located at the base of Mount Royal Park. The trails up to Chalet Mont Royal are steps away from the residences. Please note: it is important to explore the mountain with others and never alone.  We will organize group adventures during the week for those interested.
• The “EAST-WEST BOWL” You are welcome to watch the EAST-WEST Bowl at Molson stadium. This college football game will be held at Molson Stadium, McGill University on Saturday afternoon.

The [email protected] Evening Activity Line-Up:

MONDAY: McGill Campus Block Party

TUESDAY:  Sucrerie sur la Montagne (Sugar Shack on the Mountain) 

WEDNESDAY: Café-YUL, The CWSF Talent Night 

Thursday: Awards Gala Dinner and MUCH Video Dance Celebration

Friday: Farewell River Cruise on the St. Lawrence River

Over the course of the public viewing hours on Wednesday, May 18th, Finalists will be assigned “Mini-McGill” activities as part of the Finalist Rotation. Sessions could include (a full list with descriptions will be published in April 2016):

• Visiting the “Sports Equipment Lab” where McGill researchers study NHL equipment 
• Touring Redpath Hall, McGill’s own Natural History Museum
• Visit the McGill Space Institute
• Tour the Neuro Institute, where pioneer brain research is conducted
• Visit the Engineering Complex, or the new Life Sciences Building
• Attend a lecture with one of McGill’s professors and become a true McGillian for an hour

• A CWSF display unit, including a preprinted header sign with the project title is provided for each project.
• Use of the CWSF display unit is mandatory - do not bring a backboard of any kind.
• Details of the display unit are available under Projects - Display
• Approved adhesives will be provided and must be used - no other adhesives may be used.
• Each CWSF display unit will have access to one AC outlet.
• Wireless Internet will be available in the exhibit hall.

• Go to your assigned project number.
• Each display unit will be supplied with adhesives.
• If you need basic tools (e.g., scissors), or additional adhesives, go to the Tool booth.
• If you need technical/computer assistance, go to the Information booth.
• Once your project is completely set up, take any packing materials to the trash area or back to your room. (Packing materials cannot be stored at your display.)
• Follow the procedure for the Project Safety-Check.
 Note: No display materials may be added after the project has been approved.

• Toll-free: 866-341-0040 ext. 230 (Lori Murray)
• Toll-free fax: 866-613-2542
• [email protected] or [email protected]

• Toll-free: 506-260-5016 (Julia Clarke)
• Toll-free fax: 866-613-2542
• [email protected]

• Carole Charlebois, Media Relations (Montréal):  [email protected]
• Brad McCabe, Youth Science Canada Executive Director: [email protected]