Originality
There is evidence of originality in the selection of a topic or statement of the problem; uniqueness of approach; resourcefulness in obtaining, handling and interpreting data; ingenious use of equipment and materials; creative displays or use of illustrative objects; inventive apparatus; insightful conclusions; inspired applications of the principle, process or product.

An original and creative project is one which:

• investigates a subject not previously studied in that area, explores a different aspect of a traditional topic or employs novel approaches to a common theme;
  

• documents changes or new phenomena over a period of time;
  

• sets up one or more experiments, surveys or trials, each with an original hypothesis or imaginative basis;
  

• uses novel methods, alternative approaches or new strategies in the investigation;
  

• displays resourceful use of materials, original choice of examples or innovative selection of situations for study;
  

• extends the use of any equipment, apparatus or technique far beyond its usual application;
  

• portrays observations, measurements, results or other data in imaginative ways;
  

• recognises an opportunity for a novel or unusual application of the information they have gathered;
  

• reaches an interesting conclusion, displays a perceptive summary or presents a fresh view of the situation being studied.

Exhibitors are expected, within the constraints of the resources they have readily available, to have investigated work previously done by others and to show evidence supporting elements they identify as original.