Scenario:

Projects entered into the Programming category must be based on the following scenario:

  • Create an educational mobile application for pre-K - 12 grade for either iOS or Android platform. Use your imagination!
  • The project may be displayed on the mobile application.
  • The project may be displayed in the iOS device emulator (which comes free with XCode).
  • The device must be Internet accessible.

Example Languages:

XCode, Android Software Developers Kit

Specific Category Rules

  • Projects MUST contain a flowchart (see Programming Scoring Guideline for details).
  • Internet connections will not be provided at the competition. If a project relies on internet access, students are responsible for their own internet connection.
  • Projects must be displayed on the mobile device.
  • Displays and monitors must not exceed 24 inches.
  • Space will be assigned and limited to 3 feet per project.
  • Spelling and grammar will be judged on narrative and project.
  • Directions for re-launching the project must be provided, as well as any passwords. (May use narrative)

A project will be disqualified if any of the following occur:

  • The narrative description is missing. (see below)
  • Copyright information and credits are not included in the narrative or displayed with the project. (see below)
  • A flowchart is not displayed/available that clarifies the process used to create the project. (see scoring guideline)

If a project meets the above rules it will be judged using the following: Programming Scoring Guideline

Narrative Descriptions

Narrative descriptions are required for all projects; the narrative description/project summary is now included in the PA Computer Fair Participation Packet. If the narrative is not provided, the project will be disqualified. Narratives must be detailed enough to provide the judges with any information to fairly judge the project. Attach additional pages if necessary.

PA Computer Fair Participation Packet

Copyright Requirements

The PA Computer Fair Participation Packet includes a participation agreement that must be signed by all participating students on a project and their teacher sponsor. Part of the agreement outlines copyright expectations, as well as other project requirements.

Suggested sites to search for media:

The Pennsylvania Computer Fair, although educational, removes the student work from the classroom and therefore requires the student to get permission from the owner to use any copyrighted music, video, graphics, etc. Fair use does NOT apply. Remember to credit music or items that were created by yourself or friends as well.

Flowchart

All projects need to display the process used to create the project. This should be specific and as detailed as possible to give the judges the necessary background regarding how it was developed. You may choose to put it on your tri-fold display or bring a loose-leaf notebook with your notes.

  • The flowchart will not be judged for grammar or appearance, but should be legible and organized.
  • The flowchart is REQUIRED for this category. Projects without it will not be judged.


  • Indenting: Code should be indented consistently and meaningfully.
  • Consistency: Braces, parentheses, operators and function names should be used in the same manner throughout the code base. If this code extends an existing project, the style guidelines from the parent project should be respected.
  • Inline comments: Comments should be written to sufficiently explain complex code blocks so that others can understand the algorithm in use.
  • Organization: Code and other assets (images, videos, style information, etc.) should be logically organized within the project.
  • Get photo releases signed from everyone in your project in any media format.