What to Build

Anything related to our theme (which is to be announced shortly before the hackathon)! Even if it's vaguely related, it's still good to go. We have the theme as a starting point for our programmers to build their ideas off of, and it doesn't necessarily need to be connected to the theme in every aspect of the project. However, we do consider projects that adhere to the theme well or use it in a creative way more carefully in our judging!

Submitting a Project

When you're ready to submit your project, we prefer it to be shared on an online platform such as Github, but if you aren't familiar with it or another similar code-sharing platform, then you can upload a zip, or provide a link where your code can be downloaded.

First, you will submit a presentation on Devpost. We recommend that you keep a video about 2-3 minutes long showcasing your work. In the video, make sure to do the following:

• Show your project working
• Explain the most important part of your code/design. Go into technical details!
• Explain your programming process -- what worked/what didn't work? Any obstacles you had to overcome while coding?

Afterwards, our judges will pick a selection of projects that will be showcased in the Performing Arts Center, in which the teams that placed in the finals will present and explain their projects to the participants. Afterwards, the winners are free to select from the prize pool! We judge based on:

• Technical Impressiveness -- How much technical wizardry/expertise did this take to pull off?
• Theme/Idea -- How creatively did your project implement the theme? How could it be built on in the future?
• Implementation/Design -- How well was the idea executed? How well does it do what it set out to do?

THEME!!!!!

Put the Science in Computer Science

Create a project that meaningfully connects computer science with at least one scientific field, such as:

• Biology (e.g., ecosystems, health, genetics)

• Chemistry (e.g., reactions, molecular structures)

• Physics (e.g., motion, energy, forces)

• Environmental science (e.g., climate, sustainability)

• Astronomy, geology, neuroscience, anatomy, medicine… or any other scientific domain

Your project can be:

• Software-based (apps, simulations, websites, games, data tools)

• Hardware-based (circuits, sensors, Arduino/Raspberry Pi projects, etc.)

• Any programming language can be used

Important Expectations

• Originality matters. You may use AI tools to help, but your project should reflect your own ideas and decisions.

• You must understand your code. Be prepared to clearly explain how your project works.

• Finalists will present. If selected, you will give a short presentation explaining:

• The scientific concept behind your project

• How your code or system works

• What problem you are solving and why it matters

What This Could Look Like

• A simulation of a scientific process 

• A data tool that analyzes trends or makes predictions

• An interactive model to explore a scientific concept

• A device that collects or responds to real-world data

• A game or app that applies scientific principles

Judging Criteria - Projects will be evaluated on:

• Creativity & originality

• Connection to a scientific concept

• Effective use of computer science

• Functionality and design

• Ability to explain your work