Scientific Gadgetry includes devices of medieval design, which either measure the workings of the world (Ex., a clock, astrolabe. telescope, etc.) or demonstrate a philosophy (Ex., the monochord, a one-stringed quasi-musical instrument used to demonstrate Pythagorean philosophies). These criteria focus primarily on the design, function and logical integrity of a piece; for standards on material handling, judges may wish to consult criteria for such categories as Woodwork or Metalwork as appropriate.

DOCUMENTATION (3-30 points. SCORED 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3). Must have at least a 3x5 card (or A6 paper). More is acceptable, although one or two pages should be more than enough, not counting visuals and bibliography. Three pages for exceptionally detailed and in-depth work. The best documentation covers what they did in period, what the creator did in the project, and why the difference (if any). It will explain any conscious compromises, and provide footnotes, illustrations, and references, as well as any original research or experimentation as it applies to the project. Give score based on:
• A minimum of a 3 x 5 (A6) card with some of the following: Name (type) of item, country of origin, period of origin, characteristics of style for that period, reference.
• Materials used in the project
• Skills (necessary to complete the project)
• Methods and Tools used during the process
• Research (country, period of origin, typical characteristics, etc.), visual references (books, portraits, etc.) from reliable sources
• Artistic design elements and appropriateness to each other and to item's purpose or use in period.

AUTHENTICITY (0-20 points) [SCORE 0-10 and then DOUBLE THE SCORE]
• 0: Totally out of period and blatantly modern
• 1-2: Generally period, with some obvious modern elements present
• 3-4: Generally period but with obvious mixture of elements from different cultures or periods.
• 5-6: Overall period style and execution with minor inconsistencies
• 7-8: Period design and execution with no inconsistencies; period materials or reasonable equivalents
• 9-10: Special effort to achieve completely period product by use of period design, materials, tools, techniques, etc. (Ex. all hand-done with period techniques); special effort to make entirely authentic and appropriate

COMPLEXITY (1-10 points)Rank the ambition of the entry, not the workmanship, scale of 1-10 based on the following:
• Scope of endeavor (# of pieces, size of work in relation to amount of detail, etc.)
• Difficulty and variety of design elements attempted
• Difficulty and variety of techniques attempted, measurement, degree of accuracy, attempted magnetizing, lens grinding, etc
• Difficulty and variety of media, materials, and tools used
• Extent of original work (in patterns, etc.)

WORKMANSHIP (3-30 points. SCORE 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3) Rank the quality of execution and success of the entry, scale 1-10 based on the following:
• Choice of materials, tools, methods, and techniques
• Technique execution: neatness, precision, handling of materials, etc.
• Form/design: balance, aesthetics, motifs, proportion, etc
• Function: does it do what it should do and look as it should look?
• Mastery of period style and technique
• Personalization or special embellishment *Period styling OR personalization OR special embellishment

AESTHETIC VALUE (1-10 points) Evaluate the work as a whole, rating the aesthetic effect and appeal beyond the mere technical proficiency. Consider how you react to the entry (intuitive response) and other items not previously addressed. Do you want to take it home because it is really outstanding?