"A lot of the college students have been through this process.
"It just seemed like a no-brainer, as budding young scientists the Kuranui students make great role models," Mr Daube said.
Kuranui College head of science Cheryl Craig was approached to find whether any of her students would be keen to judge the projects. Kayla Burgess, Zoe Thurston, Cole Freeman, Nick Ariell, Rosie Isaacs and Ashleigh Brazendale expressed interest.
"I'm truly grateful and I have to say you couldn't wish for six more worthy students," Mr Daube said.
"Their integrity, their intelligence, and the way they have approached this is absolutely outstanding."
The Martinborough School teacher believes the quality of science among students is increasing and says it is indicative of the way schools now employ inquiry-based learning.
Schools had focused on encouraging their students to adopt a robust inquiry-based approach to their way of thinking, rather than just making their investigations look good, he said.
"We've really tried to reinforce the scientific process and the scientific thinking behind the tasks, rather than just doing something for show for the fair."
The students were sent the marking criteria in advance and talked through the assessment process with Ms Craig.
This impressed Mr Daube, who thought the students really understood what was being sought.
Year 12 students Rosie Isaacs and Nick Ariell, who hope to train as doctors at Otago University, said they were impressed with the quality of the entries.
