TSA Competitions


        The TSA Competitions for the 2018 - 2019 year is listed below, for both Middle and High School. After registering    
        for TSA, the detailed PDF for all the competitions will be given. For more information on the updates and themes
        for each TSA Competition, go to tsaweb.org. 

Middle School Events

Biotechnology Participants (three [3] teams per state) conduct research on a contemporary biotechnology issue of their choosing, document their research, and create a display. The information gathered may be student-performed research or a re-creation or simulation of research performed by the scientific community. If appropriate, a model or prototype depicting some aspect of the issue may be included in the display. Semifinalist teams make a presentation and are interviewed about their topic.

CAD Foundations Participants (two [2] individuals per state) have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of CAD fundamentals as they create a two-dimensional (2D) graphic representation of an engineering part or object. 

Career Prep Participants (one [1] individual per chapter) conduct research on a selected technology-related career according to a theme posted on the TSA website, and use this knowledge to prepare a letter of introduction and a chronological skills resume. Semifinalists participate in a mock interview.

Challenging Technology Issues Participants (three [3] teams of two [2] individuals per state) work together to prepare and deliver a debate-style presentation with participants explaining opposing views of a current technology issue. The current year's topics will be posted on Themes and Problems.

Chapter Team Participants (one [1] team of six [6] individuals per chapter) take a written parliamentary procedures test in order to qualify for the semifinals, in which they complete an opening ceremony, items of business, parliamentary actions, and a closing ceremony within a specified time period.

Children’s Stories Participants (three [3] teams per state; a team of one (1) is permitted) create an illustrated children’s story that will incorporate educational and social values. The story may be written in a genre of choice. Examples are fables, adventures, non-fiction, fiction, and fairy tales. The story must revolve around the theme chosen for the given year. The theme will be posted on Themes and Problems. 

Coding Participants (one [1] team of two [2] members per chapter) will demonstrate their knowledge of computer science and coding by taking a written test. Semifinalists will further demonstrate their programming knowledge by participating in an onsite programming challenge. Details about the onsite challenge (e.g., programming language to be used and practice problems) can be found on Themes and Problems.

Community Service Video Participants (one [1] team per chapter; entries may be submitted by an individual or group) create and submit a video that depicts the local TSA chapter’s service with the American Cancer Society, national TSA’s community service partner.

Construction Challenge Participants (one [1] team per chapter) submit a scale model/prototype with a portfolio that documents the use of their leadership and technical skills to fulfill an identified community need related to construction. Semifinalists discuss their projects in a presentation and an interview.

Digital Photography Participants (three [3] individuals per state) produce a digital album consisting of color or black and white digital photographs that represent or relate to a chosen theme posted on Themes and Problems and place the album on a storage device (USB flash drive) for submission. Semifinalists produce a series of digital photographs taken at the conference site that are edited appropriately for the onsite task. Details about the correct year's theme can be found on Themes and Problems.

Dragster  Participants (two [2] individuals per chapter; one [1] entry per individual) design and produce a race-worthy CO2-powered dragster according to stated specifications, using only specified materials. Special design requirements will be posted on Themes and Problems.

Electrical Applications Participants (one [1] team of two [2] individuals per chapter) take a written test of basic electrical and electronic theory. Semifinalists assemble a specific circuit from a schematic diagram using their own kit and make required electrical measurements, and explain their solution during an interview.

Essays on Technology Participants (three [3] individuals per state) conduct research on specified subtopics of a broader technological area and, using the knowledge and resources gained through that research, write a comprehensive essay on one subtopic that is designated onsite.

Flight  Participants (two [2] individuals per chapter; one [1] entry per individual) study the principles of flight and design in order to fabricate a glider that stays in flight for the greatest elapsed time. The glider must be designed to be launched from a catapult that is provided onsite. The design process is documented in a portfolio that is submitted for evaluation.

Forensic Technology Participants (one [1] team of two [2] individuals per chapter) take a written test of basic forensic science theory to qualify as semifinalists. Semifinalists demonstrate their ability to use forensic technology and skills by collecting evidence from – and analyzing – a mock crime scene.

Inventions and Innovations  Participants (one [1] team of at least three [3] individuals per chapter; one [1] entry per team) investigate and determine the need for an invention or innovation of a device, system, or process, and then brainstorm ideas for a possible solution. Semifinalists make an oral presentation to a panel of judges (who act as venture capitalist investors) to persuade the panel to invest in their invention/innovation.

Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) Participants (one [1] team of two to four [2-4] per chapter, one [1] entry per team) apply STEM concepts, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as they design, construct, and race a solar-powered model car.

Leadership Strategies Participants (one [1] team of three [3] individuals per chapter) demonstrate leadership and team skills by preparing a presentation based on a selected challenge the officers of a TSA chapter might encounter.

Mass Production Participants (one [1] team of at least two [2] individuals) manufacture a marketable product related to the current year’s theme, which can be found on Themes and Problems. The team submits a documentation portfolio of the activities involved and three identical products made during the manufacturing process.

Mechanical Engineering Participants (one [1] team of three to six [3-6] individuals per chapter; one [1] entry per team) will design and build a "Rube Goldberg" mechanical device. This device will contain three (3) subsystems within a larger system. Each subsystem will contain all six (6) simple machines in a fun and inventive way. The final solution or grand finale is open-ended to maximize creativity. The transfer of energy in a device will travel a specific path from start to finish for a minimum of seven(7) seconds per board. The device must be self-powered utilizing kinetic energy. The device must be capable of repeated demonstrations without long setup times. Semifinalists participate in a presentation interview. 

Medical Technology  Participants (three [3] teams of at least two [2] individuals per state; one [1] entry per team) conduct research on a contemporary medical technology issue of their choosing, document their research, and create a display. If appropriate, a model or prototype depicting an aspect of the issue may be included in the display. Semifinalists give a presentation.

Microcontroller Design  Participants (one [1] team of three to five [3-5] individuals per chapter) develop a working digital device (product) with real-world applications. Through a multimedia presentation, product demonstration, and documentation, the team demonstrates in detail its knowledge of microcontroller programming, simple circuitry, and product design and marketing. The project should have educational and social value, and conform to the theme for the year. The theme will be posted on Themes and Problems. Teams demonstrate and promote their work in a timed presentation.

Off the Grid Throughout the world, people are working to become more self-sustaining when it comes to landscaping and architectural design. Sometimes the purpose is to live off the grid, and other times it is to create a smaller carbon footprint. There are many options throughout the world, but sometimes a location limits or enables those options. In this event, participants conduct research on a sustainable architectural design for a home in a country of the team's choosing (other than their home country). 
Participants (three [3] teams per state) will create a display and a model. The model can be of the home the team designed or of a specific aspect of their design. Semifinalist teams will give a presentation and are interviewed about their design. The design brief for this competition will be posted on Themes and Problems.

Prepared Speech  Participants (three [3] individuals per state) deliver a speech that reflects the theme of the current year’s national conference.

Problem Solving  Participants (one team of two individuals per chapter) use problem solving skills to develop a finite solution to a problem provided onsite.

Promotional Marketing Participants (one [1] individual per chapter; one (1) entry each) create marketing tools that could be used in a TSA Promotional Kit. The theme and required elements for this event will be posted on Themes and Problems. The toolkit components will be digitally submitted on a USB flash drive in an envelope, both labeled with the student's identification number. Semifinalists are asked to work creatively under constraints to design a solution to a problem given onsite, using their own computer/laptop work station. Semifinalist entries will be saved to the individual's event USB drive for judging.

STEM Animation Participants ( three [3] teams per state; one [1] entry per team) use computer graphics tools and design processes (i.e., animation) to communicate, inform, analyze and/or illustrate a topic, idea, subject, or concept that focuses on one (1) or more of the following areas: science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; sound may accompany graphic images. Participants will find the current year's theme posted on Themes and Problems. A documentation portfolio and a USB flash drive with the STEM animation comprise the entry. Semifinalists make a presentation.

Structural Engineering Participants (one [1] team of two [2] individuals per chapter may participate, one [1] entry per team) apply the principles of structural design and engineering through basic research, design, construction, and destructive testing to determine the design efficiency of a structure. Details about the structure and information related to it will be posted on the TSA website under Themes and Problems. The onsite semifinalist problem will be a variation of the pre-conference problem posted on TSAweb.org.

System Control Technology Participants(one [1] team of three [3] individuals per state may participate, one [1)] entry per team) use a team approach to develop a computer-controlled model solution to a given problem, typically one based on an industrial setting. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical features of the model-solution, and leave instructions for judges to operate the device.

Tech Bowl Participants (one [1] team of three [3] individuals per chapter) demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in the technology content standards by completing a written objective test; semifinalist teams participate in a question/response, head-to-head competition.

Technical Design  Participants (one [1] team of two [2] individuals per chapter) demonstrate their ability to use the technical design process to solve an engineering design problem onsite at the conference.

Video Game Design Participants (one [1] team of two to six [2-6] individuals per chapter; one [1] entry per team) develop, build, and launch an E-rated, online game that focuses on the subject of their choice. The game should be interesting, exciting, visually appealing, and intellectually challenging. The game and all required documentation must be submitted—and will be evaluated—online, pre-conference. Semifinalist teams (list posted at the conference) participate in an onsite interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.

Website Design Participants (one [1] team of three to six [3-6] individuals per chapter; one entry per team) design, build, and launch a website that features the team's ability to incorporate the elements of website design, graphic layout, and proper coding techniques. The design brief for this event will be posted on Themes and Problems. Semifinalists (determined prior to the conference) participate in an onsite conference interview, with an emphasis on web design as it pertains to their solution, to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website.

High School Events

3D Animation Participants (two [2] teams of two [2] to six [6] members per state) demonstrate their knowledge of 3D animation technology and design skills to creatively solve the challenge posted on Themes and Problems.

Animatronics Participants (one [1] team per chapter) demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and control systems by designing, fabricating, and controlling an animatronics device that will communicate, entertain, inform, demonstrate and/or illustrate a topic, idea, subject, or concept. Sound, lights, and a surrounding environment must accompany the device.

Architectural Design Participants (one [1] team, or one [1] individual, per chapter) develop a set of architectural plans and related materials for an annual architectural design challenge and construct a physical, as well as a computer-generated model, to accurately depict their design. 

Biotechnology Design Participants (three [3] teams per state, two to six [2-6] members per team) select a contemporary biotechnology problem (that relates to the current year’s published topic) and demonstrate understanding of it through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation.

Board Game Design Participants (one [1] team per chapter) develop, build, and package a board game that focuses on the subject of their choice. The game should be interesting, exciting, visually appealing, and intellectually challenging. Each team will have to design the packaging, instructions, pieces, and cards associated with creating and piloting a new board game. Semifinalists for the event will set up the game, demonstrate how the game is played, and explain the game’s features.

Chapter Team Participants (one [1] team of six [6] members per chapter) take a written parliamentary procedures test in order to qualify for the semifinals, in which they complete an opening ceremony, items of business, parliamentary actions, and a closing ceremony within a specified time period.

Children’s Stories Participants (three [3] teams or three [3] individuals per state – or a combination of teams and individuals that equals three [3] entries per state) create an illustrated children's story of high artistic, instructional, and social value. The narrative may be written in prose or poetry and take the form of a fable, adventure story, or other structure. The physical story book should be of high quality and designed to meet the year’s given theme. The story must have a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focus. 

Coding Participants (one [1] individual, or one [1] team of two [2] members, per chapter) respond to an annual coding-related design challenge by developing a software program that will accurately address an on-site problem in a specified, limited amount of time. 

Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Architecture Participants (two [2] individuals per state) use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to develop representations of architectural subjects, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry. 

Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Participants (two [2] individuals per state) use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to develop three-dimensional representations of engineering subjects such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Participants (one [1] team of two to six [2–6] members per chapter) design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a promotional product that will showcase the current conference city and/or state.

Cybersecurity Participants (two [2] teams of two to six [2-6] individuals per chapter) respond to a cybersecurity challenge by identifying a breach in computer security via "Capture the Flag" games. Participants will solve on-site challenges in a specified, limited amount of time. 

Debating Technological Issues Participants (three [3] teams of two [2] members per state) work together to prepare for a debate against a team from another chapter. The teams will be instructed to take either the Pro or Con side of a selected subtopic. 

Digital Video Production Participants (three [3] teams per state; an individual may participate solo in this team event) develop a public service announcement and a digital video (with sound) that focuses on the given year’s theme.

Dragster Design Participants (two [2] individuals per chapter; one [1] entry per individual) design, produce a working drawing for, and build a CO2-powered dragster. 

Engineering Design Participants (three [3] teams of three to six [3 - 6] members per state) develop a solution to a National Academy of Engineering grand challenge that is posted on the national TSA website. The solution offered will be informed and designed by precise problem definition, thorough research, creativity, experimentation (when possible), and the development of documents and appropriate models (mathematical, graphical, and/or physical prototype/model). Semifinalist teams present and defend their proposed solution to a panel of judges.

Essays on Technology Participants (three [3] individuals per state) write a research-based essay (using two or more sources provided on-site) that makes insightful connections about a current technological topic.

Extemporaneous Speech Participants (three [3] individuals per state) verbally communicate their knowledge of technology or TSA subjects by giving a speech after having drawn a card on which a technology or TSA topic is written.

Fashion Design and Technology Participants (three [3] teams of two to four [2-4] members per state) research, design, and create a portfolio and wearable prototype that reflect the current year’s theme. Semifinalist teams participate in a presentation/interview in which they present their garment designs to judges.

Flight Endurance Participants (two [2] individuals per chapter; one [1] entry per individual) analyze flight principles with a rubber band-powered model aircraft.

Forensic Science Participants (one [1] team of two [2] members per chapter) take a written test of basic forensic science theory to qualify as semifinalists. Semifinalist teams will examine a mock crime scene and demonstrate their knowledge of forensic science and crime scene analysis. Students will be expected to survey the scene and use proper techniques to collect evidence from the mock crime scene. Students will then collect their data and perform a detailed written analysis of the crime scene.

Future Technology Teacher Participants (two [2] individuals per chapter) investigate technology education preparation programs in higher education and test their potential as a future technology educator.

IT Fundamentals+ Participants (one [1] individual with a maximum of three (3) individuals per chapter) demonstrate understanding of and expertise in basic information technology concepts by taking an online exam. Certifications will be granted through TSA’s partnership with CompTIA for a passing score. 

Music Production Participants (three [3] teams per state; an individual may participate solo in this team event) produce an original musical piece that is designed to be played during the National TSA Conference opening or closing general sessions. 

On Demand Video Participants (one [1] team of two to six [2-6] members per chapter) write, shoot, and edit a 60–second video onsite during the conference.

Photographic Technology Participants (one [1] individual per chapter) demonstrate understanding of and expertise in using photographic and imaging technology processes to convey a message based on a theme. Semifinalists record images and then utilize graphic editing software to prepare a single final image as a solution to an onsite prompt. 

Prepared Presentation Participants (three [3] individuals per state) deliver an oral presentation, using a digital slide deck, on a topic provided onsite.

Promotional Design Participants (three [3] individuals per state) use computerized graphic communications layout and design skills in the production of a promotional resource for TSA.

Scientific Visualization (SciVis) Participants (three [3] teams per state; an individual may participate solo in this team event) use either 2D or 3D computer graphics tools and design processes to communicate, inform, analyze, and/or illustrate a STEM topic, idea, subject, or concept.

Software Development Participants (one [1] team per chapter) use knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, algorithm design, problem-solving principles, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork to design, implement, test, and document a software development project of educational or social value.

Structural Design and Engineering Participants (one [1] team of two [2] members per chapter) work as a team to build a designated structure that is posted on the TSA website. Teams apply the principles of structural design and engineering through research, design, construction, destructive testing, and assessment to determine the design efficiency of the structure.

System Control Technology Participants (one [1] team of three [3] members per state) work on site to develop a computer-controlled model-solution to a problem, typically one from an industrial setting. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical features of the model-solution, and write instructions for evaluators to operate the device.

Technology Bowl Participants (one [1] team of three [3] members per chapter) demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in the technology content standards by completing a written, objective test; semifinalist teams participate in question/response, head to head team competition.

Technology Problem Solving Participants (one [1] team of two [2] members per chapter) use their skills in problem solving to develop a finite solution to a problem provided on site.

Transportation Modeling Participants (one [1] individual per chapter) research, design, and produce a scale model of a vehicle that fits the annual design problem.

Video Game Design Participants (three [3] teams per state) develop a game that focuses on the yearly theme. The game must have high artistic, educational, and social value and be interesting, exciting, visually appealing, and intellectually challenging. 

Webmaster Participants (one [1] team of three to five [3-5] members per chapter) design, build, and launch a website that features the school’s career and technology/engineering program, the TSA chapter, and the chapter’s ability to research and present a given topic pertaining to technology. Semifinalists participate in an onsite interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website—with an emphasis on web design methods and practices, as well as their research for the annual design topic.