Competitions & Programs

In response to the annual design challenge, participants develop a set of architectural plans and related materials, and construct both a physical and computer-generated model to accurately depict their design. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.

Design Problem

Participants use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to respond to a design challenge in which they develop representations of architectural subjects, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry. The solution to the design challenge and participant answers in an interview are evaluated.

Participants use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to respond to a design challenge in which they develop three-dimensional representations of engineering subjects, such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product. The solution to the design challenge and participant answers in an interview are evaluated.

Participants apply the principles of structural engineering to design and construct a structure that complies with the annual challenge. An assessment of the required documentation and the destructive testing of the structure (to determine its design efficiency) determine both semifinalists and finalists.

Problem Statement
Verification Form

Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects; the full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

Theme: Students will develop a podcast focused on personal development, motivation, or coaching.
Design Problem

In response to the annual theme, participants create an illustrated children's story of artistic, instructional, and social value, and submit documentation related to the development of the physical storybook. Semifinalists read their story aloud and participate in an interview.

Theme: Adventure book. Students will use each page to help unlock a clue/experiment/activity at the end of the book.

Participants research the annual topic and subtopics and prepare for a debate against a team from another chapter. Teams are instructed to take either the pro or con side of a selected subtopic, submit a summary of references, and use their research to support their assigned position. The quality of a team’s debate determines semifinalists and finalists.

Theme: Technology in Infrastructure
  • Sub-Topic 1: Autonomous vehicles are the answer to increasing traffic demands, especially in large urban areas.
  • Sub-Topic 2: Current carbon and renewable energy policies have a negative impact on power grid reliability and consumer pricing.
  • Sub-Topic 3: Manufactoring companies shouls be exempt from restrictions on waste production due to their contributions to society.

Participants are given two hours to write a research-based essay - with citations - using an essay prompt and two (2) or more sources provided onsite. The essay must include insightful thoughts about the current technological topic presented in the prompt.

Participants use computerized graphic communications layout and design skills to produce a promotional resource packet. The resource must address the annual theme/problem and include at least four printed publication items and required documentation. Semifinalists demonstrate publishing competency in an onsite technical design challenge.

Theme: Develop promotional materials for a leadership development program for high school students. The program will consist of 6 two-hour sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from September to March. Students must apply by August 15th and 25 students will be selected to participate. You will need to design and produce recruitment documents for students, a flyer, and an application.

Participants take a written test, which concentrates on aspects of coding, to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists develop a software program - in a designated amount of time - that accurately addresses an onsite problem.
The following programming languages may be used to complete the assigned problems:
  • C (version C11)
  • C++ (version C++14)
  • C# (version 6.0)
  • Java (version 10)
  • Javascript (NodeJS version 8.10)
  • Python (version 3.6)
  • Ruby (version 2.5)
  • Swift (version 4.2)
Additional languages may become available as we near the conference
Participants will be presented with a series of coding problems that must be completed on site at the conference. Evaluation will be based on the successful completion of the problems and the time in which it takes students or teams to complete all the challenges.
In addition to the specific HS Coding competition rules and regulations, students also must adhere to TSA's general rules (found in the HS competitive events guide).
The USA Computing Olympiad website and the ACM-ICPC International website are helpful resources for the Coding event. Additional resources that can used to prepare for the event are listed below:

Participants use their knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, algorithm design, problem-solving principles, effective communication, and collaboration to design, implement, test, document, and present a software development project of educational or social value. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and project.

Participants develop a solution to a problem (typically one from an industrial setting) presented onsite at the conference. They analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, demonstrate the programming and mechanical features of the model-solution in an interview, and provide instructions for evaluators to operate the model.

Participants design, build, and launch an E-rated online video game – with accompanying required documentation - that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.

Participants design, build, and launch a website that addresses the annual challenge. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website.

Topic: Green energy initiatives are important to reduce the negative effects of fossil-fuels on the environment. There are many renewable energy programs promoted and listed by the Environmental Protection Agency and they promote various incentives for homeowners to include more green and clean energy solutions in their homes.
Challenge: Develop a website that compiles information for homeowners on green and clean energy home solutions and other initiatives. The website should provide basic information, cost, tax rebate information, and clean/green energy practices.

Participants take a parliamentary procedure written test to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists conduct an opening ceremony, items of business, parliamentary actions, and a closing ceremony.

Participants select a technology-related or TSA topic from among three topic cards and prepare and give a three-to-five-minute speech that communicates their knowledge of the chosen topic. The quality of the speech determines advancement to the semifinalist level of competition, for which an identical competition procedure is followed to determine finalists.

Participants research a developing technology, prepare a video showing an application of the technology in the classroom, and create a lesson plan/activity that features the application and connects to the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL), as well as STEM initiatives and integration. Semifinalists demonstrate the lesson plan and answer questions about their presentation.

Participants deliver a three-to-five-minute oral presentation related to the current national TSA conference theme. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and the appropriate use and content of the accompanying required slide deck.

Theme: 2024 National TSA Conference Theme, “Evolution of Excellence”

Participants demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in technology content standards by completing a written, objective test. Semifinalist teams participate in a question/response, head-to-head, team competition.

Participants design, draw, and construct a CO2-powered dragster that adheres to specifications, design and documentation requirements, and the annual theme. Semifinalists compete in a double-elimination race and participate in an interview.

Design Challenge Requirements: Car body must have horizontal wings extending from both sides at front and rear. Maximum vehicle total width cannot exceed 90mm.

Participants design, build, fly, and adjust (trim) a rubber-band powered model aircraft to make long endurance flights inside a contained airspace. Documentation (including elements such as attributes of the model design, drawings, and an analysis of the trim modifications), an inspection of the model and the required model flight box, and official times for two flights are aspects of the evaluation.

Participants design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a product that addresses the annual theme. A documentation portfolio and the completed product prototype are submitted for evaluation. Semifinalists give a product “sales pitch” and demonstration.

Theme: An item that could be used to represent a TSA state delegation at a trade show. It could be a giveaway or a tabletop promotional item.

Participants collaborate on a robotics project in which they build a robot that incorporates the relationship among STEM fields; the competition culminates in a head-to-head game that assesses the efficiency and productivity of the robot.

Participants use problem-solving skills to design and construct a finite solution to a challenge provided onsite at the conference. Solutions are evaluated at the end of 90 minutes using measures appropriate to the challenge, such as elapsed time, horizontal or vertical distance, and/or strength.

Participants design, build, and launch an E-rated online video game – with accompanying required documentation - that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.

Theme: Fantasy Adventure game

To address the annual design challenge, participants exhibit and demonstrate their knowledge of mechanical and control systems by creating an animatronic device with a specific purpose (i.e., communicate an idea, entertain, demonstrate a concept, etc.) that includes sound, lights, and an appropriate surrounding environment (a display).

Design Problem: Following the specified requirements, create an animatronic exhibit that would be seen in a History of Space Exploration Museum

Participants develop, build, and package a board game that focuses on a subject of their choice. Creative packaging, and the instructions, pieces, and cards associated with the pilot game will be evaluated. Semifinalists set up the game, demonstrate how the game is played, explain the game’s features, and discuss the design process.

Participants develop and submit a digital video and a documentation portfolio (including such items as a storyboard, script, summary of references and sources, and equipment list) that reflects the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

Theme: Theme: Epic or high fantasy - defined by the epic nature of its setting or satire of characters, themes, or plot. It is set in an alternative, fictional world.

To address the annual theme, participants demonstrate expertise in fashion design principles by creating a wearable garment, garment patterns, and a documentation portfolio. Semifinalist teams present their garment designs (worn by team models), discuss the design process with evaluators, and respond to interview questions.

Theme: Avant-Garde. Avant-Garde is characterized by a radical approach. It values aesthetic innovation and unorthodox and experimental approaches. It often combines fabrics of different textures and shapes to result in clothing that is affordable and artistic, separate pieces.
The prototype garment can be one (1) piece or two (2) to four (4) separate pieces.

Participants produce an original musical piece designed to be played during the closing session of the national TSA conference. The quality of the musical piece and required documentation (including elements such as a plan of work, self-evaluation, and a list of hardware, software, and instruments used) determines advancement to the semifinal level of competition, during which semifinalist participants are interviewed.

Once participants receive the challenge details (required criteria, such as props and a line of dialogue) at the national TSA conference, they have 36 hours to produce a 60-second film that showcases video skills, tools, and communication processes. The quality of the completed video production determines the finalists.

Participants produce a photographic portfolio - demonstrating expertise in photo and imaging technology processes - to convey a message based on the annual theme. Semifinalists have 24 hours to complete a portfolio of photos (with required documentation) taken onsite at the national TSA conference. Finalists are determined based on the quality of the semifinal portfolio, the portfolio presentation, and interview responses.

Theme: Forced Perspective, Long Exposure, Architectural, and Abstract Photography (incorporate one photo using each of these types of photography in the portfolio)

Participants select a contemporary biotechnology problem that addresses the annual theme and demonstrates understanding of the topic through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.

Topic: Topic: Microplastics have long been a concern for their effects on marine ecosystems, but recently, scientists have discovered their existence in Antarctic snow, on the tops of mountains, in the air, and even in our blood. Research one source of microplastics (i.e., clothing, vehicle tires, manufacturing, plastic degradation, etc.) and document their effects on organisms and the environment, as well as what is being done to mitigate these effects.

Participants take a written test of basic forensic science to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists examine a mock crime scene and demonstrate their knowledge of forensic science through crime scene analysis, with the findings synthesized in a written report/analysis.

Participants develop a solution to a problem (typically one from an industrial setting) presented onsite at the conference. They analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, demonstrate the programming and mechanical features of the model-solution in an interview, and provide instructions for evaluators to operate the model.

Participants identify a societal issue, collect or compile data from various sources about the issue, and then produce documentation and a digital scientific poster about their findings. Semifinalists create a synopsis and digital visual representation of a data set provided in an onsite challenge.
Scientific Poster Template