COMPETITION UPDATES

9/27/23
Page 172
Stabilizer - MAX 150mm or 5 7/8"
Fin - MAX 76mm or 3"

1/3/24
PRECONFERENCE
A. Documentation Portfolio
f. A detailed illustration demonstrating compliance with the rules and features, including design principles used in building and adjusting gliders, must be included on 11" x 17" paper (may be folded to fit in the sheet protector) 

4/23/24
Semifinal Flight Times section of the rubric shows two columns for 5th place.  “6th’’  place should be the heading in the column between 5th and 7th place.

9/5/23
PRELIMINARY ROUND
B. Entries are evaluated by the judges with neither students nor advisors present based on the following criteria:
1. Judges score the static display criteria to determine the top twenty-four (24) preliminary contestants, which will not be posted.
2. Judges score the model/prototype criteria of those top twenty-four (24) contestants to determine the top twelve (12) semifinalists. 

10/10/24
Only the information provided on the display board will be judged during the preliminary round.  

2/20/24
Pre-Conference
D. Solar Paneling
13. Each vehicle must include a mounted battery holder that is capable of holding two AA batteries. This system needs a switch and button as illustrated. This is to be used at the starting line as follows.
   a. on the "READY" command the button is depressed and held, this opens the circuit.
   b. on the "SET" command the switch is flipped, to connect the batteries to the motor.
   c. on the "GO" command the button is released, thereby closing the circuit, sending power to the motor, causing the vehicle to move.

9/27/23
Teams will supply their own pens/pencils for the preparation room.

11/13/23
A. Documentation Portfolio:
1.k. Photographic Verification - photographic or digital images that verify the mass production of three (3) identical copies of the product including the prototype and photographic or digital images that document the team project with a photo timeline; maximum five (5) pages.

9/5/23
PRELIMINARY ROUND
B. Entries are evaluated by the judges with neither students nor advisors present based on the following criteria:
1. Judges score the static display criteria to determine the top twenty-four (24) preliminary contestants, which will not be posted.
2. Judges score the model/prototype criteria of those top twenty-four (24) contestants to determine the top twelve (12) semifinalists.

11/5/24
2025 National Conference Theme:  Tune In To Technology
Use of the themes “Tune Into Technology” and “Tune In To Technology” are acceptable.

9/5/24

2024-2025 Design Brief
The two column towers will be placed on the bases 8" apart instead of 6" apart to accommodate the center plate on testers. 
The test block can be a minimum of 12" instead of 10"

11/29/23
EVALUATION
Tier 2
SEMIFINAL ROUND
     A. The On-site Challenge

1/23/24
PRECONFERENCE
B.8.
Team's self-evaluation of the video series, using the criteria for TIER-1 VLOG SERIES on page 326 (can be in paragraph format or a copy of the rubric portion with data from the team); one (1) page.

10/8/24
The TSA logo may be used for this year’s event in accordance with the TSA Branding Guide.  Any other use of the TSA logo beyond the national TSA conference is prohibited.

11/19/24

Tier 1 Digital Video
Video Effectiveness (X2)            

Minimal performance
The work does not meet the project goals, has an unclear message, and reflects sloppy work. The year’s theme is not well represented or represented at all.

Adequate performance
The topic is presented with some insight, and the video meets most project goals. The theme is represented somewhat but may not be fully clear to the viewer.

Exemplary performance
The video is focused, with a clear message and a rich variety of supporting material. The yearly theme is the centerpiece of the work and easily understood by the viewer.

11/5/24

Rubric - Semifinal Dragster Construction section
Body Paint/Finish Criteria
Adequate Performance – Dragster body is painted and/or finished adequately. 

8/21/2024
Documentation Portfolios are not required for this event

9/5/24

2024-2025 Design Brief
The two column towers will be placed on the bases 8" apart instead of 6" apart to accommodate the center plate on testers.
The test block can be a minimum of 12" instead of 10"

8/21/24
Kid’s game, 2 to 4 players, playable on one (1) screen and one (1) keyboard at a time