Below you will find a summary
description of the 2021 and 2022 high school TSA competitions. Click on a category to filter the competitions. (More detailed specifications and rules regarding each event can be found in the "TSA High School Competitive Events Guide for the 2021 and 2022 National TSA Conference.")
The TSA high school competitions eligibility chart is applicable
to the 2021 National TSA Conference. (State delegations may choose to alter their events for local
conferences. Click on your state to preview the requirements pertaining to your regional and/or state conferences.)
TSA HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIONS ELIGIBILITY CHART
TSA HIGH SCHOOL VIRTUAL COMPETITIONS ELIGIBILITY CHART
For event entries submitted pre-conference:
- This submission procedure applies ONLY to entries for the National TSA Conference, not state TSA conference entries.
- Email verification of each team's entry will be made by June 10th to the email provided during submission.
Each participant/team shall submit only one [1] entry for the following competitive events.
TSA High School Competitions | Career Categories
Click on a category below to view a list of TSA high school competitions and their summary descriptions in that category:
Forensic Science
Participants (one [1] team of two [2] individuals per chapter) take a written test of basic forensic science to qualify as semifinalists. Semifinalist teams will examine a mock crime scene and demonstrate their knowledge of forensic science and crime scene analysis. Participants will be expected use proper techniques to collect evidence and perform a detailed written analysis of the crime scene.
Future Technology Teacher
Participants (two [2] individuals per chapter) create a screencast webinar that teachers can reference to learn a new technology that can be used in a lesson. Semifinalists demonstrate mastery of the technological app in a mock lesson and presentation.
Geospatial Technology
Participants (one [1] team of no more than three [3] individuals per chapter) interpret geospatial data in multiple formats and formulate projections about the area of interest In response to an annual theme. Participants develop a digital portfolio containing maps, data, and pertinent documentation. Preliminary round participants also summarize their findings in a visual infographic map. Semifinalists defend their visual infographic projections in a digital presentation.
Information Technology Fundamentals+ Certification - CompTIA
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.
Learn more.
Music Production
Participants (three [3] teams per state) 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 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. Preliminary participants submit a photographic portfolio to qualify for semifinalists. Semifinalists demonstrate expertise in photographic technology by producing two (2) portfolios within a limited, specified amount of time.
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] individuals 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] individuals per state) work onsite 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] 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 question/response, head-to-head team competition.
Technology Problem Solving
Participants (one [1] team of two [2] individuals per chapter) use their skills in problem solving to develop a finite solution to a problem provided onsite.
Transportation Modeling
Participants (one [1] individual per chapter) research, design, and produce a scale model of a vehicle that fits the annual design problem.
VEX Robotics Competition
Participants (three [3] teams per state) collaborate on a robotics project that explores the relationship among STEM fields, culminating in a head-to-head game to test their robot's efficiency and productivity.
Learn more.
Video Game Design
Participants (three [3] teams per state) develop a game that reflects the theme for the year. The game must have high artistic, educational, and social value and be interesting, exciting, visually appealing, and intellectually challenging.
Webmaster
Participants (one [1] team per chapter) design, build, and launch a website that features the school’s career and technology/engineering program, 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.