1. Themes & Problems

Topics:

• Should young children use smartphones?
• Is online study more effective than traditional study?
• The potential impacts of genetic engineering.
• The potential impacts of synthetic meat. 

Pop-Up STEM Book
Choose one of the following themes for your pop-up book:

1. Communicate how increases in human population and consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.
2. Discusses the rise in global temperatures over the past century. 
3. Describe or give an example of how synthetic materials come from natural resources.

To prepare for MS Coding competition, teams should have knowledge of concepts (software development, computer science, and coding topics) that will be on the Coding written test. They also should be familiar and comfortable with using the Scratch programming language.

Scratch is a free visual programming language available from the MIT Media Lab (https://scratch.mit.edu/starter_projects/). An offline version of the Scratch tool should be downloaded and available on each team’s laptop. 

Teams that advance to the semifinalist level, based on written test performance, will perform a challenge using the Scratch programming language. Semifinalist teams will receive the challenge on site and will have two hours to complete it. (PLEASE NOTE: Semifinalist teams MUST have a version of this program available for offline use, as there will be no Internet access available during the semifinalist level of the competition.)

Examples of the types of challenges students may be asked to complete can be found at this link: http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/resources/short-scratch-programming-challenges.

Stark Industries recently had a data breach that affected their daily operations. It was discovered that the compromise was related to system administrator reusing the same password across multiple websites and computer systems. At the time of the breach, he did not having multi-factor authentication enabled on his work computer. 

Explain the importance of why you shouldn’t reuse passwords and how multi-factor authentication could have prevented this breach. In addition, how would you address concerns from employees about having multiple passwords and having to deal with multi-factor authentication.

Annual Theme at the 2020 National TSA Conference

The number of species classified as endangered is constantly in flux due to various factors such as: human activities, environmental impacts, climate change, and a decline in resources. Through the use of visual graphic data (i.e., charts), participants will analyze and conduct research to explain instabilities of one endangered population and attempt to predict the future for that population.

Theme: Nature (5 photos)

Due: 11:59 PM EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline).

Please check the Competition Updates page for clarification regarding specifications.

Post-secondary education is defined as any level of education after high school.  This can include vocational degree programs, associate degree programs, or bachelor degree programs.  Imagine that you are ready to embark on the post-secondary path of your educational career in a technology related field.  Analyze each of the following as it relates to programs offered within this field and the cost.  Choose a program within each post-secondary institution that fits your interests and write an essay.   Discuss career possibilities for which the program would prepare you.  You may include such information as salary structures, specialized locations, job demand, and job risks. Remember, each subtopic is independent of the others.

Subtopics

• Trade Schools/Technical Schools
• Community Colleges
• Four-Year Universities

Teams need to be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate the following forensic science concepts:
1. Photographing a crime scene
2. Dusting, lifting and analyzing fingerprints
3. Tool mark identification and analysis 

Theme: Today society moves at a faster pace than ever before.  We are always on the move.  This year’s theme is for a mobile device to make everyday life on the go easier to handle. 

An organizer for a teacher's desk.

Teams will design and build a "Rube Goldberg" mechanical device. This device will contain four (4) subsystems that when combined make up a larger system. Each subsystem will contain four (4) simple machines in a fun and inventive way. Each type of simple machine must be used at least twice across the complete system (all four subsystems). The transfer of energy in the 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 after the initial touch that starts the device. The device must be capable of repeating demonstrations with the reset time for the entire system to be less than 3 minutes. The size of each sub system must not exceed 12” wide x 12” deep x 18” tall. The entire system must fit within an area of 24” wide x 24” deep x 18” tall. Each subsystem should be self-contained to its own 12”x12” base made from a material of your choice (please refer to the attached diagram for a visual reference). 

Theme: Prototype Laser Game

Design a home for a family of four (4) in a country that is classified as a developing economy 

 

Inspire a Shared Vision

TSA Marketing Tool Kit:

You should approach your design with the following scenario in mind: You are inviting participants to attend a fictitious special interest session at the National TSA Conference that discusses how technologies can mitigate the effects of minimizing human impacts on the environment. Fake names must be used for the special interest presenters and any affiliated organizations (i.e., if using an organization for example, PETA, use “Organization for Animal Ethics” or another fake name). 

1. Printable: a tri-fold brochure advertising the special interest session.
2. Wearable: a T-shirt that promotes minimizing human impacts on the environment
3. Digital Signage: to be displayed in the lobby of the Gaylord that promotes this theme.

Due: 11:59 p.m. EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline).

Theme:           

Podcast Technologies

Context:         

Podcasting has become one of the most consumed mediums in the world, changing the way that information and entertainment are written, produced and delivered. 

Challenge:

Create a STEM animation that demonstrates what podcasting is, its production process, and what its future holds.

Due: 11:59 PM EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline).

Please click here for the problem statement. 
MS Structural Engineering Analysis and Assessment Form
MS Structural Engineering Verification form

Theme:

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Context:

Virtual reality and augmented reality have emerged have alternative experiences to entertainment, education, and accessibility. Educators, content producers, and consumers are looking for ways to implement VR and AR into daily experiences.

Challenge:

Develop a website that advertises a fictitious business specializing in virtual reality and augmented reality. Teams should strive to develop a business website that is interactive, engaging, graphically interesting, and easy to understand. Teams are reminded that the point of their solution should be to advertise the business to potential customers, who want to experience VR and AR. Teams shall not use an actual company in the design of their website. 

Due: 11:59 PM EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline). 

Theme: Create a 3D animation that illustrates the impact of humans on the environment.

Due: 11:59 PM EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline). 

Theme: Create an Animatronic exhibit for a national park

Click here for the design problem.

Due: 11:59 PM EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline).

Theme: The use of biotechnology in sports 

Theme: Design a “choose your own adventure” book for children ages 5-8

The following programming languages may be used to complete the assigned problems: Updated 4/2/19

• 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 be used to prepare for the event are listed below:

• https://icpc.baylor.edu/compete/preparation
• https://www.codechef.com/
• http://www.usaco.org/index.php?page=contests
• http://blog.hackerearth.com/2013/09/competitive-programming-getting-started_11.html
• https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-strategy-to-improve-my-skills-in-competitive-programming-in-2-3-months 

The eligibility noted on page 31 should read: one (1) individual or one (1) team of two (2) members per chapter. Updated 12/18/18

Students will design and create an original model of one of the simple machines that a teacher can use for a demonstration in class . All designs must be the original work of the students. Pre-made kits and designs will be disqualified. The final product will need to showcase the current conference city and state.  

Theme: Smartphones and Tablets in the Hands of Small Children (Ages 0-10)

Subtopic #1:    

Smartphones and tablets hinder learning when used in educational settings for children younger than 9 years old.

Subtopic #2:    

Children are more likely to become addicted to technology if given a smartphone or tablet of their own before age 10.

Subtopic #3:    

Smartphones and tablets in the hands of small children result in adverse health effects later in life. 

Theme: A Mystery Film

There are no special specifications or theme for 2020. Refer to the event’s regulations and procedures for all specifications. 

Identify a need in a developing country and design a project that will empower that community to meet basic human needs (for ideas, check out: Engineers Without Borders and other similar organizations that are helping people build better, safer communities).

Students must design and create three (3) garments to fit the theme "Futuristic Formal Wear". Students will need to integrate technology into each one of their garments. This can include but not limited to; lights, sound and mechanical elements.

This year participants have the opportunity to show their photography skills taking action photos.  Participants must create a portfolio featuring five (5) pictures at local sporting events. The events must be sporting events found in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Note: Picture #1 must contain people and/or animals.  All other pictures may or may not have people or animals in them. Make sure to read the event rules for further directions. The below required images supersede the requirements posted in the guide on p.224, D.1.2. Participants must still adhere to the regulations and requirements for the portfolio submission on p.224-225, regulation L. The only update is that there is one (1) required black and white photo, three (3) required color photos, and one (1) choice, for a total of five (5) photographs in the portfolio. 

Pictures #1 & 2:    Color picture taken during the day of a sporting event (can be indoors).

Picture #3:             Color picture taken at night of a sporting event (must be outdoors).

Picture #4:             Black and white picture of a sporting event

Picture #5:             Student choice as to whether it is color or black and white, however, the picture must involve a slow shutter speed (you must provide the shutter speed it was shot at), and must be of a sporting event.

Due: 11:59 PM EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline).

Please click here for the problem statement. 
Please click here for the storage box plan drawing. 
HS Structural Team Verification and Analysis Form

Theme: A manned surface exploration vehicle for the Moon or Mars. Consideration must be shown or explained regarding how the vehicle will be transported and assembled at the destination.

Pick one sporting event that is featured in the 2020 Olympics and design a game based on that event. The Olympics itself does not have to be featured in the game. Please note that any reference to the Olympics cannot be used in your project as it violates copyright law. (Please review this link for additional information pertaining to the Olympics copyright regulations.) Participants may create an original logo.
Due: 11:59 p.m. EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline).

Theme:                

Embracing Electric Vehicles

Context:               

Consumers are researching electric vehicles more than ever with their frequent appearances on roadways. It is estimated that by 2030, nearly one-third of all vehicles in America will be electric – potentially opening the vehicle market to 320 million people worldwide. With peak fossil fuel consumption on the horizon, and electric vehicles becoming more affordable, the automotive industry is preparing to see a consumer shift in the near future.

Challenge:          

Create a fictional electric vehicle manufacturing company and design a website. The website should serve as a guide for information about the company and their electric vehicles offered. Present an overview of vehicles as if you were a consumer. Provide the type of vehicles your company creates, sells, and serves. Sections of the site may include photos, vehicle descriptions, specs, company history, contact, and news updates.

Due: 11:59 PM EST on May 15^th (submission information to be posted under Competition Updates one month prior to the submission deadline).