THEMES AND PROBLEMS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
When a decision is made by a member to compete in an event, it is imperative that the member thoroughly read and understand the rules, regulations, procedures, and evaluation criteria for the chosen event(s). National TSA is responsible for addressing mistakes or discrepancies in the competitive event guides and accomplishes this through competition updates on the TSA website. National TSA is not responsible for interpreting, advising, or suggesting ways that a member might develop a viable response or solution to a competitive event challenge.
- Data Science and Analytics
- Digital Photography
- Dragster
- Drone Challenge (UAV)
- Forensic Technology
- Mass Production
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Technology
Data Science and Analytics
Data Set – Transportation Details
Topic: Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (https://www.census.gov/topics/employment/commuting.html), explore how people travel to work across the country. Look at key characteristics provided in the data set. Based on your analysis, create a set of data-driven criteria that could help predict how someone might commute to work. Support your criteria with evidence from the data.
Digital Photography
Theme: “Reflections”: Members will take four photos that fit the theme of “reflections,” such as water, mirrors, glass, etc.
Dragster
No theme for 2026, see official rules for specifications
Drone Challenge (UAV)
The topic of research is the use of drones for first responders, police or firefighters
Forensic Technology
Skills or Techniques
- Document Analysis: Forgery & Counterfeiting
- Trace Evidence: Glass & Paint
- Impression Analysis
Mass Production
Theme: Hobby Accessory
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Technology
Theme: Musculoskeletal Conditions & Modern Technologies: Teams will select a musculoskeletal condition and outline it in the display. Then, teams will select modern medical technology that will be highlighted in an informational pamphlet and multimedia video.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Animatronics
- Architectural Design
- Audio Podcasting
- Biotechnology Design
- Children’s Stories
- Coding
- Data Science and Analytics
- Debating Technological Issues
Animatronics
“Time Travelers’ Museum”
Design Problem: Create an animatronic figure or scene from a key moment in American history. The character should "come to life" to explain their world to a young audience. Designed for a children's museum or educational tour.
Architectural Design
Audio Podcasting
Biotechnology Design
Children’s Stories
Theme: Students develop and produce a non-fiction, die-cut board book
Coding
The following programming languages may be used to complete the assigned problems:
- C version C17
- C++ version C++20
- C# version 8
- Java version 21.0
- Javascript/Node version 18.19
- Python version 3.9
- Ruby version 3.2
- Rust version 1.75
- Swift version 5.10
Data Science and Analytics
Theme: Identify and use a "Tourism"- related open-source data set for analysis and research. In the scientific poster, cite the source of the data, including the URL/domain and file format.
Debating Technological Issues
Theme: Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
- Subtopic 1: AI decision-making in judicial systems introduces bias and undermines human moral judgment.
- Subtopic 2: The development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) poses a greater existential threat than nuclear weapons.
- Subtopic 3: AI-generated art and literature diminish the value of human creativity and cultural authenticity.