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 – Yellowstone_Wildlife.csv
Topic: Explore how wildlife populations and their migration behaviors have shifted in Yellowstone National Park over the last 50 years. Look at the key ecological, environmental, and human characteristics provided in the dataset. Based on your analysis, create a set of data-driven criteria that can help Yellowstone National Park with their planning for wildlife conservation. Support your predictive criteria with clear evidence from the data.
Digital Photography
Theme: Create a digital photo series consisting of seven color photographs. Each photo should emphasize one of the colors in the ROY G. BIV sequence:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Indigo
- Violet
The seven photos must all be connected by a single theme, story, location, subject, or idea. While each image should prominently feature its assigned color, the entire collection should feel like one cohesive series rather than seven unrelated photographs.
Dragster
No theme for 2027, see official rules for specifications
Drone Challenge (UAV)
Theme and Topic
Forensic Technology
Skills
- Forensic Biology-Genetics
- Toxicology
- Forensic Psychology
Mass Production
Theme: Automata Box
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Technology
Theme: Pulmonological Conditions & Modern Technologies to Address them: teams will select a respiratory-related condition and outline it in the display. Then, teams will select a modern medical technology that will be highlighted by the informational pamphlet and multimedia video.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Dragster
- Drone Challenge (UAV)
- Engineering Design
- Fashion Design and Technology
- Hybrid Racer XL
- Interior Design
- Manufacturing Prototype
- Music Production
Dragster
Theme: INSIDE / OUT
One axle (front or rear) must use internal wheels, while the opposite axle must use external wheels.
Internal: The wheels must be enclosed by the vehicle body on the top and both sides above the axle. The bottom of the wheel remains exposed.
External: The wheels must be completely outside the vehicle body. No portion of the body may cover any part of the wheel from the top or sides.
The front and rear axles must use opposite configurations (one internal, one external).
One set of wheels(front or rear) must be external (outside 35mm) and the other set of wheels must be internal(shell). Participant choice on either Front or Rear.
Drone Challenge (UAV)
Engineering Design
Theme: Engineering the Future of Energy: engineering solutions that improve the generation, storage, conservation, distribution, or use of energy.
Fashion Design and Technology
Hybrid Racer XL
Annual Design Requirement
Must hold or pull/drag one 5-ounce fishing weight, provided on-site. Design must include a hitch to attach weight at rear of car. Provided fishing weights: https://a.co/d/05yQLCZx
A model solar track on top of carpet will be the floor surface at the 2027 National TSA Conference.
Interior Design
Design Challenge: Tiny Living, Big Impact
A nonprofit organization is developing a Tiny Home Community for young adults transitioning into independent living.
Your firm has been selected to design the interior of one model home that maximizes comfort, storage, functionality, and affordability within a limited footprint.
The home should feel welcoming while demonstrating innovative space-saving solutions.
Required Spaces
Include:
- Living area
- Kitchenette
- Sleeping area
- Bathroom
- Workspace
- Storage
Design Considerations
Students should demonstrate:
- Multifunctional furniture
- Universal Design principles
- Sustainable materials
- Efficient circulation
- Creative storage solutions
- Residential lighting design
Budget
Material budget: $28,000
Manufacturing Prototype
Music Production
Theme: Compose an original, dynamic soundtrack for a climactic boss battle in a futuristic or fantasy video game. Your music should portray the intensity of the encounter through creative composition, sound design, and production techniques. The track should build escalating tension, feature dramatic contrasts and powerful climaxes, and be suitable for seamless looping during continuous gameplay.