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)
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
- Digital Video Production
- Dragster
- Drone Challenge (UAV)
- Engineering Design
- Fashion Design and Technology
- Geospatial Technology
- Manufacturing Prototype
- Music Production
Digital Video Production
Theme: “A Twist in Time” Create a story that alters a key historical moment—or imagines a character from the past suddenly appearing in the modern day.
Dragster
No theme for 2026, see official rules for specifications
Drone Challenge (UAV)
Engineering Design
Theme: Engineering the tools of scientific discovery
Fashion Design and Technology
Geospatial Technology
Theme: Urban Heat Islands and Cooling Solutions
Identify urban heat island (UHI) hotspots in your area using temperature, vegetation, and land use data. Map areas most affected by heat and propose equitable solutions—such as tree planting zones, reflective surfaces, or community cooling centers—especially in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Manufacturing Prototype
Music Production
Theme: The year 2026 marks the 250th birthday of the United States. Create a musical piece that can be played as the opening number at a July 4th fireworks show.