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.
- Website Design
Website Design
Design Brief: Community Story
Challenge: Develop a website that captures the essence of a local community and shares stories, history, or significant events that have shaped the community. The website should include an interactive element (e.g., timeline, map, etc.) that the user can interact with to understand the history or stories of the community. Your entry for this event is an exception to the general rules for the 2026 National TSA Conference regarding identifying information and you may include school or chapter name if it is the same name as the community used.
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.