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.
- Audio Podcasting
- Biotechnology
- Career Prep
- Challenging Technology Issues
- Children's Stories
- Coding
- Construction Challenge
- Cybersecurity
Audio Podcasting
Theme: Breaking News from the Future
Students create an audio podcast reporting on a fictional future event, discovery, invention, or crisis as if it is happening live.
Biotechnology
Theme: Biotechnology in Food
Biotechnology can be used to improve crops, make food last longer, or create new types of food. Explain how biotechnology is used in food production and describe one way it could help farmers or consumers.
Career Prep
Choose a career from the Career Clusters Digital Technology category within one of the following subclusters:
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Information Technology (IT) Support & Services
- Network Systems & Cybersecurity
- Software Solutions
- Unmanned Vehicle Technology
Challenging Technology Issues
- The Use of AI to Write News Articles
- Requiring Coding as a Core Subject in Middle School
- Virtual Reality Replacing Physical Labs in High School Science Classes
- Medical Tourism as a Means of Accessible Treatment Options
- Robots in Elderly & Child Care
Children's Stories
Coding
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/download). 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: https://scratch.mit.edu/starter-projects
Construction Challenge
Theme: Your team has been tasked to design an urban community greenhouse and garden appropriate for a densely populated city neighborhood. The facility must fit entirely within a narrow 25 ft by 100 ft footprint and safely accommodate 20-30 community members simultaneously. The design must leverage at least two sustainable architectural or engineering practices. Describe the specific practices and design choices made to build the greenhouse within these constraints.
Cybersecurity
Problem Statement: FinStream Technologies is a fast-growing financial technology startup. During a routine audit, the security team notices anomalies in the network logs. A senior software engineer who recently submitted their two-week notice has been downloading unusually large volumes of proprietary source code and client financial data from the cloud repository to a local workstation and subsequently transferring it to an unencrypted external USB drive. Analyze the immediate actions required to secure the data, investigate the scope of the exfiltration, and recommend policy changes.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Video Game Design
- Virtual Reality Simulation (VR)
- Vlogging
- Webmaster
Video Game Design
Theme: Create a deep space-themed RPG where the primary method of progression is puzzle-solving rather than combat.
Challenge: Your game must include core RPG elements (such as character stats, a leveling system, or branching dialogue), but you may not include traditional combat. Instead, players must use their character's skills and stats to solve environmental, logical, or social puzzles to survive the dangers of deep space.
Virtual Reality Simulation (VR)
Theme: High-speed first aid immersive simulation
Challenge: You are tasked with developing a virtual reality experience that evaluates a user's ability to perform life-saving interventions under pressure, such as addressing anaphylaxis, obstructed airways, or traumatic hemorrhaging. The simulation must feature a comprehensive Training Mode that provides instructional support and immediate guidance in a controlled setting. Additionally, your project must include a rigorous Certification Mode that simulates a realistic, time-sensitive emergency with no assistance. Your final product must produce a performance analytics dashboard summarizing the user's technical proficiency and response efficiency.
Vlogging
Theme: The Butterfly Effect
Small actions can create extraordinary change.
Create a three-episode vlog series, not to exceed six minutes total, that explores how one decision, act of kindness, innovation, challenge, or moment can lead to a chain of events that produces a meaningful impact. Your vlog should demonstrate how seemingly small actions can inspire growth, influence others, and create lasting change.
Your series should follow a connected storyline across all three episodes, capturing authentic experiences, thoughtful reflection, and engaging storytelling. Through creative videography, editing, and presentation, illustrate how one small action can spark a ripple effect that extends far beyond its original moment.
Webmaster
Theme: Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning portal
Challenge: You have been tasked with designing and developing an interactive Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning portal aimed at high school students (grades 9–12). The purpose of this site is to demystify AI by providing a foundational understanding of the technology, showcasing practical tools, and teaching techniques to leverage AI effectively and ethically in an academic setting.
Your website must include the following:
- Educational Content Modules: At least three distinct learning sections covering fundamental AI concepts, practical AI tools/techniques, and ethical AI usage
- Gamification & Progress Tracking: An interactive, gamified user interface (e.g., digital badges, experience points, or a progress dashboard) designed to engage students and visually track their completion of the learning modules.