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
- Video Game Design
- Virtual Reality Simulation (VR)
- Webmaster
Video Game Design
Virtual Reality Simulation (VR)
Design Topic: Design an interactive, walk-through VR museum based on a topic in art, history, or technology.
Webmaster
Topic: Community Resource Hub
Create a website that will serve as a community resource hub to highlight resources available to residents within the community (e.g., non-profits, support services, community events and programs, etc.). Your website should include the following:
- an interactive directory of community resources (resource hub) that allows users to search and filter the resources.
- a highlight section that spotlights at least three of the community resources you have listed in your resource hub.
- a form that users can submit to indicate new resources that should be added to the community resources hub.
- additional content to enhance the community resource hub for end users.