STUDENTS

Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants demonstrate knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, models, and best practices by completing a test to qualify for semifinals. Semifinalist teams solve an onsite problem(s) using a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool. Completed solutions are objectively measured to determine the best solution for the stated problem.

Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants collaborate to engineer and prototype an automated manufacturing system to solve a production problem. Teams analyze the prompt, build a sensor-based mechatronic solution, program the automation logic, document the mechanical and software design, and create instructions for judges to operate the system.

Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants respond to a cybersecurity challenge by identifying a breach in computer security via “Capture the Flag” games. Areas of challenge might include exploit development, digital puzzles, cryptography, reverse engineering, binary analysis, mobile security, etc. Participants must accurately address a series of on-site problems within a specified, limited amount of time.

Participants identify a societal issue, collect or compile data from various sources about the issue, and then produce documentation and a digital scientific poster about their findings. Semifinalists create a synopsis and digital visual representation of a data set provided in an onsite challenge.

Participants use their knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, algorithm design, problem-solving principles, effective communication, and collaboration to design, implement, test, document, and present a software development project of educational or social value. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and project.

Participants design, build, and launch an E-rated online video game – with accompanying required documentation - that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.

Participants research a need - and brainstorm a solution - for an invention or innovation that can be produced using recycled materials. Participants document their work in an interactive display and create a model/prototype. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their work and participate in an interview.

Participants prepare for and deliver a presentation about a specific challenge that officers of a TSA chapter might encounter. Semifinalists follow the same competition procedure but must respond to a different chapter challenge.

Participants manufacture a marketable product that addresses the annual theme. The development of the product prototype is documented in a portfolio that presents participant knowledge and skills related to the mass production process. Through a demonstration of the prototype and an interview, semifinalists support the viability of the prototype.

Participants design, document, and build a mechanical device (working catapult) that incorporates the elements of the annual theme/problem. Finalists are determined based on an evaluation of the documentation portfolio and participation in a head-to-head bracket.

Participants conduct research on a contemporary medical technology issue related to the annual theme, document their research, create a display, and build a prototype. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their entry and participate in an interview.

To address the annual theme/problem, participants design and create a working digital device, document the development process, and demonstrate their product as part of a presentation.