STUDENTS

To address the annual design challenge, participants exhibit and demonstrate their knowledge of mechanical and control systems by creating an animatronic device with a specific purpose (i.e., communicate an idea, entertain, demonstrate a concept, etc.) that includes sound, lights, and an appropriate surrounding environment (a display).

In response to the annual design challenge, participants develop a set of architectural plans and related materials, and construct both a physical and computer-generated model and virtual walkthrough to accurately depict their design. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.

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.

Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects; the full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

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.

Participants select a contemporary biotechnology problem that addresses the annual theme and demonstrates understanding of the topic through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.

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.