STUDENTS

Participants use problem-solving skills to design and construct a finite solution to a challenge provided onsite at the conference. Solutions are evaluated at the end of 90 minutes using measures appropriate to the challenge, such as elapsed time, horizontal or vertical distance, and/or strength.

Participants research, design, and produce a scale model of a vehicle that complies with the annual design problem. A display for the model and a documentation portfolio – containing elements such as a description of the vehicle, photographs and commentary detailing the vehicle production, and technical illustrations – are required. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

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 use video and 3D computer graphics tools and design processes to create a two-to-three-minute VR visualization (accompanied by supporting documentation) that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their visualization and participate in an interview.

Vlogging encourages good storytelling, videography, and editing techniques to create a coherent series of creative work. Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants use digital video technology to create original content that reflects an annual technology theme. Semifinalists complete an onsite challenge to produce additional video(s). Required criteria, such as props, lines of dialog, topics, etc., will be revealed at the semifinalist orientation meeting.

Participants design, build, and launch a website that addresses the annual challenge. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website.

Participants design, draw, and construct a CO2-powered dragster that adheres to the annual specifications, design and documentation requirements, and theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview and compete in a double-elimination race.

Teams study the principles of flight and research the use of drones to address an annual theme. They demonstrate their knowledge of drones in manual flight missions and create a documentation portfolio. Semifinalists participate in an onsite interview.

Participants submit a documentation portfolio and fabricate a glider designed to stay in flight for the greatest elapsed time. Semifinalists use their technical drawing skills to construct a glider that is flown onsite.

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 design, build, document, and test a robot assembled using open-sourced parts according to stated specifications and to meet the challenge of the yearly theme/problem.