COMPETITIONS
TSA competitions provide an opportunity for students to take learning beyond the classroom and explore topics of career interest. TSA provides rules and guidelines, that can be integrated into your STEM curriculum, for more than 75 middle school and high school competitions.
TSA offers 36 middle school competitions. Click on a category below to view a list of TSA middle school competitions and their summary descriptions in that category.
STEM Animation
Participants design and create a STEM animation video and documentation portfolio to address the annual theme/problem. Semifinalists present their animation and explain the elements of their portfolio/entry.
Structural Engineering
Participants apply the principles of structural engineering to design and construct a structure that complies with the annual challenge. An assessment of the required documentation and the destructive testing of the structure (to determine its design efficiency) determine both semifinalists and finalists.
System Control Technology
In response to a challenge presented onsite at the conference, participants analyze a problem (typically one in an industrial setting), build and program a computer-controlled mechanical model to solve the problem, explain the program and the features of the mechanical model solution, and provide instructions for evaluators to operate the device.
Tech Bowl
Participants demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in technology content standards by completing an objective test. Semifinalists participate in a head-to-head, team competition.
Technical Design
Participants demonstrate their ability to use the technical design process to solve an engineering design problem provided onsite at the conference. Required elements of the entry are presented in a portfolio that includes technical drawings for a minimum of three viable solutions.
Video Game Design
Participants design, build, provide documentation for, and launch an E-rated, online game on a subject of their choice. Onsite at the conference, semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the game.
TSA offers 36 middle school competitions. Click on a category below to view a list of TSA middle school competitions and their summary descriptions in that category.
Interior Design
Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants develop a color sample and material design board(s) used by interior designers to plan an overall cohesive design based on an annual challenge. Participants must demonstrate an understanding of and aptitude for interior design, developing design boards, and presenting a design interpretation.
Manufacturing Prototype
Participants design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a product that addresses the annual theme. A documentation portfolio and the completed product prototype are submitted for evaluation. Semifinalists give a product “sales pitch” and demonstration.
Music Production
Participants produce an original musical piece that reflects the annual theme on the TSA website under Themes & Problems. The quality of the musical piece and required documentation (including elements such as a plan of work, self-evaluation, and a list of hardware, software, and instruments used) determines advancement to the semifinal level of competition, during which semifinalist participants are interviewed.
On Demand Video
Once participants receive the challenge details (required criteria, such as props and a line of dialogue) at the national TSA conference, they have 36 hours to produce a 60-second film that showcases video skills, tools, and communication processes. The quality of the completed video production determines the finalists.
Photographic Technology
Participants produce a photographic portfolio - demonstrating expertise in photo and imaging technology processes - to convey a message based on the annual theme. Semifinalists have 24 hours to complete a portfolio of photos (with required documentation) taken onsite at the national TSA conference. Finalists are determined based on the quality of the semifinal portfolio, the portfolio presentation, and interview responses.
Prepared Presentation
Participants deliver a three-to-five-minute oral presentation related to the current national TSA conference theme. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and the appropriate use and content of the accompanying required slide deck.