Competition Components

Competition Description: Using designated materials, middle school and high school teams complete a hands-on design challenge related to the annual competition theme. Each team will be instructed to use the required simple materials provided by TSA on competition day.

Competition Materials: The designated materials will be provided on-site. Students are not permitted to use any other materials or tools.

Competition Description: Teams must develop a mathematical model to determine a solution based on given data. Teams will have 60 minutes to develop this model and verify that it will work. The exam is administered in written format only. 

Competition Materials: Each team member may use a scientific or graphing calculator during the exam.

The following devices and calculators are not permitted:

• Laptops or other computers, tablets, cell phones, smartwatches, or other wearable technology
• Devices with audio/video recording or playback features, cameras, or other smartphone-type functions
• Calculators with internet access or wireless capabilities, including Bluetooth or cellular connectivity
• Calculators with a computer-style (QWERTY) keyboard, pen input, or stylus capability
• Calculators that require an electrical outlet, produce noise, or include paper tape printing
• Calculator applications on mobile phones or other smart devices

Competition Description: The exam is administered in written format only. High school and middle school teams have 60 minutes to solve multiple choice questions focused on engineering scenarios related to the annual competition theme. 

Competition Materials:  

Each team member may use the following during the exam:

• A scientific, or graphing calculator
• Reference books
• Periodic charts
• Formula sheets or special equations
• Lab notes and class notes
• Other written reference materials

The following devices and calculators are not permitted:

• Laptops or other computers, tablets, cell phones, smartwatches, or other wearable technology
• Devices with audio/video recording or playback features, cameras, or other smartphone-type functions
• Calculators with internet access or wireless capabilities, including Bluetooth or cellular connectivity
• Calculators with a computer-style (QWERTY) keyboard, pen input, or stylus capability
• Calculators that require an electrical outlet, produce noise, or include paper tape printing
• Calculator applications on mobile phones or other smart devices

Competition Description: Teams are given a problem scenario which they must research and create a slide presentation with voice-over narration to explain their solution. Teams have a set time limit on the first day of competition to develop, create, and electronically submit a presentation detailing their research. Presentation instructions are distributed at the TEAMS Orientation meeting.

Competition Materials: Each team must have one laptop or tablet with Wi-Fi capability. The device must also be able to access presentation software (such as Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint) and be able to record a video. A cell phone may also be used for video recording.