Event,Short Name,Level of Effort,Format,Semifinalist Activity,Team Size,Eligibility,Theme,Description,Documentation,State Count,State Presubmission,State Pretesting,State Preliminary Round,State Submit Entry,State Time Semifinalist Sign-up,State Time Semifinalist Presentations/Interviews,State Time Pick-up,Regional Count,Regional Presubmission,Regional Notes
Biotechnology,Biotech,2,Team,Interview,2 to 6,five (5) teams per state,Biotechnology that supports sustainable cosmetics packaging to reduce waste to landfills,"To address the annual theme, participants select a contemporary biotechnology issue and demonstrate understanding of the topic through their documented research and an original display. Semifinalists participate in an interview.",Portfolio,2,,,,,,,,,,
Career Prep,Career Prep,1,Individual,Interview,1,one (1) individual per chapter,"Theme: Select a career from one (1) of the following:  Bioenergy Technicians, Data Architect, Machine Learning Engineer, Nurse Practitioner","Based on the annual theme, participants conduct research on a technology-related career, prepare a letter of introduction to a potential employer, and develop a job-specific resume. Semifinalists participate in a mock job interview.","Cover Letter, Resume",2,TRUE,,,,,,,3,TRUE,12:50pm-1:00pm
Challenging Technology Issues,Chlg. Tech Issues,1,Team,Debate Presentation,2,three (3) teams of two (2) individuals per state,"Topics:, Genetic Testing and Counseling, Animal Testing for Scientific Research, The Use of Drones for Surveillance, Privatization of Space Travel, Nanotechnology in Consumer Goods","Following the onsite random selection of a technology topic from a group of pre-conference posted topics, participants work to prepare for and deliver a debate-style presentation, in which they explain opposing views of the selected topic.",Note Cards,2,,,,,,,,3,,"Competition, Video due by Noon"
Chapter Team,Chapter Team,,Team,Ceremony,6,one (1) team of six (6) individuals per chapter,,"Participants take a parliamentary procedure test to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists conduct an opening ceremony, items of business, parliamentary actions, and a closing ceremony.",,2,,TRUE,,,,,,,,Practice
Children's Stories,Children's Stories,3,Team,Interview,3 to 6,three (3) teams per state; individual entries are permitted,An interactive or pop-up book that focuses on making friends in-person,"Participants create an illustrated children’s story based on the annual theme. The entry product is a physical storybook of artistic, instructional, and social value. Semifinalists read their story aloud and participate in an interview.","Portfolio, Book",2,,,,,,,,3,TRUE,RMS Interview
Coding,Coding,2,Team,Challenge,2,one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter,"To prepare for MS Coding competition, teams should have knowledge of concepts (software development, computer science, and coding topics) that will be on the Coding written test. They also should be familiar and comfortable with using the Scratch programming language. , , Scratch is a free visual programming language available from the MIT Media Lab (https://scratch.mit.edu/download). An offline version of the Scratch tool should be downloaded and available on each team’s laptop.  , , Teams that advance to the semifinalist level, based on written test performance, will perform a challenge using the Scratch programming language. Semifinalist teams will receive the challenge on site and will have two hours to complete it. (PLEASE NOTE: Semifinalist teams MUST have a version of this program available for offline use, as there will be no Internet access available during the semifinalist level of the competition.) , , Examples of the types of challenges students may be asked to complete can be found at this link: https://scratch.mit.edu/starter-projects","To qualify for the semifinal round of competition, participants take a test that concentrates on computer science and coding. Semifinalists demonstrate their programming knowledge by developing a solution to an onsite coding challenge.",,2,,TRUE,,,,,,,,
Community Service Video,Comm. Service Vid,2,Team,Presentation and Interview,1 to 6,one (1) team per chapter; individual entries are permitted,,Participants create a video that depicts the local TSA chapter’s involvement in a community service project. Semifinalists deliver a presentation on the project and participate in an interview.,"Copyright Checklist, Release Forms, Video Link",2,TRUE,,,,,,,3,TRUE,RMS Interview
CAD foundations,CAD,1,Individual,Challenge,1,two (2) individuals per state,,Participants demonstrate their understanding of CAD fundamentals by creating a two-dimensional (2D) graphic representation of an engineering part or object and answering questions from evaluators about their entry.,Laptop w/CAD Software,2,,,,,,,,,,
Construction Challenge,Construction Chlg.,3,Team,Presentation and Interview,3 to 6,one (1) team of at least two (2) individuals per chapter,,"Participants submit a scale model, display, and documentation portfolio for a design that fulfills a community need related to construction. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their entry and participate in an interview.","Prototype, Display, Portfolio",2,,,,,,,,,,
Cybersecurity,Cybersecurity,2,Individual,Presentation,1,three (3) individuals per chapter,Problem Statement: Byte Inc.'s Internet of things and Bluetooth are acting strangely on devices in the company’s network. Address the potential cause and propose a solution.,"Participants take a test that assesses knowledge of cybersecurity vocabulary and the skills needed to execute common cybersecurity tasks. Using digital presentation software, semifinalists deliver a presentation that addresses the annual theme/problem.",Presentation,2,,TRUE,,,,,,,,Practice
Data Science & Analytics,Data Sci.,2,Team,Challenge and Presentation,2 to 3,three (3) teams of two to three (2-3) individuals per state,"Determine the potential ""movie success"" of a fictitious feature film based on different public metrics, such as, but not limited to box office revenue, date of release, movie genre (selected by the team), movie production budget, and more.","Participants conduct research on the annual topic, collect data, use analytics to assess the data and make predictions, and document their work in a portfolio and a display. To address a challenge presented onsite at the conference, semifinalists review specific data sets, provide insights, make predictions, and present their findings for evaluation.",Display,2,,,,,,,,,,
Digital Photography,Digital Photography,2,Individual,Onsite Photography and Presentation,1,three (3) individuals per state,Students will take four photographs that fit the theme “Through the Eye of an Animal.”,Participants produce and submit a digital photographic portfolio that relates to the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an onsite photographic challenge and a presentation/interview.,"Portfolio, Camera, Laptop",2,TRUE,,,,,,,3,TRUE,
Dragster,Dragster,2,Individual,Race and Interview,1,two (2) individuals per chapter,Address weights and lengths only; there are no special design challenges.,"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.","Dragster, Technical Drawing, Parts and Materials",2,,,,,,,,,,
Electrical Applications,Electrical App.,1,Team,Circuit Build and Interview,2,one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter,,"Participants take a test on basic electrical and electronic theory. In response to an onsite challenge, semifinalists assemble a specified circuit from a schematic diagram, make required electrical measurements, and explain their solution in an interview.",,2,,TRUE,,,,,,,,
Essays on Technology ,Essays on Tech ,1,Individual,Written Essay,1,three (3) individuals per state,"Topic: Reducing our impact on the planet. Subtopics: Reducing microplastics in our oceans, Reducing forever chemicals in soil, Reducing energy consumption for cooling in residential and commercial buildings as temperatures rise","Participants conduct research on specific subtopics from a broad technology area posted as part of the annual theme. Using a previously prepared note card as an approved resource, participants draft an outline of the subtopic randomly selected onsite at the conference. Semifinalists write an essay on that subtopic.",Note Cards,2,,,,,,,,,,
Flight,Flight,2,Individual,Constuct and Fly Glider,1,two (2) individuals per chapter,,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.,"Glider, Portfolio, Eyewear",2,,,,,,,,,,
Forensic Technology,Forensic Tech,1,Team,Demonstration,2,one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter,"Be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate, the following forensic concepts:  Tool mark identification, Hair and fiber analysis , Forensic biometrics",Participants take a test of basic forensic science theory to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists participate in an onsite forensic skills demonstration.,,2,,TRUE,,,,,,3,,Practice Test
Inventions & Innovations,I&I,3,Team,Presentation and Interview,3 to 6,one (1) team of three (3) to six (6) individuals per chapter,Create a product that enhances the daily productivity of a middle school student. ,"To address the annual theme, participants research a need - and brainstorm a solution - for an invention or innovation of a device, system, or process. Participants document their work in an interactive display and the creation of a model/prototype. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their work and participate in an interview.","Display, Prototype",2,,,,,,,,,,
Junior Solar Sprint,JSS,2,Team,Race and Interview,2 to 4,one (1) team of two to four (2-4) individuals per chapter,,"Participants apply STEM concepts, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to design, construct, and race a solar-powered model car. Documentation of the process is required. Learn more about JSS, then register via an Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) portal to begin the JSS journey.","Car, Portfolio, Display",2,TRUE,,,,,,,,,
Leadership Strategies,Leadership Str.,1,Team,Presentation,3,three (3) teams of three (3) individuals per state,,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.,Note Cards,2,,,TRUE,,,,,3,,10:10am-10:20am
Mass Production,Mass Production,3,Team,Demonstration and Interview,3 to 6,one (1) team of at least three (3) individuals per chapter,Pet supply storage tower ,"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.","Portfolio, Photo Timeline",2,,,,,,,,,,
Mechanical Engineering,Mechanical Eng.,3,Team,Race and Interview,2 to 3,one (1) team of two to three (2-3) individuals per chapter,"Problem Statement: A vehicle must go forward at least ten (10) feet, then reverse to a full stop at seven (7) feet from the original starting line. The floor surface for the 2025 National TSA Conference will be convention center concrete.  The floor surfaces for state conferences may vary.","Participants design, document, and build a mechanical device (mousetrap car) that incorporates the elements of the annual theme/problem – and then race the car. Finalists are determined based on an evaluation of the documentation portfolio, the race exit interview, and the race placement.","Car, Portfolio, Technical Drawing",2,,,,,,,,,,
Medical Technology,Medical Tech,2,Team,Presentation and Interview,3,three (3) teams per state,Medical Drugs and Genetics: Why do some people respond to medicines differently than others?,"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.","Display, Prototype",2,,,,,,,,,,
Microcontroller Design,Microcontroller,3,Team,Presentation and Interview,1 to 6,one (1) team per chapter; individual entries are permitted,Interactive gift box ,"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.","Device, Portfolio",2,,,,,,,,,,
Off the Grid,Off the Grid,3,Team,Presentation and Interview,3 to 6,three (3) teams per state; individual entries are permitted,"Design a home for a family of four (4) in a country (of your choice)  in which a boreal forest (taiga) biome is found. The house must be designed for an area that does not have access to a power grid. In addition, the house must include a renewable energy source, one (1) agricultural system, and must solve one (1) problem that is specific to the area.","Based on the annual theme, participants conduct research on a sustainable architectural design for a home in a country not their own. Participants produce a portfolio and create a display and a model. Semifinalists present their design and participate in an interview.","Display, Model, Portfolio",2,,,,,,,,,,
Prepared Speech,Prepared Speech,2,Individual,Speech,1,three (3) individuals per state,2025 National Conference Theme: Tune into Technology,Participants deliver a timed speech that relates to the theme of the current national TSA conference. Semifinalists and finalists are determined using the same competition procedure.,"Note Cards permitted, memorization is better",2,,,TRUE,,,,,3,TRUE,
Problem Solving,Problem Solving,1,Team,Challenge,2,one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter,,"Participants use problem-solving skills to design and build a solution to an onsite challenge. Solutions are evaluated using measures appropriate to the challenge, such as elapsed time, horizontal or vertical distance, and/or strength.",Toolkit,1,,,,,,,,,,Practice Prompt
Promotional Marketing,Promo Marketing,2,Individual,Challenge,1,one (1) individual per chapter,"Charitable and service organizations are the backbone of our communities.  A group called “Students Helping Grandparents” has contacted your chapter advisor about your chapter hosting an event at a public library, during which chapter members will lead focus group discussions with senior citizens.  The topic for the focus groups will be helping senior citizens understand and avoid online cybercrime.  The event is Tuesday May 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.  Printable: Design a tri-fold brochure.  Wearable: Design a hat that can be given to participants. Digital Signage: Create an auto-advancing slide presentation that is no longer than two (2)  minutes in length.",Participants create and submit a marketing portfolio and required elements that address the annual theme/problem. Semifinalists complete a layout and design assignment for evaluation.,"Advertisement, Design, Digital Signage",2,TRUE,,,,,,,3,TRUE,
STEM Animation,STEM Ani.,3,Team,Presentation and Interview,3 to 6,three (3) teams per state,Robotics in automobile manufacturing,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.,"Portfolio, Video Link",2,TRUE,,,,,,,,,
Structural Engineering,Structural Eng.,2,Team,Challenge,2,one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter,,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.,"Technical 3D drawing, cuts part list of materials",2,,,,,,,,,,
System Control Technology,System Control Tech,2,Team,Challenge,3,one (1) team of three (3) individuals per state,,"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.","Construction Kit, Inventor's Log",2,,,,,,,,,,
Tech Bowl,Tech Bowl,1,Team,Test,3,one (1) team of three (3) individuals per chapter,,"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.",,2,,TRUE,,,,,,2,,12:30 (Arrive 10 min early)
Technical Design,Tech Design,2,Team,Challenge,2,one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter,,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.,Portfolio incl. Technical Drawings,2,,,,,,,,,,
Video Game Design,Video Game,3,Team,Presentation and Interview,2 to 6,One (1) team of two (2) to six (6) individuals per chapter,,"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.","Portfolio, Game Link",2,TRUE,,,,,,,3,TRUE,
Vlogging,Vlogging,3,Team,Challenge,2 to 6,two (2) teams of two (2) to six (6) members per chapter,Setting and achieving goals; the minimum number of audio pieces is four (4).,"Participants use digital video technology to create original content about a pre-determined technology theme. Semifinalists compete in an onsite challenge to produce additional video(s) based on specified criteria, such as provided props, lines of dialog, and topics.","Portfolio, Video Link",2,TRUE,,,,,,,3,TRUE,RMS Interview (?)
Website Design,Website,3,Team,Presentation and Interview,3 to 6,one (1) team of at least three (3) and a maximum of six (6) individuals per chapter,Topic: Website for food preparation recipes.  Challenge – Develop an original website with simple recipes for young cooks (MS and HS age).  It should have an interactive element that will ask a few questions to direct the user to the desired ingredients and recipe.   ,"To address the annual challenge, participants design, build, provide documentation for, and launch a website that incorporates the elements of website design, graphic layout, and proper coding techniques. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website.","Copyright Checklist, Release Forms, Work Log, Website Link",2,TRUE,,,,,,,3,TRUE,RMS Interview
