# Events

Name: Biotechnology
ShortName: Biotech
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation (3 Team Members)
Documentation: Portfolio
Eligibility: five (5) teams per state
Theme:
  Students research and report on biotechnology that develops biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels, helping to reduce pollution and combat climate change.

Description:
  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.


Name: Career Prep
ShortName: Career Prep
SemifinalistActivity: Interview
Documentation: Cover Letter, Resume
Eligibility: one (1) individual per chapter
Theme:
  Choose a career from the Career Clusters Energy & Natural Resources category within one of the following subclusters:Resource ExtractionConservation & Land ManagementEcological Research & DevelopmentClean & Alternative EnergyEnvironmental ProtectionUtilities

Description:
  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.


Name: Challenging Technology Issues
ShortName: Chlg. Tech Issues
SemifinalistActivity: Debate Presentation
Documentation: Note Cards
Eligibility: three (3) teams of two (2) individuals per state
Theme:
  Topics:
  Artificial Intelligence and Automation in the Workplace
  Cloning to Generate Human Organs
  Utilizing Lab-Grown Meat as a Substantiative Agricultural Practice
  Banning Gas-Powered Cars by 2035
  Human Microchip Implants for Medical Records

Description:
  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.


Name: Chapter Team
ShortName: Chapter Team
SemifinalistActivity: Ceremony
Notes: Practice
Eligibility: one (1) team of six (6) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Children's Stories
ShortName: Children's Stories
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation (2 Team Members)
Notes: RMS Interview
Documentation: Portfolio, Book
Eligibility: three (3) teams per state; individual entries are permitted
Theme: Rhyming or Repetitive Text used to develop language development and memory in early readers.
Description:
  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.


Name: Coding
ShortName: Coding
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Eligibility: one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter
Theme:
  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

Description:
  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.


Name: Community Service Video
ShortName: Comm. Service Vid
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview
Notes: RMS Interview
Documentation: Copyright Checklist, Release Forms, Video Link
Eligibility: one (1) team per chapter; individual entries are permitted
Description:
  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.


Name: CAD foundations
ShortName: CAD
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Documentation: Laptop w/CAD Software
Eligibility: two (2) individuals per state
Description:
  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.


Name: Construction Challenge
ShortName: Construction Chlg.
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview (2-4 Team Members)
Documentation: Prototype, Display, Portfolio
Eligibility: one (1) team of at least two (2) individuals per chapter
Theme:
  Your team has been tasked to design a playground appropriate for elementary school students (kindergarten through fifth grade). The playground should accommodate 50-60 students and be American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. The playground should have a minimum of three (3) distinct zones for students. Describe the materials your team will use and how they complement the local environment of the playground. 

Description:
  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.


Name: Cybersecurity
ShortName: Cybersecurity
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation
Notes: Practice
Documentation: Presentation
Eligibility: three (3) individuals per chapter
Theme:
  MakerForge Supply Inc. is an online retailer of makerspace supplies for consumers. Previously, the company offered website chat support on their website for customers seeking answers to their questions about orders, returns, etc. The company recently deployed an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to answer customer’s questions as a first-step basis – prior to connecting customers with a MakerForge customer service agent. Now the company is receiving reports that the AI chatbot is exposing customer information inappropriately and providing invalid responses. Address the potential causes and propose solutions for securing and managing the AI chatbot.

Description:
  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.


Name: Data Science & Analytics
ShortName: Data Sci.
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge and Presentation
Documentation: Display
Eligibility: three (3) teams of two to three (2-3) individuals per state
Theme:
  Data Set – Transportation Details

  Topic: Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (https://www.census.gov/topics/employment/commuting.html), explore how people travel to work across the country. Look at key characteristics provided in the data set. Based on your analysis, create a set of data-driven criteria that could help predict how someone might commute to work. Support your criteria with evidence from the data.  

Description:
  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.


Name: Digital Photography
ShortName: Digital Photography
SemifinalistActivity: Onsite Photography and Presentation
Documentation: Portfolio, Camera, Laptop
Eligibility: three (3) individuals per state
Theme:
  “Reflections”: Members will take four photos that fit the theme of “reflections,” such as water, mirrors, glass, etc.

Description:
  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.


Name: Dragster
ShortName: Dragster
SemifinalistActivity: Race and Interview
Documentation: Dragster, Technical Drawing, Parts and Materials
Eligibility: two (2) individuals per chapter
Theme: No theme for 2026, see official rules for specifications
Description:
  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.


Name: Electrical Applications
ShortName: Electrical App.
SemifinalistActivity: Circuit Build and Interview
Eligibility: one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Flight
ShortName: Flight
SemifinalistActivity: Constuct and Fly Glider
Documentation: Glider, Portfolio, Eyewear
Eligibility: two (2) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Forensic Technology
ShortName: Forensic Tech
SemifinalistActivity: Demonstration
Notes: Practice Test
Eligibility: one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter
Theme:
  Skills or Techniques

  Document Analysis: Forgery & Counterfeiting
  Trace Evidence: Glass & Paint
  Impression Analysis

Description:
  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.


Name: Inventions & Innovations
ShortName: I&I
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview (2 Team Members)
Documentation: Display, Prototype
Eligibility: one (1) team of three (3) to six (6) individuals per chapter
Theme: Create a product that enhances the daily productivity of a middle school student.
Description:
  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.


Name: Solar Racer
ShortName: Solar Racer
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge and Interview
Documentation: Car, Portfolio, Display
Eligibility: one (1) team of two to four (2-4) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Leadership Strategies
ShortName: Leadership Str.
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation
Notes: 10:10am-10:20am
Documentation: Note Cards
Eligibility: three (3) teams of three (3) individuals per state
Description:
  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.


Name: Mass Production
ShortName: Mass Production
SemifinalistActivity: Demonstration and Interview (2 Team Members)
Documentation: Portfolio, Photo Timeline
Eligibility: one (1) team of at least three (3) individuals per chapter
Theme: Hobby Accessory
Description:
  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.


Name: Mechanical Engineering
ShortName: Mechanical Eng.
SemifinalistActivity: Catapult and Interview
Documentation: Car, Portfolio, Technical Drawing
Eligibility: one (1) team of two to three (2-3) individuals per chapter
Theme: Catapult for Beanbag Cornhole
Description:
  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.


Name: Medical Technology
ShortName: Medical Tech
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview (3 Team Members)
Documentation: Display, Prototype
Eligibility: three (3) teams per state
Theme:
  Musculoskeletal Conditions & Modern Technologies: Teams will select a musculoskeletal condition and outline it in the display. Then, teams will select modern medical technology that will be highlighted in an informational pamphlet and multimedia video.

Description:
  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.


Name: Microcontroller Design
ShortName: Microcontroller
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview
Documentation: Device, Portfolio
Eligibility: one (1) team per chapter; individual entries are permitted
Theme: Musical Instrument
Description:
  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.


Name: Off the Grid
ShortName: Off the Grid
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview (2 Team Members)
Documentation: Display, Model, Portfolio
Eligibility: three (3) teams per state; individual entries are permitted
Theme:
  Design Brief:  Water Collection in Kenya

  Family Overview: Maya and her family live in a rural village in Kenya. The family consists of Maya (the mother), her husband, and three children. They live in a small, single-story dwelling home made from mud bricks, with a thatched roof. The house has two bedrooms, a living room, and a small kitchen. The family has limited access to running water, and the only available water source is a small, seasonal river a 30-minute walk away. During the dry season, this river often dries up, and Maya must buy water from a nearby vendor; this can be expensive and unreliable.

  Challenge: Maya’s family needs a sustainable off-grid solution to collect and store water. The current system involves carrying water from the river during the rainy season and relying on expensive water deliveries during the dry season. Your task is to optimize the family’s water collection and storage system, using natural resources like rainwater and local materials. 

  Requirements:

  The system must provide enough clean water for the family’s daily needs, including drinking, cooking, and bathing.
  The system should make use of rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on external water sources.
  The water storage system must be designed to handle both the rainy season and the dry season.
  The system should include a basic filtration solution to ensure the water is safe for drinking.
  The design must be cost-effective and use local materials when possible. 
  Budget: Your team has a budget of $1,500 to develop and implement the water collection and storage system. This budget must cover materials for rainwater collection, filtration, storage tanks, and installation.

Description:
  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.


Name: Prepared Speech
ShortName: Prepared Speech
SemifinalistActivity: Speech
Documentation: Note Cards permitted, memorization is better
Eligibility: three (3) individuals per state
Theme: 2026 National Conference Theme: “Unity Through Community”
Description:
  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.


Name: Problem Solving
ShortName: Problem Solving
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Notes: Practice Prompt
Documentation: Toolkit
Eligibility: one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Promotional Marketing
ShortName: Promo Marketing
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Documentation: Advertisement, Design, Digital Signage
Eligibility: one (1) individual per chapter
Theme:
  Your TSA chapter is hosting a family-friendly game night to raise funds to cover costs for attendance at upcoming conferences. The event will include board games, trivia rounds, and student-led challenges.

  For the competition, participants must use the following information:

  Name of event: "Game on for Good: TSA Fundraising Game Night"
  Date/time of event: August 15, 2026, 6:00-9:00 PM
  School: Eastwood Harbor Middle School TSA  
  School mascot: Hawk
  Address: 92 Harborline Ave., Eastwood Harbor, MD 21457 

  Printable: Promotional graphic to be used for social media promotion of the event
  Wearable: Participant’s choice of a wearable design
  Digital Signage: Auto-advancing slides with event schedule and donation goals

Description:
  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.


Name: STEM Animation
ShortName: STEM Ani.
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview (2 Team Members)
Documentation: Portfolio, Video Link
Eligibility: three (3) teams per state
Theme: Smart Cities: Technology in Urban Design
Description:
  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.


Name: Structural Engineering
ShortName: Structural Eng.
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Documentation: Technical 3D drawing, cuts part list of materials
Eligibility: one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter
Theme: Design a balsa structure that will support the greatest load possibl
Description:
  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.


Name: System Control Technology
ShortName: System Control Tech
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Documentation: Construction Kit, Inventor's Log
Eligibility: one (1) team of three (3) individuals per state
Description:
  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.


Name: Tech Bowl
ShortName: Tech Bowl
SemifinalistActivity: Test
Notes: 12:30 (Arrive 10 min early)
Eligibility: one (1) team of three (3) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Technical Design
ShortName: Tech Design
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Documentation: Portfolio incl. Technical Drawings
Eligibility: one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Video Game Design
ShortName: Video Game
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview
Documentation: Portfolio, Game Link
Eligibility: One (1) team of two (2) to six (6) individuals per chapter
Description:
  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.


Name: Audio Podcasting
ShortName: Podcasting
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge
Notes: RMS Interview (?)
Documentation: Portfolio, Video Link
Eligibility: two (2) teams of two (2) to six (6) members per chapter
Theme: Students create an audio podcast reviewing/promoting a vacation destination.
Description:
  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 complete an onsite challenge to produce an additional podcast(s).


Name: Website Design
ShortName: Website
SemifinalistActivity: Presentation and Interview
Notes: RMS Interview
Documentation: Copyright Checklist, Release Forms, Work Log, Website Link
Eligibility: one (1) team of at least three (3) and a maximum of six (6) individuals per chapter
Theme:
  Develop a website that captures the essence of your local community and shares stories, history, or significant events that have shaped your community. The website should include an interactive element (e.g., timeline, map, etc.) that the user can interact with to understand the history or stories of your community. According to the official rules, do not include school or chapter name.

Description:
  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.


Name: Drone Challenge (UAV)
ShortName: Drone
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge and Interview
Documentation: Drone, Portfolio
Eligibility: one (1) team of two to four (2-4) individuals per chapter
Theme: The topic of research is the use of drones for first responders, police or firefighters
Description:
  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.


Name: Robotics
ShortName: Robotics
SemifinalistActivity: Challenge and Interview
Documentation: Drone, Portfolio
Eligibility: one (1) team of two to four (2-4) individuals per chapter
Theme:
  The mission of your team is to design, build, assemble, and operate a robot that can pick up objects (payloads) of varying types. Navigating through/around various obstacles to gather payloads. Then place
  payloads into a payload drop off area on a specific target. The course is designed to test the handling,
  maneuverability, hardware capabilities, and driving skills of your robot.

Description:
  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.


