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1EventShort NameLevel of EffortFormatSemifinalist ActivityTeam SizeEligibilityThemeDescriptionDocumentationState CountState PresubmissionState PretestingState Preliminary RoundState Submit EntryState Time Semifinalist Sign-upState Time Semifinalist Presentations/InterviewsState Time Pick-upRegional CountRegional PresubmissionRegional Notes
2BiotechnologyBiotech2TeamInterview2 to 6five (5) teams per stateBiotechnology that supports sustainable cosmetics packaging to reduce waste to landfillsTo 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.Portfolio2
3Career PrepCareer Prep1IndividualInterview1one (1) individual per chapterTheme: Select a career from one (1) of the following:  Bioenergy Technicians, Data Architect, Machine Learning Engineer, Nurse PractitionerBased 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, Resume2TRUE3TRUE12:50pm-1:00pm
4Challenging Technology IssuesChlg. Tech Issues1TeamDebate Presentation2three (3) teams of two (2) individuals per stateTopics:, Genetic Testing and Counseling, Animal Testing for Scientific Research, The Use of Drones for Surveillance, Privatization of Space Travel, Nanotechnology in Consumer GoodsFollowing 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 Cards23Competition, Video due by Noon
5Chapter TeamChapter TeamTeamCeremony6one (1) team of six (6) individuals per chapterParticipants 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.2TRUEPractice
6Children's StoriesChildren's Stories3TeamInterview3 to 6three (3) teams per state; individual entries are permittedAn interactive or pop-up book that focuses on making friends in-personParticipants 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, Book23TRUERMS Interview
7CodingCoding2TeamChallenge2one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapterTo 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-projectsTo 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.2TRUE
8Community Service VideoComm. Service Vid2TeamPresentation and Interview1 to 6one (1) team per chapter; individual entries are permittedParticipants 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 Link2TRUE3TRUERMS Interview
9CAD foundationsCAD1IndividualChallenge1two (2) individuals per stateParticipants 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 Software2
10Construction ChallengeConstruction Chlg.3TeamPresentation and Interview3 to 6one (1) team of at least two (2) individuals per chapterParticipants 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, Portfolio2
11CybersecurityCybersecurity2IndividualPresentation1three (3) individuals per chapterProblem 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.Presentation2TRUEPractice
12Data Science & AnalyticsData Sci.2TeamChallenge and Presentation2 to 3three (3) teams of two to three (2-3) individuals per stateDetermine 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.Display2
13Digital PhotographyDigital Photography2IndividualOnsite Photography and Presentation1three (3) individuals per stateStudents 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, Laptop2TRUE3TRUE
14DragsterDragster2IndividualRace and Interview1two (2) individuals per chapterAddress 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 Materials2
15Electrical ApplicationsElectrical App.1TeamCircuit Build and Interview2one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapterParticipants 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.2TRUE
16Essays on Technology Essays on Tech 1IndividualWritten Essay1three (3) individuals per stateTopic: 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 riseParticipants 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 Cards2
17FlightFlight2IndividualConstuct and Fly Glider1two (2) individuals per chapterParticipants 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, Eyewear2
18Forensic TechnologyForensic Tech1TeamDemonstration2one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapterBe familiar with, and be able to demonstrate, the following forensic concepts: Tool mark identification, Hair and fiber analysis , Forensic biometricsParticipants take a test of basic forensic science theory to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists participate in an onsite forensic skills demonstration.2TRUE3Practice Test
19Inventions & InnovationsI&I3TeamPresentation and Interview3 to 6one (1) team of three (3) to six (6) individuals per chapterCreate 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, Prototype2
20Junior Solar SprintJSS2TeamRace and Interview2 to 4one (1) team of two to four (2-4) individuals per chapterParticipants 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, Display2TRUE
21Leadership StrategiesLeadership Str.1TeamPresentation3three (3) teams of three (3) individuals per stateParticipants 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 Cards2TRUE310:10am-10:20am
22Mass ProductionMass Production3TeamDemonstration and Interview3 to 6one (1) team of at least three (3) individuals per chapterPet 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 Timeline2
23Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Eng.3TeamRace and Interview2 to 3one (1) team of two to three (2-3) individuals per chapterProblem 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 Drawing2
24Medical TechnologyMedical Tech2TeamPresentation and Interview3three (3) teams per stateMedical 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, Prototype2
25Microcontroller DesignMicrocontroller3TeamPresentation and Interview1 to 6one (1) team per chapter; individual entries are permittedInteractive 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, Portfolio2
26Off the GridOff the Grid3TeamPresentation and Interview3 to 6three (3) teams per state; individual entries are permittedDesign 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, Portfolio2
27Prepared SpeechPrepared Speech2IndividualSpeech1three (3) individuals per state2025 National Conference Theme: Tune into TechnologyParticipants 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 better2TRUE3TRUE
28Problem SolvingProblem Solving1TeamChallenge2one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapterParticipants 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.Toolkit1Practice Prompt
29Promotional MarketingPromo Marketing2IndividualChallenge1one (1) individual per chapterCharitable 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 Signage2TRUE3TRUE
30STEM AnimationSTEM Ani.3TeamPresentation and Interview3 to 6three (3) teams per stateRobotics in automobile manufacturingParticipants 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 Link2TRUE
31Structural EngineeringStructural Eng.2TeamChallenge2one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapterParticipants 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 materials2
32System Control TechnologySystem Control Tech2TeamChallenge3one (1) team of three (3) individuals per stateIn 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 Log2
33Tech BowlTech Bowl1TeamTest3one (1) team of three (3) individuals per chapterParticipants 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.2TRUE212:30 (Arrive 10 min early)
34Technical DesignTech Design2TeamChallenge2one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapterParticipants 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 Drawings2
35Video Game DesignVideo Game3TeamPresentation and Interview2 to 6One (1) team of two (2) to six (6) individuals per chapterParticipants 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 Link2TRUE3TRUE
36VloggingVlogging3TeamChallenge2 to 6two (2) teams of two (2) to six (6) members per chapterSetting 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 Link2TRUE3TRUERMS Interview (?)
37Website DesignWebsite3TeamPresentation and Interview3 to 6one (1) team of at least three (3) and a maximum of six (6) individuals per chapterTopic: 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 Link2TRUE3TRUERMS Interview