Middle School

CAD Foundations: Participants (individual event, maximum of 12 per chapter) have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of CAD fundamentals as they create a two-dimensional (2D) graphic representation of an engineering part or object. This is a BYOD event. (Bring Your Own Device). Participants must bring their own computer system, power strip and CAD software.

Career Prep: Participants (individual event, maximum of 12 participants per chapter) conduct research on a selected technology-related career according to a theme posted on the TSA website, and use this knowledge to prepare a letter of introduction and a chronological skills resume. Semifinalists participate in a mock interview. Pre-Work Required!

Chapter Team: Participants (team event, max of 2 teams per chapter, teams must have a minimum of 4 members and a maximum of 6 members, team members do not have to be elected officers of the local TSA chapter) take a written parliamentary procedures test in order to qualify for the semifinals, in which they conduct an opening ceremony, items of business, parliamentary actions, and a closing ceremony within a specified time period.

Construction Challenge: Participants (team event, max of 6 teams per chapter consisting of 2-4 students per team) submit a scale model/prototype with a portfolio that documents the use of their leadership and technical skills to fulfill an identified community need related to construction. Semifinalists discuss their projects in a presentation and an interview.

Digital Photography: Participants (individual event, maximum of 12 participants per chapter) produce a digital portfolio addressing an annual theme. Semifinalists participate in a timed challenge and demonstrate competency their knowledge of digital photography in a presentation/interview. Participants must bring their own camera, laptop or other device for editing and editing software. Pre-Requisite Required!

Dragster: Participants (individual event, maximum of 12 participants per chapter) design and produce a race-worthy CO2-powered dragster according to stated specifications, using only specified materials.

**Drawings are submitted on-site with the completed dragster**

Electrical Applications: Participants (individual event, maximum of 12 participants per chapter) take a written test on basic electrical and electronic theory. Semifinalists assemble a specific circuit from a schematic diagram using their own kit, make required electrical measurements, and explain their solution during an interview.

Essays on Technology: Participants (individual event, 12 participants per chapter) conduct research on specified subtopics of a broader technological area and, using the knowledge and resources gained through that research, write a comprehensive essay on one subtopic that is designated onsite.

Flight: Participants (individual event, 12 participants per chapter) study the principles of flight and design in order to fabricate a glider that stays in flight for the greatest elapsed time. The glider must be designed to be launched from a catapult that is provided onsite. The design process is documented in a portfolio that is submitted for evaluation.

Inventions and Innovations: Participants (team event, max of 5 teams per chapter, consisting of 3-5 students per team) investigate and determine the need for an invention or innovation of a device, system, or process, and brainstorm ideas for a possible solution. Teams prepare an interactive display and model/prototype. Semifinalists present to a panel of judges (who act as venture capitalist investors) to persuade the panel to invest in their invention/innovation. Judges interview the participants.

Junior Solar Sprint: Participants (team event consisting of 2-5 individuals, max of 4 teams per chapter) apply STEM concepts, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as they design, construct, and race a solar-powered model car.

Mass Production: Participants (team event consisting of 2-4 individuals, max of 4 teams per chapter) manufacture a marketable product addressing the annual theme. Teams document their design processes in a portfolio, including the duplication capability in the creation of three (3) prototypes. Semifinalists demonstrate the functionality of one (1) prototype.

Prepared Speech: Participants (individual event, maximum of 12 participants per chapter) deliver a speech that reflects the theme of the current year’s National TSA Conference.

Problem Solving: Participants (team event, 2 members per team, max of 6 teams per chapter) use problem solving skills to develop a finite solution to a problem provided onsite. All tools and supplies are provided on site for the participants. Participants must provide and wear their own safety goggles. Teams whose members do not have goggles will be disqualified.

Structural Engineering: Participants (team event consisting of two individuals, max of 5 teams per chapter) apply the principles of structural design and engineering through basic research, design, construction, and destructive testing to determine the design efficiency of a structure.

Tech Bowl: Participants (team event, max of 2 teams per chapter, must have 3 participants per team approved by the chapter advisor) demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in the technology content standards by completing a written objective test. Semifinalist teams participate in a question/response, head-to-head competition.

VEX IQ Challenge: Participants collaborate on a robotics project that explores the relationship among STEM fields, culminating in a head-to-head game to test their robot's efficiency and productivity. Rules can be found at RobotEvents.com **TSA VEX Teams must also register at RobotEvents.com for scoring and ranking within VEX.

Video Game Design: Participants (team event, max of 5 teams per chapter consisting of 2-4 students per team) develop, build, and launch an E-rated, online game that focuses on the subject of their choice. The game should be interesting, exciting, visually appealing, and intellectually challenging. Semifinalist teams participate in an onsite interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game. A working, self-launching game must be submitted on a flash drive. Games submitted in download form or on a DVD will not be judged. Pre-Requisite Required!