Competition Locations (2019-2020)
Regionals - February 2020 at Gettysburg High School - Gettysburg, PA
States - April 2020 at Seven Springs Resort - Champion, PA
Nationals - TBD
States - April 2020 at Seven Springs Resort - Champion, PA
Nationals - TBD
National TSA Competitions
3D Animation Participants (three teams of two members per state) demonstrate their knowledge of 3D animation technology and design skills to creatively solve the challenge posted on the national TSA website.
Animatronics Participants (one team per chapter, one entry per team) demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and control systems by designing, fabricating, and controlling an animatronics device that will communicate, entertain, inform, demonstrate and/or illustrate a topic, idea, subject or concept. Sound, lights and a surrounding environment must accompany the device.
Architectural Design Participants (one individual or team per chapter, one entry per individual or team) develop a set of architectural plans and related materials for an annual architectural design challenge and construct a physical, as well as a computer-generated model, to accurately depict their design.
Biotechnology Design Participants (three teams of two to six individuals per state, one entry per team) select a contemporary biotechnology problem (that relates to the current year’s published area of focus) and demonstrate understanding of it through documented research, the development of a solution, a display, and an effective multimedia presentation.
Chapter Team Participants (one team of six individuals per chapter) take a written parliamentary procedures test in order to qualify for the semifinalist level of competition. Semifinalist teams perform an opening ceremony, dispose of three items of business, and perform a closing ceremony within a specified time period.
Children’s Stories Participants (one team per chapter; a team of one individual is permitted) create an illustrated children's story of artistic, instructional, and social value. The story must have a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focus. It may be written in prose or poetry and take the form of a fable, adventure story, or other structure.
Coding Participants (one individual, or one team of two to three members, per chapter) respond to an annual coding-related design challenge by developing a software program that will accurately address an on-site problem in a specified, limited amount of time.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Architecture Participants (two individuals per state) use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to develop representations of architectural subjects, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Participants (two individuals per state) use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to develop three-dimensional representations of engineering subjects such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Participants (one team of two members per chapter) design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a promotional TSA product that will showcase the current conference city and/or state.
Debating Technological Issues Participants (three teams of two individuals per state) work together to prepare for a debate against a team from another chapter. Teams are instructed on site to take either the pro or con side of a subtopic (which falls under a general topic) that is designated annually.
Digital Video Production Participants (three teams per state, one entry per team) develop a digital video/film that focuses on the current year’s theme. Sound should accompany the film.
Dragster Design Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) design, produce working drawings for, and build a CO2-powered dragster.
Engineering Design Participants (one team of three to five individuals per chapter, one entry per team) work to design and fabricate a device that will meet the specific needs of a person with a disability. Through use of a model/prototype, display, and portfolio, participants document and justify their identified problem and solution, as well as the solution’s impact on a member of their community and on society. Semifinalists
justify and demonstrate their solution in a timed presentation.
Essays on Technology Participants (three individuals per state) write a synthesis essay to make insightful connections based on a current technological topic.
Extemporaneous Speech Participants (three individuals per state) give a three to five minute speech fifteen minutes after having drawn a card on which a technology or TSA topic for a speech is written.
Fashion Design and Technology Participants (three teams of two to four individuals per state) research, design, and create a portfolio and wearable prototype that reflect the current year’s theme. Semifinalist teams participate in a presentation/interview in which they present their garment designs to judges.
Flight Endurance Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) analyze flight principles with a rubber band-powered model aircraft.
Future Technology Teacher Participants (three individuals per chapter) research and select three accredited colleges or universities that offer technology education teacher preparation as a major. Each participant writes a one page simulated college essay explaining why he/she would like to become a technology educator and what would constitute success in the field. Participants also develop and present a lesson plan to judges.
Music Production Participants (three teams per state; a team of one member is permitted) produce an original musical piece that is designed to be played during the national TSA conference opening or closing general sessions.
On Demand Video Participants (one team of two or more individuals per chapter, one entry per team) write, shoot, and edit a sixty-second video on site at the conference.
Photographic Technology Participants (one individual per chapter) capture and process photographic and digital prints that depict the current year’s published theme. Semifinalists participate in an on-site event in which they capture digital images and utilize multimedia software to prepare and develop a media presentation during the annual conference.
Prepared Presentation Participants (three individuals per state) deliver an oral presentation that includes a visual enhancement, based on the theme for the current year’s conference.
Promotional Graphics Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry each) develop and submit electronically a graphic design that can be used to promote participation in TSA-related interests.
Scientific Visualization (SciVis) Participants (three teams per state; an individual may participate solo in this team event) use either 2D or 3D computer graphics tools and design processes to communicate, inform, analyze, and/or illustrate a STEM topic, idea, subject, or concept.
Software Development Participants (one team per chapter) work as part of a team to participate in the development, debugging, and documentation of a software design project using freely available software development toolkits. Through a multimedia presentation and documentation, the team explains its knowledge of the software development process.
STEM Careers Participants (six individuals per state) develop a specific skill and complete a thorough project about the skill’s relationship to a STEM career area of their choice. Participants research and prepare documentation related to the skill and prepare a video that demonstrates the skill. Semifinalists participate in an on-site interview to discuss the skill developed.
Structural Design and Engineering Participants (one team of two individuals per chapter, one entry per team) work as part of a team to build a structure that is posted on the TSA website. The structure is destructively tested and assessed to determine design efficiency. Semifinalists work on a construction problem that is a variation of the posted design.
System Control Technology Participants (one team of three individuals per state, one entry per team) work as part of a team on site to develop a computer-controlled model-solution to a problem, typically one from an industrial setting. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical features of the model-solution, and write instructions for evaluators to operate the device.
Technology Bowl Participants (one team of three individuals per chapter) complete a written, objective test in order to qualify for oral question/response, head-to-head team competition.
Technology Problem Solving Participants (one team of two individuals per chapter) work together on site to develop and create a solution to a problem using the limited materials provided and the tools allowed.
Transportation Modeling Participants (one individual per chapter, one entry per individual) design and produce a scale model of a vehicle that fits the annual design problem.
Video Game Design Participants [three teams per state (a minimum of two individuals per team), one entry per team] develop an E+10-rated game that focuses on the subject of their choice.
Webmaster Participants (one team of three to five individuals per chapter) are required to design, build, and launch a website that features their school's career and technology/engineering program, the TSA chapter, and the chapter’s ability to research and present a given topic pertaining to technology. Semifinalists participate in an on-site interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website - with an emphasis on web design methods and practices, as well as their research for the annual design topic
Animatronics Participants (one team per chapter, one entry per team) demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and control systems by designing, fabricating, and controlling an animatronics device that will communicate, entertain, inform, demonstrate and/or illustrate a topic, idea, subject or concept. Sound, lights and a surrounding environment must accompany the device.
Architectural Design Participants (one individual or team per chapter, one entry per individual or team) develop a set of architectural plans and related materials for an annual architectural design challenge and construct a physical, as well as a computer-generated model, to accurately depict their design.
Biotechnology Design Participants (three teams of two to six individuals per state, one entry per team) select a contemporary biotechnology problem (that relates to the current year’s published area of focus) and demonstrate understanding of it through documented research, the development of a solution, a display, and an effective multimedia presentation.
Chapter Team Participants (one team of six individuals per chapter) take a written parliamentary procedures test in order to qualify for the semifinalist level of competition. Semifinalist teams perform an opening ceremony, dispose of three items of business, and perform a closing ceremony within a specified time period.
Children’s Stories Participants (one team per chapter; a team of one individual is permitted) create an illustrated children's story of artistic, instructional, and social value. The story must have a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focus. It may be written in prose or poetry and take the form of a fable, adventure story, or other structure.
Coding Participants (one individual, or one team of two to three members, per chapter) respond to an annual coding-related design challenge by developing a software program that will accurately address an on-site problem in a specified, limited amount of time.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Architecture Participants (two individuals per state) use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to develop representations of architectural subjects, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Participants (two individuals per state) use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to develop three-dimensional representations of engineering subjects such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Participants (one team of two members per chapter) design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a promotional TSA product that will showcase the current conference city and/or state.
Debating Technological Issues Participants (three teams of two individuals per state) work together to prepare for a debate against a team from another chapter. Teams are instructed on site to take either the pro or con side of a subtopic (which falls under a general topic) that is designated annually.
Digital Video Production Participants (three teams per state, one entry per team) develop a digital video/film that focuses on the current year’s theme. Sound should accompany the film.
Dragster Design Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) design, produce working drawings for, and build a CO2-powered dragster.
Engineering Design Participants (one team of three to five individuals per chapter, one entry per team) work to design and fabricate a device that will meet the specific needs of a person with a disability. Through use of a model/prototype, display, and portfolio, participants document and justify their identified problem and solution, as well as the solution’s impact on a member of their community and on society. Semifinalists
justify and demonstrate their solution in a timed presentation.
Essays on Technology Participants (three individuals per state) write a synthesis essay to make insightful connections based on a current technological topic.
Extemporaneous Speech Participants (three individuals per state) give a three to five minute speech fifteen minutes after having drawn a card on which a technology or TSA topic for a speech is written.
Fashion Design and Technology Participants (three teams of two to four individuals per state) research, design, and create a portfolio and wearable prototype that reflect the current year’s theme. Semifinalist teams participate in a presentation/interview in which they present their garment designs to judges.
Flight Endurance Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) analyze flight principles with a rubber band-powered model aircraft.
Future Technology Teacher Participants (three individuals per chapter) research and select three accredited colleges or universities that offer technology education teacher preparation as a major. Each participant writes a one page simulated college essay explaining why he/she would like to become a technology educator and what would constitute success in the field. Participants also develop and present a lesson plan to judges.
Music Production Participants (three teams per state; a team of one member is permitted) produce an original musical piece that is designed to be played during the national TSA conference opening or closing general sessions.
On Demand Video Participants (one team of two or more individuals per chapter, one entry per team) write, shoot, and edit a sixty-second video on site at the conference.
Photographic Technology Participants (one individual per chapter) capture and process photographic and digital prints that depict the current year’s published theme. Semifinalists participate in an on-site event in which they capture digital images and utilize multimedia software to prepare and develop a media presentation during the annual conference.
Prepared Presentation Participants (three individuals per state) deliver an oral presentation that includes a visual enhancement, based on the theme for the current year’s conference.
Promotional Graphics Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry each) develop and submit electronically a graphic design that can be used to promote participation in TSA-related interests.
Scientific Visualization (SciVis) Participants (three teams per state; an individual may participate solo in this team event) use either 2D or 3D computer graphics tools and design processes to communicate, inform, analyze, and/or illustrate a STEM topic, idea, subject, or concept.
Software Development Participants (one team per chapter) work as part of a team to participate in the development, debugging, and documentation of a software design project using freely available software development toolkits. Through a multimedia presentation and documentation, the team explains its knowledge of the software development process.
STEM Careers Participants (six individuals per state) develop a specific skill and complete a thorough project about the skill’s relationship to a STEM career area of their choice. Participants research and prepare documentation related to the skill and prepare a video that demonstrates the skill. Semifinalists participate in an on-site interview to discuss the skill developed.
Structural Design and Engineering Participants (one team of two individuals per chapter, one entry per team) work as part of a team to build a structure that is posted on the TSA website. The structure is destructively tested and assessed to determine design efficiency. Semifinalists work on a construction problem that is a variation of the posted design.
System Control Technology Participants (one team of three individuals per state, one entry per team) work as part of a team on site to develop a computer-controlled model-solution to a problem, typically one from an industrial setting. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical features of the model-solution, and write instructions for evaluators to operate the device.
Technology Bowl Participants (one team of three individuals per chapter) complete a written, objective test in order to qualify for oral question/response, head-to-head team competition.
Technology Problem Solving Participants (one team of two individuals per chapter) work together on site to develop and create a solution to a problem using the limited materials provided and the tools allowed.
Transportation Modeling Participants (one individual per chapter, one entry per individual) design and produce a scale model of a vehicle that fits the annual design problem.
Video Game Design Participants [three teams per state (a minimum of two individuals per team), one entry per team] develop an E+10-rated game that focuses on the subject of their choice.
Webmaster Participants (one team of three to five individuals per chapter) are required to design, build, and launch a website that features their school's career and technology/engineering program, the TSA chapter, and the chapter’s ability to research and present a given topic pertaining to technology. Semifinalists participate in an on-site interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website - with an emphasis on web design methods and practices, as well as their research for the annual design topic
Make sure when viewing themes that you are looking at the high school section.
PA-Only TSA Competitions
Biomedical Research Essay Contest The Biomedical Research event is designed to encourage members’ exploration in biomedical careers through research and expression in the form of an essay. This event and its prizes are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research, (www.psbr.org). This event shall NOT count as one of the six events for which a student may compete at the Regional and State level.
Computer Systems Troubleshooting Participants complete a written examination covering personal computer technology for the entry-level computer service technician. The teams with top ten average scores on the written test qualify for a hands-on component in which teams perform some PC system assembly, isolate hardware and software faults, and deal with customer service issues.
Electronic Research and Experimentation Participants research, plan, design, and construct an electronic device. Entries are evaluated on quality of research, ingenuity and complexity of the device, and effectiveness of the exhibit display.
Logo Design Screen printing utilizes an area of screen mesh blocked off with a non-permeable material to form a stencil creating a negative of the image to be printed; that is, the open spaces are where the ink will appear when printed. Transfers and Direct to Garment (DTG) printing IS NOT PERMITTED. This contest requires the student to create promotional logo designs to be utilized for the next year’s PA-TSA T-shirt, PA-TSA State Conference program and the PA-TSA website banner. The Middle School or High School winner will be chosen to have the designs appear on all PA-TSA State Conference publications (website, mailings, programs, etc.).
Materials Processes TSA contestants entering the Materials Processes contest are required to submit drawings and photographs of a project that they have constructed during the school year.
R/C Off-Road Racing The R/C Off-Road Racing competition is designed to promote teamwork and problem solving among students as they acquire the technical skills to build, modify, operate, race, and maintain a radio-controlled off-road racing vehicle. Points earned for their portfolio contents, appearance of the vehicle, craftsmanship of student-produced parts, and racing results will determine each team’s evaluation.
Robotics Students will design, build and test a remote controlled robot to carry out a specific challenge. Team of Two (2) minimum to Four (4) maximum.
Safety Illustration, Computer Generated The Safety Illustration event is designed to encourage members’ attention to the promotion of safety and safety practices when using any form of technology.
Computer Systems Troubleshooting Participants complete a written examination covering personal computer technology for the entry-level computer service technician. The teams with top ten average scores on the written test qualify for a hands-on component in which teams perform some PC system assembly, isolate hardware and software faults, and deal with customer service issues.
Electronic Research and Experimentation Participants research, plan, design, and construct an electronic device. Entries are evaluated on quality of research, ingenuity and complexity of the device, and effectiveness of the exhibit display.
Logo Design Screen printing utilizes an area of screen mesh blocked off with a non-permeable material to form a stencil creating a negative of the image to be printed; that is, the open spaces are where the ink will appear when printed. Transfers and Direct to Garment (DTG) printing IS NOT PERMITTED. This contest requires the student to create promotional logo designs to be utilized for the next year’s PA-TSA T-shirt, PA-TSA State Conference program and the PA-TSA website banner. The Middle School or High School winner will be chosen to have the designs appear on all PA-TSA State Conference publications (website, mailings, programs, etc.).
Materials Processes TSA contestants entering the Materials Processes contest are required to submit drawings and photographs of a project that they have constructed during the school year.
R/C Off-Road Racing The R/C Off-Road Racing competition is designed to promote teamwork and problem solving among students as they acquire the technical skills to build, modify, operate, race, and maintain a radio-controlled off-road racing vehicle. Points earned for their portfolio contents, appearance of the vehicle, craftsmanship of student-produced parts, and racing results will determine each team’s evaluation.
Robotics Students will design, build and test a remote controlled robot to carry out a specific challenge. Team of Two (2) minimum to Four (4) maximum.
Safety Illustration, Computer Generated The Safety Illustration event is designed to encourage members’ attention to the promotion of safety and safety practices when using any form of technology.