three (3) individuals per chapter (requires pre-submission)

Participants research a developing technology, prepare a video showing an application of the technology in the classroom, and create a lesson plan/activity that features the application and connects to the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL), as well as STEM initiatives and integration. Semifinalists demonstrate the lesson plan and
answer questions about their presentation.

one (1) team of two to three (2-3) members per chapter (requires pre-submission)

To address the issue presented in an annual theme, participants interpret geospatial data and develop a digital portfolio containing maps, data, and pertinent documentation. Semifinalists defend their projections and visual infographic during a presentation/interview.

Theme: Urban Heat Islands and Cooling Solutions

Identify urban heat island (UHI) hotspots in your area using temperature, vegetation, and land use data. Map areas most affected by heat and propose equitable solutions—such as tree planting zones, reflective surfaces, or community cooling centers—especially in vulnerable neighborhoods.

one (1) team of at least two (2) individuals per chapter

Participants design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a product that addresses the annual theme. A documentation portfolio and the completed product prototype are submitted for evaluation. Semifinalists give a product “sales pitch” and demonstration.

Theme: Marble Maze or Puzzle Box

three (3) teams per state; individual entries are permitted (requires state advisor approval; requires pre-submission)

Participants produce an original musical piece designed to be played during the closing session of the national TSA conference. The quality of the musical piece and required
documentation (including elements such as a plan of work, self-evaluation, and a list of hardware, software, and instruments used) determines advancement to the semifinal level
of competition, during which semifinalist participants are interviewed.

Theme: The year 2026 marks the 250th birthday of the United States. Create a musical piece that can be played as the opening number at a July 4th fireworks show.

one (1) team (1) team of at least two (2) individuals per chapter

Once participants receive the challenge details (required criteria, such as props and a line of dialogue) at the national TSA conference, they have 36 hours to produce a 60-second film that showcases video skills, tools, and communication processes. The quality of the completed video production determines the finalists.

one (1) individual per chapter (requires pre-submission)

Participants produce a photographic portfolio - demonstrating expertise in photo and imaging technology processes - to convey a message based on the annual theme. Semifinalists
have 24 hours to complete a portfolio of photos (with required documentation) taken onsite at the national TSA conference. Finalists are determined based on the quality of the semifinal portfolio, the portfolio presentation, and interview responses.

Theme: Photo Essay Series 

Create a series of photos that tell a story

three (3) individuals per state (requires state advisor approval)

Participants deliver a three-to-five-minute oral presentation related to the current national TSA conference theme. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and the appropriate use and content of the accompanying required slide deck.

Topic: Everyone knows the classic game of rock, paper, scissors: rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper, and paper beats rock. At the end of the day, which is the most revolutionary tool? Develop a presentation in which you select one of these three technologies/tools and describe its impact on human civilization.

three (3) individuals per state (requires state advisor approval)

Participants use computerized graphic communications layout and design skills to produce a promotional resource packet.
The resource must address the annual theme/problem and include at least four printed publication items and required
documentation. Semifinalists demonstrate publishing competency in an onsite technical design challenge.

Theme: Create promotional materials for a chapter-hosted event in which TSA alumni return to the chapter to share career stories, run workshops, and mentor students. The promotional items must include: 

• an event information flyer
• a social media promotional graphic
• a name badge template
• a promotional item of the participant’s choice

three (3) teams of two to six (2-6) individuals per state (requires state advisor approval)

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.

Theme

one (1) team of two to four (2-4) individuals per chapter; one (1) entry per team

Students apply scientific understanding, creativity, experimentation, and teamwork to design, build, and race a model solar vehicle that carries a payload. Documentation of the process is required.

one (1) team of at least two (2) individuals per chapter; presentation/interview is limited to three (3) members (requires pre-submission)

Participants use their knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, algorithm design, problem-solving principles, effective communication, and collaboration to design, implement,
test, document, and present a software development project of educational or social value. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and project.

Theme: Develop a software program that removes barriers and increases accessibility for people with vision or hearing disabilities.

one (1) team of two to three (2-3) members per chapter (requires pre-submission)

In response to an annual theme, participants use written and verbal communication skills to convey a news story in both a video broadcast (preliminary round) and a digital written format (semifinal round). Participants must demonstrate a strong understanding of journalism etiquette and the common practices of the field of mass media.

Headline: The green past of the Saharo-Arabian Desert: Cave deposits reveal recurring humid periods over eight million years

Prompt: Based on the following headline, develop a news broadcast that includes an introduction of the headline, a summary of the information in the news story, and an explanation of potential future implications of the highlighted work.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1079999

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.

Problem Statement

Verification Form

two (2) teams of three (3) individuals per state (requires state advisor approval)

Participants develop a solution to a problem (typically one from an industrial setting) presented onsite at the conference. They analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, demonstrate the programming and mechanical features of the model-solution
in an interview, and provide instructions for evaluators to operate the model.

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. Semifinalist teams participate in a question/ response, head-to-head, team competition.

one (1) team of two (2) individuals per chapter

Participants use problem-solving skills to design and construct a finite solution to a challenge provided onsite at the conference. Solutions are evaluated at the end of 90 minutes using measures appropriate to the challenge, such as elapsed time, horizontal or vertical distance, and/or strength.

one (1) individual per chapter

Participants research, design, and produce a scale model of a vehicle that complies with the annual design problem. A display for the model and a documentation portfolio – containing elements such as a description of the vehicle, photographs and commentary detailing the vehicle production, and technical illustrations – are required. Semifinalists participate in an interview

Design Problem: The Sky is Not the Limit- Next-gen space travel. 

five (5) teams of at least two (2) individuals per state (requires state advisor approval; requires pre-submission)

Participants design, build, and launch an E-rated online video game – with accompanying required documentation – that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an
interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.

Theme: Retro Revival

Reimagine an 8-bit or 16-bit era type of game with a modern twist.

The game must be inspired by 8-bit or 16-bit era games, but may not contain any recognizable characters, music, or storylines from these games. Competitors are encouraged to research games from this era but not utilize copyrighted material.

one (1) team per chapter; individual entries are permitted

Participants use video and 3D computer graphics tools and design processes to create a two-to-three-minute VR simulation (accompanied by supporting documentation) that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their simulation and participate in an interview.

Design Topic: Design an interactive, walk-through VR museum based on a topic in art, history, or technology. 

one (1) team of at least two (2) individuals per chapter (requires pre-submission)

Participants design, build, and launch a website that addresses the annual challenge. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website

Topic: Community Resource Hub

Create a website that will serve as a community resource hub to highlight resources available to residents within the community (e.g., non-profits, support services, community events and programs, etc.). Your entry for this event is an exception to the general rules for the 2026 National TSA Conference regarding identifying information and you may include school or chapter name if it is the same name as the community used.
Your website should include the following: 

• an interactive directory of community resources (resource hub) that allows users to search and filter the resources. 
• a highlight section that spotlights at least three of the community resources you have listed in your resource hub. 
• a form that users can submit to indicate new resources that should be added to the community resources hub. 
• additional content to enhance the community resource hub for end users.