2026 HCS Technology Fair
The project submisson deadline has been extended to Friday, February 20th!
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TOES is pleased to announce that HCS will be hosting the 2026 HCS Technology Fair. This event will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
TOES is pleased to announce that HCS will be hosting the 2026 HCS Technology Fair. This event will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Students must have signed up by November 27th. To determine which projects will compete at the district level, final projects must be submitted to Mrs. Lowry no later than February 13, 2026.
FINAL Projects may be submitted using the appropriate level form:
Primary Level Project Submissions (K-1)
Elementary Level Project Submissions (2-3)
Intermediate Level Project Submissions (4-5)
Please remember that we are limited to the amount of projects, per category, per level may be submitted per school. Just because a student/group completes and submits a project, this does NOT mean that it will definitely go to the district competition. Due to limited spots, all projects will be judged based on the rubric and the top projects from each category will advance to the district competition.
*Information about project posters will be given out once all projects have been judged to determine which groups will be advancing to the district level competition.*
Technology Fair Participants Will
Create their own learning experience and innovation in a variety of technology fields.
Design and share projects to communicate the story of their project
Effectively present project to judges and answer questions about the process of their project creation in person.
Mrs. Lowry will be the contact and teacher sponsor for all TOES students. Please email her directly at klowry@horrycountyschools.net with any questions.
Teachers assisting Mrs. Lowry with the Tech Fair that you may also reach out to with questions are:
Mrs. Estabrook: kestabrook@horrycountyschools.net
Miss Steed: ssteed@horrycountyschools.net
Mrs. Robinette: mrobinette@horrycountyschools.net
Information you need to know:
Information you need to know:
Students may work individually, with a partner or in a group of no more than 3 people in their level. Levels are Primary (CD, K, 1), Elementary (2-3) and Intermediate (4-5).
Projects can be worked on at home or at school. There is not a dedicated time for students to work on their projects. Teachers may allow students to work at different times during the day at their discretion. Some Special Area teachers may allow students to work on projects during that time as well at their discretion.
Students have until Friday, November 27th to sign up online for the Technology Fair. Sign-ups do not guarantee advancement to the District Competition, it just let's Mrs. Lowry know if you plan to create a project, if you plan to work with other students, and what your project may be about.
Only one Sign Up Form needs to be submitted per group. The form will let Mrs. Lowry know who students are working with, their category, and a description of their project idea. Mrs. Lowry will discuss all project ideas with all students once the signup window has closed.
Students may begin working on their projects as soon as they have submitted a signup form.
Students need to submit final projects to Mrs. Lowry by February 13th.
Please remember that submission of a project does not mean that your student will be participating in the HCS Tech fair. Criteria must be met for each project and we have a limited number of entries per category.
For projects that do advance to the District Technology Fair competition, additional information will be provided about poster boards, project registration, chaperones and transportation.
STUDENTS THAT RECEIVE WRITTEN NOTICE THAT THEY ARE ADVANCING TO THE DISTRICT TECH FAIR WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING THE POSTER BOARDS ON THEIR OWN. THESE DO NOT NEED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE PROJECTS ARE SUBMITTED TO MRS. LOWRY BUT TURNED IN BY DATE TBD FOR MRS. LOWRY TO ENSURE ALL OF THE CORRECT INFORMATION IS INCLUDED. POSTER BOARD REQUIREMENTS CAN BE FOUND HERE
Entries will be divided up by division, then category
Primary - (CD, K - 1)
Elementary - (2-3)
Intermediate - (4-5)
Updated Categories for 2026
Updated Categories for 2026
App Design & Mobile Innovation (ADI)
Basic: Simple app concepts (e.g., drawing app ideas or using app-building platforms).
Intermediate: Mobile apps for solving everyday problems.
Advanced Fully functional apps, multi-platform apps.Audio Production (ADP)
Basic: Exploring audio concepts through simple sound recording and editing projects
Intermediate: Developing multi-layered audio projects with mixing, effects, and structured compositions.
Advanced: Creating high-quality, fully produced audio projects with advanced techniques.Coding & Software/Game Development (CSD)
Basic: Block-based coding projects (e.g., Scratch games or animations).
Intermediate: coding in Python, Java, or JavaScript (e.g., building small apps, games).
Advanced: Full software applications (e.g., developing, data visualization tools).Digital Art/Animation (DAA)
Basic: digital drawings or animations (e.g., simple animations using tools like Google Slides or Scratch).
Intermediate: 2D or stop-motion animations using software like Blender or Pencil2D).
Advanced: digital art projects (e.g., 3D animation, digital storytelling, character design).Digital Art/Photo Production (DPP)
Basic: Digital drawings or collages using apps like Tux Paint or Kid Pix Studio. Photo edits and collages using tools like Canva, Pixlr, or Photoshop Express.
Intermediate: Design custom artwork or posters using Procreate, GIMP, or Adobe Illustrator.
Advanced: Advanced photo editing, 3D art, or digital portfolios using Adobe Photoshop, Blender, or CorelDRAWRobotics & Automation (R&A)
Basic: Simple robots or automated devices (e.g., a basic moving robot).
Intermediate: Robots with problem-solving (e.g., obstacle avoidance, following commands).
Advanced: Robots performing specific tasks or processes, automation systems.Video Production (VDP)
Basic: Record simple videos with narration using apps like ChatterPix or Clips. Edit short videos with transitions and effects using iMovie or WeVideo.
Intermediate: Create more complex video projects, incorporating voiceovers, sound effects, and text using Premiere Rush or DaVinci Resolve.
Advanced: Produce professional-level films or animations using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Blender.Website Development and Design (WDD)
Create an original, functional, and visually appealing website that demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and clear purpose. Websites should effectively communicate their intended message, offer a user-friendly experience, and showcase students’ ability to use web development tools and techniques.
Basic: Wix, Weebly, Google Sites, Canva Websites.
Intermediate: WordPress, Adobe Dreamweaver,
Advanced: HTMS, CSS, JavaScriptPassion Projects (PPC)
Topic choices below but all are considered in the Passion Projects Category and would be developed outside of school:Artificial Intelligence Technology: Develop projects that demonstrate the use of AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and automation. Students should create AI-based solutions that showcase innovation, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how AI impacts society.
Basic Level: Creativity, understanding of AI concepts, and clear presentation. Research and present on how AI is used in real-world applications (e.g., healthcare, robotics, education). Explain different types of AI, such as machine learning and natural language processing, through a presentation, infographic, or interactive display. Explore ethical considerations and responsible AI use through a case study or debate.
Intermediate Level: Hands-on demonstrations, logical simulations, and data analysis. AI Simulations & Hands-on Demonstrations) Create a model or simulation demonstrating how AI works (e.g., a decision tree, chatbot logic flow, or a sorting algorithm). Use data sets to explore how AI can identify patterns and make predictions (without direct AI tool access). Compare AI-generated content to human-created content to analyze strengths and weaknesses.
Advanced Level: Innovation, technical depth, and real-world problem-solving. (Designing AI-Inspired Solutions) Develop and present a concept for an AI-driven solution to a real-world problem (e.g., an AI-powered tutoring system, accessibility tool, or environmental monitoring system). Build a prototype or wireframe for an AI-integrated app or system using pre-approved design software. Research AI bias and create a proposal for improving fairness and transparency in AI systems.Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR)
Basic: Create VR/AR environments using pre-made tools (e.g., Google Cardboard or CoSpaces).
Intermediate: Build interactive AR or VR experiences (e.g., AR apps that teach concepts, VR simulations).
Advanced: Advanced VR/AR (e.g., fully immersive educational or entertainment VR/AR experiences).Cybersecurity
Basic: Introduction to online safety (e.g., posters or presentations about cyber safety).
Intermediate: Basic cybersecurity concepts (e.g., creating secure passwords, understanding malware).
Advanced: Advanced cybersecurity projects (e.g., securing online networks).Assistive Technology
Basic: Simple assistive devices (e.g., devices to help with everyday tasks for people with disabilities).
Intermediate: Intermediate assistive tech (e.g., gadgets to aid mobility or communication).
Advanced: Advanced assistive technology (e.g., AI-powered tools, prosthetic devices)
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