Competitions
TSA runs 40+ competitive events at the national level and Georgia TSA runs 70+ at the state level. Browse below — there is a competition for whatever you're into. You can enter 1 to 3 events per year. Talk to Mr. Tison or Frederick if you're not sure which one fits you best.
This is a browse list, not the official rulebook. Always confirm event rules, deliverables, and eligibility with the current National TSA and Georgia TSA event guides linked at the bottom of this page. Local GA TSA rules must be followed for state conference submissions.
TSA Competitive Events
2027–2028 High School
ANIMATRONICS
Best For: Mechanical design, electronics, programming, creative fabrication
What You Do:
Design, build, and demonstrate an animatronic device that addresses the annual challenge. The device must include mechanical and control systems, sound, lights, and an appropriate surrounding display.
Competition Focus:
Design quality, functionality, control systems, fabrication, and presentation of the completed device.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Best For: Architecture, CAD, modeling, design
What You Do:
Develop an architectural solution to the annual design challenge. Create architectural plans, supporting materials, a physical model, a computer-generated model, and a virtual walkthrough.
Semifinal Requirement:
Deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Best For: AI, computer science, problem solving
What You Do:
Complete a test covering artificial intelligence concepts, models, and best practices.
Semifinal Requirement:
Teams solve an onsite problem using a generative AI tool. Solutions are evaluated based on how well they solve the assigned problem.
AUDIO PODCASTING
Best For: Audio production, storytelling, voice acting, media
What You Do:
Create an original podcast based on the annual theme. The podcast must include strong storytelling, voice acting, Foley sound effects, and documentation of the development process.
Semifinal Requirement:
Participate in an interview.
AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
Best For: Robotics, manufacturing, automation, programming, electronics
What You Do:
Design and prototype an automated manufacturing system that solves a production problem. Build a sensor-based mechatronic system, program the automation logic, and document the mechanical and software design.
Competition Focus:
Teams must also provide instructions so judges can operate the completed system.
BIOTECHNOLOGY DESIGN
Best For: Biology, engineering, research, medical technology
What You Do:
Research a biotechnology problem connected to the annual theme and develop a proposed solution. Create research documentation, a display, and an optional model or prototype.
Semifinal Requirement:
Deliver a multimedia presentation and participate in an interview.
BOARD GAME DESIGN
Best For: Game design, graphic design, creativity, product development
What You Do:
Design, build, and package an original board game. Create the game pieces, cards, instructions, packaging, and other required components.
Semifinal Requirement:
Set up and demonstrate the game and explain its features and design process.
CHAPTER TEAM
Best For: Leadership, parliamentary procedure, teamwork, public speaking
What You Do:
Complete a parliamentary procedure test.
Semifinal Requirement:
Teams conduct an opening ceremony, complete assigned items of business and parliamentary actions, and perform a closing ceremony.
CHILDREN'S STORIES
Best For: Writing, illustration, storytelling, graphic design
What You Do:
Write and illustrate an original children's story based on the annual theme. Create a physical storybook and document its development.
Semifinal Requirement:
Read the story aloud and participate in an interview.
CAD – ARCHITECTURE
Best For: Architecture, CAD, technical drawing
What You Do:
Complete an architectural CAD design challenge. Create drawings such as floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, architectural details, cabinetry, or similar architectural elements.
Competition Focus:
The completed CAD solution and participant interview are evaluated.
CAD – ENGINEERING
Best For: Mechanical design, engineering, CAD, 3D modeling
What You Do:
Complete an engineering CAD design challenge and create a 3D representation of an engineering item such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product.
Competition Focus:
The CAD solution and participant interview are evaluated.
CYBERSECURITY
Best For: Cybersecurity, coding, computer systems, puzzles
What You Do:
Complete onsite Capture the Flag-style cybersecurity challenges.
Possible Challenges:
Cryptography, exploit development, digital puzzles, reverse engineering, binary analysis, mobile security, and other cybersecurity problems.
DATA SCIENCE AND ANALYTICS
Best For: Data analysis, statistics, research, visualization
What You Do:
Identify a societal issue, gather data from multiple sources, analyze the information, and create documentation and a digital scientific poster.
Semifinal Requirement:
Analyze a provided data set and create a synopsis and digital visual representation onsite.
DEBATING TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES
Best For: Debate, research, technology policy, public speaking
What You Do:
Research the annual technology topic and its subtopics. Prepare arguments for both sides and submit a summary of references.
Competition Focus:
Teams are assigned either the pro or con position and debate another chapter.
DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION
Best For: Video production, filmmaking, editing, storytelling
What You Do:
Create a digital video based on the annual theme and submit a documentation portfolio.
Documentation May Include:
Storyboard, script, references and sources, and equipment list.
Semifinal Requirement:
Participate in an interview.
DRAGSTER DESIGN
Best For: Transportation design, CAD, fabrication, racing
What You Do:
Design, draw, document, and construct a CO₂-powered dragster that meets TSA specifications and annual theme requirements.
Semifinal Requirement:
Compete in a double-elimination race and participate in an interview.
DRONE CHALLENGE – UAV
Best For: Drones, electronics, programming, aviation
What You Do:
Design, build, assemble, document, and test-fly an open-source unmanned aerial vehicle that meets the annual challenge requirements.
Documentation Includes:
Photographic log, wiring schematics, and programming information.
Semifinal Requirement:
Participate in an interview.
ENGINEERING DESIGN
Best For: Engineering, invention, prototyping, problem solving
What You Do:
Develop a solution connected to the annual challenge and one of the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges.
Required Components:
Documentation portfolio, display, and model or prototype.
Semifinal Requirement:
Present the solution and participate in an interview.
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH
Best For: Public speaking, leadership, quick thinking
What You Do:
Choose one of three technology-related or TSA topics provided at competition and prepare a three-to-five-minute speech.
Semifinal Requirement:
Repeat the process with a new topic.
FASHION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Best For: Fashion, sewing, design, textiles
What You Do:
Design and create a wearable garment based on the annual theme. Produce garment patterns and a documentation portfolio.
Semifinal Requirement:
Present the garment on a team model, explain the design process, and answer interview questions.
FLIGHT ENDURANCE
Best For: Aerospace, aircraft design, hands-on building
What You Do:
Design, build, test, trim, and fly a rubber-band-powered model aircraft for maximum flight duration.
Competition Includes:
Documentation, aircraft inspection, flight box inspection, and two officially timed flights.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
Best For: Forensics, investigation, science, problem solving
What You Do:
Complete a test covering basic forensic science.
Semifinal Requirement:
Examine a mock crime scene, analyze evidence, and prepare a written report explaining the findings.
FUTURE TECHNOLOGY TEACHER
Best For: Teaching, technology, presentations, STEM education
What You Do:
Research an emerging technology and develop a classroom application for it. Create a video and lesson plan or activity.
Semifinal Requirement:
Demonstrate the lesson and answer questions about the presentation.
HYBRID RACER XL
Best For: Automotive engineering, renewable energy, fabrication, racing
What You Do:
Design, build, and race a vehicle powered by both solar and battery energy.
Competition Focus:
The vehicle must meet TSA's annual design and construction requirements.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Best For: Interior design, architecture, color theory, presentation
What You Do:
Develop an interior design solution based on the annual challenge.
Required Work:
Create color, material, and design boards that communicate a cohesive design and present the design interpretation.
MANUFACTURING PROTOTYPE
Best For: Manufacturing, CNC, product design, CAD/CAM
What You Do:
Design and fabricate a product based on the annual theme using Computer Integrated Manufacturing processes.
Required Components:
Completed prototype and documentation portfolio.
Semifinal Requirement:
Give a product sales pitch and demonstration.
MUSIC PRODUCTION
Best For: Music, audio production, digital media
What You Do:
Create an original musical composition intended for use during the National TSA Conference closing session.
Documentation Includes:
Work plan, self-evaluation, and a list of hardware, software, and instruments used.
Semifinal Requirement:
Participate in an interview.
ON DEMAND VIDEO
Best For: Filmmaking, video editing, creativity under pressure
What You Do:
Receive a video challenge at the National TSA Conference and create a 60-second film within 36 hours.
Competition Focus:
The film must include all required challenge elements, such as specified props or dialogue.
PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY
Best For: Photography, photo editing, visual storytelling
What You Do:
Create a photographic portfolio based on the annual theme.
Semifinal Requirement:
Complete an additional onsite photo portfolio within 24 hours, submit required documentation, and participate in a presentation and interview.
PREPARED PRESENTATION
Best For: Public speaking, presentation design, leadership
What You Do:
Prepare and deliver a three-to-five-minute oral presentation related to the National TSA Conference theme.
Required Component:
Use the required slide deck to support the presentation.
PROMOTIONAL DESIGN
Best For: Graphic design, marketing, publishing, branding
What You Do:
Create a promotional resource packet based on the annual theme or problem.
Required Components:
At least four printed publication items and required documentation.
Semifinal Requirement:
Complete an onsite technical design challenge.
ROBOTICS
Best For: Robotics, engineering, programming, electronics
What You Do:
Design, build, document, and test a robot using open-source parts.
Competition Focus:
The robot must meet the specifications and performance requirements of the annual challenge.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Best For: Programming, app development, computer science
What You Do:
Design, program, test, document, and present a software project that has educational or social value.
Competition Focus:
Algorithm design, problem solving, collaboration, technical development, documentation, and presentation.
STEM MASS MEDIA
Best For: Journalism, broadcasting, writing, video production
What You Do:
Produce a news story based on the annual theme.
Preliminary Round:
Create a video news broadcast.
Semifinal Round:
Create a written digital news story.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Best For: Civil engineering, structures, fabrication, testing
What You Do:
Design and construct a structure that meets the annual challenge requirements.
Competition Includes:
Documentation and destructive testing of the completed structure to determine design efficiency.
TECHNOLOGY BOWL
Best For: Technology knowledge, teamwork, quiz competitions
What You Do:
Complete an objective test covering TSA knowledge and technology content standards.
Semifinal Requirement:
Compete in a head-to-head team question-and-answer tournament.
TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM SOLVING
Best For: Engineering, rapid prototyping, teamwork, hands-on problem solving
What You Do:
Receive a challenge onsite and design and construct a solution within 90 minutes.
Competition Focus:
Solutions may be evaluated by time, distance, height, strength, or another measurement appropriate to the challenge.
TRANSPORTATION MODELING
Best For: Automotive design, transportation, model making, CAD
What You Do:
Research, design, and build a scale model of a vehicle based on the annual design challenge.
Required Components:
Vehicle model, display, technical illustrations, photographs, production documentation, and portfolio.
Semifinal Requirement:
Participate in an interview.
VIDEO GAME DESIGN
Best For: Gaming, programming, digital art, game development
What You Do:
Design, build, document, and launch an E-rated online video game based on the annual theme.
Semifinal Requirement:
Participate in an interview and explain the skills and knowledge used to develop the game.
VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATION
Best For: 3D modeling, game engines, VR, digital media
What You Do:
Create a two-to-three-minute virtual reality simulation based on the annual theme using video and 3D computer graphics tools.
Semifinal Requirement:
Present the simulation and participate in an interview.
WEBMASTER
Best For: Web design, coding, graphic design, digital communication
What You Do:
Design, build, and launch a website that addresses the annual challenge.
Semifinal Requirement:
Participate in an interview and explain the knowledge and skills used to create the website.
Georgia TSA — GA-only Events
These events are exclusive to Georgia TSA conferences and are not held at nationals.
• EV Rally — race electric vehicles built in the FBHS lab at Lanier Speedway during SLC
• Cardboard Boat Race (The Armada) — build a cardboard boat, race it across a pool at Fall Leadership Conference
• Sandcastle Construction Challenge — engineering meets sandbox
• Statesman Award — test on TSA history, parliamentary procedure, and organizational knowledge (required for state office)
• The Island Video Contest — GA-only video challenge at FLC
• VEX State Qualifier and VEX IQ Tournament — held during Fall Leadership Conference
Ready to pick an event?
• Talk to the advisor about what fits your interests and time
• Read the full event rules in the current TSA Competitive Events Guide
• Confirm your event when you register for SLC
Official Event Guides
• National TSA High School Events Themes— tsaweb.org/competitions
• Georgia TSA SLC Event Modifications — gatsa.org/conferences/slc