Project Guidelines
Categories for Projects
Students can only enter two projects.
Individual or group projects (up to 2 people only)
Projects may consist of an individual student or a team of two students.
Projects can only be entered into one category.
Projects must be created and designed by students.
Projects for each category must be unique and cannot be entered in more than one category. A student can only participate in a maximum of one project.
Projects are to be designed and created by students. Some adult guidance is allowed, but it must be clear that all work entered by students was done by the students.
Projects cannot have been entered or will be entered into another competition.
Students MUST document any work they did not create. In many cases, they will also need to receive permission and show documentation.
Students must participate in this regional fair and place first or second to attend the state fair.
Categories for Project Entries
The categories and a rubric for each, as well as a downloadable list of guidelines for the required project notebook, can all be accessed via the Alabama Consortium for Technology in Education website linked below.
Click HERE to Scroll Through Categories, Rubrics, and to Download the Notebook Guidelines.
Requirements
Each project is REQUIRED to have a notebook. (This must be digital this year and a link provided).
At the time of the judging, students will be required to:
Present the project notebook to the judge. (This has to be digital and given a head of time).
Use the program or applications software to demonstrate a previously prepared file.
Demonstrate their understanding of the software as it relates to the project.
Explain the various aspects of the creation of the project.
Defend their choice of software for the project.
Answer judges’ questions about the project.
Levels
Level 1 - Grades 3-4
Level 2 - Grades 5-6
Level 3 - Grades 7-8*
Level 4 - Grades 9-10*
Level 5 - Grades 11-12*
*Team Programming Challenging Event (none this year)
This category calls for students to develop an original design with the primary purpose for allowing the motion of objects. ex. Adobe Flash, Powtoon, Scratch, Crazytalk, Kidpix, Stop Motion, Claymation, GoAnimate, Toon Boom, Alice, etc.
This category is defined as any original audio production that has been edited/produced with digital tools. Projects may include speaking, singing, music, sounds effects, and other audio components. ex. Audacity, Garage Band, Wavosaur, EarSketch, Adobe Audition, Wavepad and Acoustica.
Projects in this category are self-executing programs created by the student using recognizable programming languages such as: BASIC, C ++, C#, Java, LOGO, Pascal, Python, Ruby, SQL, etc. Programs must be functional and have an intended purpose. All parts of the program must be the author's own design.
and
This category is defined as any computer created or manipulated photo project whose final output is printed. Such projects might be digital photography and graphic design. Sophisticated use of software to create the design or photo must show more than simple cropping or the use of a couple of drop down menu choices. ex. Paint, Kidpix, Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, or freehand drawing on a graphic tablet.
This category is for devices engineered and/or modified by students to serve a specific purpose or meet a specific goal. The device must be fully functional. Some examples are: Arduino, Raspberry Pi and Makey Makey Projects.
Multi Dimensional Design/3-D Modeling
This category is defined as any original artwork digitally created and modeled in three dimensions using specialized software. Software may include: Maya, AutoCAD, Sketch Up, GollyGee Blocks, and Light Wave. The output may be 3D printed or hand built to scale with cardboard, wood or plastic materials based on the student designs.
Multimedia Applications
Multimedia is defined as a presentation combining sound and/or motion with text. Sound may include voice, music, or natural or man-made sounds and effects that are part of the software, found on the Internet, or created and imported by the student. Examples include: PowerPoint, KidPix, AppleWorks, Astound, Storybook Weaver, HyperStudio, Photostory, Google Slides, Prezi, etc.
Digital Game Design projects should include original content, design, and rules of an interactive game.
Students may use the software program of their choice in order to demonstrate creativity, originality, organization, and interactivity. Students should be able to explain to judges what inspired their game idea and how they programmed their game to achieve project goals.
Team Programming Challenge
This category is an on-site event in which one team of students is given a series of problems to solve during a two-hour competition time. Each team is awarded points for each problem solved correctly. Programs are judged on structure, design, and organization. Grades 7-12 only.
Video Production
This category is defined as any original video project that has been edited on a computer with digital video editing software and exported into a digital video format. The completed project must be displayed for viewing on a computer. The focus of this category is on the editing process. Original video content used in this kind of project may come from the student or it may be obtained from other permissible sources. Camtasia Studio, iMovie, Pinnacle, Windows Movie Maker, etc.
Website Design
I. Internet based web sites-Wix, Weebly, Google Sites. etc
or
II. Manual Coding
Websites created through MANUAL CODING. Students are to use HTML, or an applicable program (i.e. Dreamweaver) for this project. Hyperlink at least three separate pages. At least three external links to “outside” information required.
Productivity Design
This category (formerly General Applications) is defined as any student created, computer-generated project that uses desktop publishing or general productivity software. Examples include: Calendars, compelling charts and graphs, digital books, brochures, graphic organizers, newsletters, etc.
Robotics - with remote and without
Projects may be constructed from kits or published drawings, modified from other devices to create new applications, or constructed from the student’s own concepts and designs. All entries must be a working piece of electronics. Mechanical and motor driven devices must be controlled by computers, either hard-wired or remote, which are programmed by students in order to be eligible. Examples of commercially available kits are robotic “arms” or robot movers, Lego and K’Nex style building kits, Capsella, VEX, and Technics style robotics kits.
Mobile apps
Student projects in this category are designed specifically for mobile applications (App) used on a mobile device. (Tablet, smart phone, etc.)AppyPie, Android Studio, MIT App Inventor, Appery.i or Xcode.AppyPie, Android Studio, MIT App Inventor, Appery.i or Xcode
Students should be able to explain what inspired their idea and how they programmed their app to achieve its intended purpose.
The app can be developed for any operating system. The student demonstrate how to run the app on the specific device. Show the planning documents (storyboard, flow chart, etc) in the digital notebook.
Technology Test (There will be no testing this year).
Written exams given on-site for each of the grade levels. The exams have up to 50 multiple-choice questions. Topics include: History of Computers, Parts of the computer, peripheral computer devices; uses and limitations of computers; uses of common software; new technology; the Internet; social implications of computers and general programming.