Biotechnology

Conduct Scientific Research

You should know how to gather reliable information from peer-reviewed journals, scientific websites, and credible sources. This helps ensure your project is accurate and backed by real data.

Creating presentations on Google Slides/ Canva

The rubric also scores based on the design and visual appeal of your presentation. So, it would be helpful to know how to create visually appealing presentations. If you do not know how to do this, don't worry because YouTube has a lot of tutorials to help you get started!

Having a basic understanding of Biology

This will save you a lot of time when you are researching the topic as you will know or at least be able to infer what the article is saying.

Design an Interactive Display

You must understand how to visually communicate complex scientific ideas in a way that's engaging and easy to understand. This includes using visuals, diagrams, or models to explain key concepts.

Documentation Portfolio 

Interactive Display (Trifold)

1. 1. Title page (team ID, event title, year, state, and conference location)

   2. Table of contents

   3. Definition and explanation of problem

   4. Explanation of chosen solution, and other possible solutions and why they were rejected

   5. Scenario of real-life applications

   6. Supplementary information like logs, graphs, sketches, drawings, illustrations, etc

   7. Multimedia presentation

   8. Work log

   9. References and sources

Maximum dimensions: 15" deep x 2.5' wide x 4' high, including the portfolio

• Must not use AC electricity

• Must not use viruses, animals, live plants, or harmful/ illegal substances

• Must be presented as if it was in a children's museum

• Dry cell or photo-voltaic cells may be used for power, if desired

• Any power source used must fit within the maximum display area

Optional: interactive model or prototype

• Title and Team Info

  • Project Title – Bold, centered at the top

  • Team Number / School Name

  • Optional: TSA logo or school logo (keep it small and professional)

• Problem Statement

  • Clearly state the biotechnology problem you identified

  • Include relevant background info

  • Make it understandable to someone without a science degree

• Research & Justification

  • Include key statistics, facts, or visuals that support why this issue matters

  • Explain how your research led to your proposed solution

  • Use charts, graphs, or infographics if possible

• Design Brief / Objective

  • Concise summary of what your project aims to achieve

  • Should be clear and measurable

  • Bullet points work well here

• Proposed Solution / Innovation

  • Describe your biotech solution

  • Include diagrams, illustrations, or labeled parts

  • If it's a device, model, material, or method — make it visual!

• Real-World Applications

  • How your project could be used in the real world

  • Who it benefits (e.g., farmers, doctors, patients, environmentalists)

• Discuss Ethical and Social Impacts

  • Think about how the solution affects people, the environment, or society. Explain both the benefits and the possible concerns.

• Conclusion & Future Improvements

  • Summarize key findings

  • Discuss limitations

  • Suggest what could be improved or expanded next

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

  • Access to biomedical literature, genetic databases, and biotechnology-related studies.

• PubMed

  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

  • Free database of peer-reviewed scientific articles on biotechnology, biology, and medicine.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

  • https://www.fda.gov

  • Information on biotech products, gene therapies, and regulations.

• Cleveland Clinic

  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org

  • Offers accessible explanations on genetic medicine, stem cells, and biotech in healthcare.

• Mayo Clinic

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org

  • Detailed medical articles related to genetics, biotech treatments, and biotechnology research.

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • https://www.nih.gov

  • Offers student-friendly articles and videos explaining genetic engineering, CRISPR, and medical biotech.

• Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

  • https://www.bio.org

  • Provides current news, industry trends, and ethical discussions in biotech fields like health, agriculture, and the environment.

• Khan Academy – Biology and Biotechnology Sections

  • https://www.khanacademy.org

  • Free lessons on DNA, genetic engineering, cloning, and biotechnology basics. Great for building foundational knowledge.

• TED-Ed and YouTube Science Channels

  • Look for short, engaging videos that explain biotech concepts such as CRISPR, GMOs, or synthetic biology. Channels like TED-Ed, SciShow, and Kurzgesagt are great starting points.

• Science News for Students

  • https://www.snexplores.org

  • Simplified, student-friendly articles about the latest in biotechnology and research developments.