Challenging Technology Issues
Challenging Technology Issues
Participants (3 teams/state) are required to make an oral presentation of opposing views of a technology issue selected on site from a choice of three (3), its impacts, and possible options.
Communication Challenge
Participant (one/chapter) designs, produces, and submits two printed materials. Finalists are required to create and design a solution to a problem assigned on site. The specific challenge is to produce a chapter recruitment brochure and a sponsor support request letter on chapter letterhead. Finalists produce a layout of a promotional item for a hypothetical company.
Computer Applications
TSA participants (three/state) demonstrate knowledge of software applications by solving problems assigned on site. Participants are required to complete a written exam covering basic computer literacy, to make appropriate computer hardware connections, and to demonstrate the use of software applications by completing an assigned task.
Construction Challenge
This is a chapter event requiring an interview and the names of two students who submit a display that documents the use of their leadership ability and technical skills related to construction to fulfill a community need. Specifically, they identify a community need related to construction, and plan and implement a practical course of action that includes involvement of both students and community members.
Dragster Design Challenge
Participant designs, produces drawings of, and builds a CO2-powered dragster utilizing the materials approved by the rules and following the required specifications. Cars are evaluated on the basis of the drawing, the dragster's appearance, and final position in the race.
Electrical Applications
Participant (two per chapter) demonstrate a knowledge of basic electrical theory through a written test. Finalists assemble a specific circuit from a schematic diagram using a kit provided and perform required electrical measurements. Finalists then explain their solution during an interview.
Environmental Challenge
TSA participants (one team/chapter; two students per team for finalist interview) are required to identify, research and design a visual display that documents their team's solution to a specific environmental problem; plan and implement a solution to the problem; then evaluate the results and communicate the solution through a display and demonstration. Finalists are interviewed regarding their team's solution to the problem.
Flight Challenge
Participant studies the principles of flight, then designs, fabricates, and tests a glider. Using an original design and the materials provided on site, entrant creates a glider designed to stay in flight for the longest period of time. Gliders are designed to be launched from a catapult provided on site.
Graphic Design Challenge
Participants (limited to 2/chapter) are required to develop a plan and layout of a graphic design intended for use in TSA National conference publications and various promotional items. Entrant must create and produce a one-color graphic design appropriate for the annual national conference. The design must promote the theme for the upcoming national conference. Entrants in 1998 in the Graphic Design Challenge use the 1999 theme, "Technology Achieves Through Reality and Dreams," for the national conference to be held June 24-28, 1999 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Inventions and Innovations
TSA chapters (one group entry/chapter) investigate a technological invention or innovation that is of interest to the chapter; research the topic, evaluate the results of the research, and then design and construct a tabletop display that effectively demonstrates the results of the research.
Leadership Challenge
Participants demonstrate leadership skills by working cooperatively as a team (1 team of 3 students/chapter) to develop a written plan of action to solve a stated problem. Specific challenge statements are given on site and will relate to problems that might likely be solved by the leaders of a TSA chapter. Finalists are given a specified time to prepare a solution to a second problem and make a team presentation of the resolution of the problem.
Manufacturing Challenge
Participants (1 team of 3 or more members) identify a consumer need and design and manufacture a product using material suitable for recycling. The chapter is responsible for locating reusable material from an industry that may, in the process, help create a relationship between the local chapter and industry. The chapter submits an exhibit, documentation of chapter activities, and two product samples made during the manufacturing process.
Mechanical Challenge
Participants
Prepared Speech
Participant (one per chapter) is required to deliver an oral presentation enhanced by audio and/or visual means. Participant develops and delivers a prepared speech on an assigned topic utilizing A/V support. The topic is always the same as the theme for the current year's national conference. For 1998 the theme is "TSA, Tomorrow's Leaders Expanding Today's Horizons."
Problem Solving
Participants, (1team of 2 students per chapter) demonstrate their skills in problem solving by using critical thinking skills to develop a finite solution to a stated problem given on site. A team approach is required to reach the most favorable conclusion to the given problem. The specific problem will be written so that an objective measurement can be made to determine the best solutions. The materials used must be manipulated and processed by the student team in order to mechanically solve the problem.
Structural Challenge
Using basic engineering techniques participants research, model, and stress test a bridge designed to hold the greatest load. Each team (1 team of 2 students/chapter) systematically plans and constructs a model to be tested using the supplied materials within two and one-half hours and submits it for destructive testing.
System Control Technology
Participants develop a computer-controlled model-solution to a given problem. Typically, the specific problem is a scenario of a situation in an industrial setting that requires a solution. Teams (1 team of 3 students per state) are given a problem on site, analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the features of the solution, and leave instructions for judges on how to operate the device.
Technology Bowl Challenge
Participants demonstrate their knowledge of TSA, leadership skills, and the systems of technology by successfully completing written and oral testing. Each team member independently completes a written objective examination. The teams with the highest combined scores qualify for the oral head-to-head team competition phase of the event. Written test event entries are limited to three per chapter. Oral team competition entries are limited to one three-member team per chapter, consisting of the three participants in the written test.
Technical Design Challenge
By developing detailed sketches, plans, and technical specifications to document the proposed solution to a specific technical design problem, participants (2/chapter) demonstrate the ability to read and interpret technical sketches, drawings, and the use of materials in completing a technical design and illustration test.
Technical Writing Challenge
Participant (one entry/chapter) is required to research an announced technological area and then, utilizing the knowledge and resources gained from this research, write a comprehensive report on a selection of three related subtopics designated on site. The topic for 1997-98 is "Technology's Impact on Games and Toys," and these are the associated subtopics:
1. Design
2. Cost
3. Function
4. Durability/Serviceability
5. Trends
6. Advertising
Transportation Challenge
Participants (2/chapter) design, engineer, and fabricate an all terrain vehicle using battery power capable of transporting a payload over the designated length of an obstacle course in the least amount of time.
Video Challenge
Participant (1/chapter) plans and produces a comprehensive story board,
production plan, and videotape footage that can be used in the final
production of a TSA informational video presentation.
Graphic Arts Stencil (PA)
Materials Process (PA)
Photo-Black/White (PA)
Planographic (PA)
Safety Ilustration
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