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655 S.E. University Ave.
Waukee, IA 50325
United States of America

The Technology Student Association fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); members apply and integrate these concepts through co-curricular activities, competitions, and related programs.

High School Events

High School Events

Architectural Design

Event Description:  Participants (5 Teams of up to 4 students per chapter) develop a set of architectural plans and related materials for an annual architectural design challenge and construct a physical, as well as a computer-generated model, to accurately depict their design.

2027 The restaurant industry is constantly changing and evolving to lure as many customers as possible into the doors. Each restaurant attempts to have a climate and atmosphere that stands out among the others. A theme restaurant aims to create a unique and immersive experience for diners, going beyond just serving food. The ‘theme’ can be based on a variety of concepts, such as cultural or historical periods, nature or environmental, experiential dining, or storytelling.

Challenge (Design Considerations and Constraints)

The 2027 design problem is to design a family themed restaurant that is the type and purpose of the team’s choice that meets the following considerations and constraints. 1. Conduct research on restaurant types, design, planning, and construction. 2. Select and identify the location for the restaurant and incorporate the necessary building codes and materials available in the immediate area. The general location does not have to be an actual existing property, but must be treated as if in Orange County, Florida so that all entries can be compared using the same building codes and available materials. 3. The maximum land space is two (2) acres. The overall solution does not require use of the entire space, nor is the study model required to include the entire space. 4. The design must include, as a minimum, a foyer, a waiting area, seating for a maximum of 150 customers, necessary restrooms, office space, food preparation, storage, and food delivery pick-up. 5. Vehicle parking is included in the planning and drawings, but the study model must focus on the restaurant. 6. The solution must avoid all copyright infringement issues. 7. The finished design can be all on one floor or up to three floors. 8. The solution cannot violate any of the TSA general rules. For example, no wine, bar, bar service, violence, or weapons, and appropriate attire for employees and guests. 9. A maximum of 20”x20” site board is permitted for the study model.

Biotechnology Design

Event Description: (team of 2, 2 teams per chapter) Participants select a contemporary biotechnology problem that addresses the annual theme and demonstrates understanding of the topic through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation.

Topic: Biosensors for Disease Detection

Biosensors use biological molecules, cells, or enzymes to detect specific chemicals or disease markers. These tools are increasingly important in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Present the science behind biosensors and demonstrate one use of biosensor technology in detecting or monitoring disease.

  • State Event Coordinator: Brian Swanigan, Council Bluffs CSD

  • Coordinator Contact: bswanigan@cbcsd.org

Board Game design

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams of 2-3 students per chapter) Participants develop, build, and package a board game that focuses on a subject of their choice. Creative packaging, and the instructions, pieces, and cards associated with the pilot game will be evaluated. Semifinalists set up the game, demonstrate how the game is played, explain the game’s features, and discuss the design process.

  • State Conference Coordinator: Eric Van Veldhuzien -Rock Valley

  • Coordinator Contact: evanveld@rvcsd.org

CAD Architecture

Event Description:  Participants (2 individuals per chapter) create representations, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry.

Participants must bring their own computer and CAD software.

Iowa Specific Rules and Rubric: Problem will be given at the event upon check in

Upload your Submission here

CAD Engineering

Event Description:  Participants (2 individuals per chapter) create 3D computer model(s) of an engineering or machine object, such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product.

Participants must bring their own computer and CAD software. The prompt will be given at the competition.

Upload your Submission here

CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE

Chapter of Excellence Document:  Please fill out this document completely and email to Rhys South, contact information below.  The Due Date is March 30th by 3pm.

Chapter Team

Event Description:  Participants (2 Teams of 6 Students per Chapter) will perform an opening ceremony, dispose of three items of business, and perform a closing ceremony within a specified time period.

Iowa Specific Rules, Rubric, and Documents

  • State Conference Coordinator: Cale Hutchings, Iowa Department of Education

  • Coordinator Contact: cale.hutchings@iowa.gov

CHILDREN's STORies

Event Description:  Participants (5 teams of 1-3 students per chapter)

Theme: A graphic novel/comic book.  Binding cannot be stapled. 

Coding

Event Description: Participants (6 teams of 2 students per chapter) respond to an annual coding-related design challenge by developing a software program that will accurately address an onsite a problem in a specified, limited amount of time.

The following programming languages may be used to complete the assigned problems:

  • Java (version 10)

  • Javascript

  • Python

Participants will be presented with a series of coding problems that must be completed on site at the conference. Evaluation will be based on the successful completion of the problems and the time in which it takes students or teams to complete all the challenges.

The USA Computing Olympiad website and the ACM-ICPC International website are helpful resources for the Coding event. Additional resources that can be used to prepare for the event are listed below:

The Coding problem will be emailed out at 3 pm and due back by 7 pm.  Solution will be emailed to Denise @ dhoag@cbcsd.org

  • State Conference Coordinator: Denise Hoag

  • Coordinator Contact: dhoag@cbcsd.org

Data science and analytics

Event Description:  Participants of (3 teams of 2 members per chapter).

Theme: Identify and use one AI-generated dataset related to Climate and Environmental Sustainability for analysis and research. Competitors may use an artificial intelligence tool to create the dataset, provide the resulting data file in a structured format (such as CSV, XLSX, or JSON), and cite the artificial intelligence tool, model (if available), and prompts or queries used to generate the dataset.

Students will submit their findings using the official TSA scientific poster template and a documentation portfolio. All final products should be in PDF format. Refer to the National TSA Event Guide for specifics on what to include within your documentation portfolio and scientific poster. 

By Friday, March 26th, 2027, all teams must pre-register: Data Science Team Pre-Registration. All documents should be submitted via this submission form by 3:00 pm Monday, April 5th 2027. Remember all submissions (scientific poster and documentation portfolio) need to be in PDF format.

Tuesday morning, all teams will participate in an on-site presentation of their digital scientific poster. Each team will have to present using their own devices. No electricity or internet will be provided.

  • State Event Coordinator: Brian Swanigan, Council Bluffs CSD

  • Coordinator Contact: bswanigan@cbcsd.org

Debating Technical Issues

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams of 2 members per chapter) work together to prepare for a debate against a team from another chapter. Teams are instructed on site to take either the pro or con side of a subtopic (which falls under a general topic) that is designated annually. Participants need to be ready to debate all three subtopics, pro or con.

Theme: Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

  • Topic 1: AI diagnostic tools should be allowed to make medical decisions without final approval from a physician.

  • Topic 2: The use of AI in healthcare will improve access to care more than it will increase medical bias.

  • Topic 3: Patients should have the right to know when AI is involved in their diagnosis or treatment plan.

  • State Conference Coordinator: Cale Hutchings, Iowa Department of Education

  • Coordinator Contact: cale.hutchings@iowa.gov

Digital Video Production

Event Description:  Participants (2 Teams of 3 Students per Chapter) develop a digital video/film that focuses on the current year’s design challenge. Sound may accompany the film.

2027 Theme: Create an infomercial with a product and in the style of the 1990s. 

  • State Conference Coordinator: Heidi Lombard, Creston

  • Coordinator Contact: hlumbard@crestonschools.org

  • All materials should be submitted via this form by Friday, April 2nd @ NOON. List participant names, school, chapter sponsor name and email address, along with all submitted materials.

Dragster Design

Event Description:  Participants (5 Individuals per Chapter) design, produce working drawings for, and build a CO2- powered dragster.

For High School, a CAD drawing with dimensions is required in order to race.  No hand drawn sketches will be accepted for high school.

All cars will run one qualifying time trial.  The top eight legal cars based on time will advance to championship bracket.

Drone Challenge (UAV)

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams of 2 per chapter) Each team member will be given 1 minute to fly their drone through the obstacle course. Scores will be combined and time will be recorded for tie breakers. If you have the fastest time through the obstacle you will move ahead in the tiebreaker. No documentation is needed at the State conference.

Drone Problem Statement

Extemporaneous SPEECH

Event Description:  Participants (3 Individuals per chapter) give a three-to-five minute speech fifteen minutes after having drawn a card on which a technology or TSA topic for a speech is written.

  • State Conference Coordinator: Cale Hutchings, Iowa Department of Education

  • Coordinator Contact: cale.hutchings@iowa.gov

Fashion Design AND TEchnology

Event Description:  Participants (3 Teams of 3 - 5 Students per Chapter) research, develop and create garment designs, garment mock- ups, and portfolios that reflect the current year’s published theme. Semifinalists participate in an on-site event in which they present their potential garment designs to the judges on a TSA runway.

2027 Theme: Fashion created from recycled or repurposed materials.  One complete outfit; a maximum of two (2) garments.  Garment accessories for semifinal round only. 

Design can incorporate new/purchased materials, but the majority of the final garment must be recycled. 

Teams will submit one (1) or two (2) garments for judging (top and bottom or one [1]-piece.) All required components must fit inside a 32-quart plastic container. Any accessories (hats, gloves, boots, etc.) may be used during semifinalist presentations, however, they are not submitted in the preliminary round. 

Flight Endurance

Event Description:  Participants (5 Individuals per Chapter, one entry per individual) analyze flight principles with a rubber band-powered model aircraft.

Forensic Science

Event Description:  Participants (five [5] teams of two [2] members per chapter) Teams will examine a mock crime scene and demonstrate their knowledge of forensic science and crime scene analysis. Students will be expected to survey the scene and use proper techniques to collect evidence from the mock crime scene. Students will then collect their data and perform a detailed written analysis of the crime scene.

Teams will be required to bring a forensics kit containing items needed to process the crime scene.  Materials will not be provided this year.

Manufacturing Prototype

Event Description:  Participants design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a product that addresses the annual theme. A documentation portfolio and the completed product prototype are submitted for evaluation. Semifinalists give a product “sales pitch” and demonstration.

2027 Theme: Display or container for small collectible items

State Conference Coordinator: Eric Van Veldhuzien -Rock Valley

Music Production

Event Description:  Participants (three teams per chapter; an individual may participate solo in this team event)

2027 Theme: Compose an original, dynamic soundtrack for a climactic boss battle in a futuristic or fantasy video game. Your music should portray the intensity of the encounter through creative composition, sound design, and production techniques. The track should build escalating tension, feature dramatic contrasts and powerful climaxes, and be suitable for seamless looping during continuous gameplay.

  • State Conference Coordinator: Becky Mozingo

  • Coordinator Contact: becky_mozingo@yahoo.com

  • All materials should be submitted via this form by 3:00pm Monday, April 5th. List participant names, school, chapter sponsor name and email address, along with all submitted materials.

ON DEMAND VIDEO

Event Description: Once participants receive the challenge details (required criteria, such as props and a line of dialogue) at the State TSA conference, they have the conference to produce a 60-second film that showcases video skills, tools, and communication processes. The quality of the completed video production determines the finalists. (3 teams of 2)

TOPIC: 2027: Will be given at State

  • State Event Coordinator: TJ Warren

  • Coordinator Contact: tj.warren@cfschools.org

  • All materials should be submitted via this form, no later than 7:00am, Tuesday,April 6th.  List school, participant's names, chapter advisor name, video link, and/or additional documents.

Photographic Technology

Event Description:  Participants (5 Individuals per Chapter) capture and process photographic and digital prints that depict the current year’s published theme.  Event will be judged as a drop-off final with no interview and no on site requirement.

2027 Theme: Behind the scenes

  • State Conference Coordinator: Eric Van Veldhuizen, Rock Valley HS

  • Coordinator Contact: evanveld@rvcsd.org

Prepared Presentation

Event Description:  Participants (3 Individuals per Chapter) deliver an oral presentation, which should include audio and/or visual enhancement, based on the theme for the current year’s conference.

2027 Theme: Many technologies begin as science fiction before becoming reality. Choose one technology that was once considered futuristic and is now used today. Describe its development, current applications, and how it may continue to evolve in the future.

  • State Conference Coordinator: Cale Hutchings, Iowa Department of Education

  • Coordinator Contact: cale.hutchings@iowa.gov

Promotional Design

Event Description:  Participants (5 individuals per chapter, 1 entry each) develop and present a graphic design that can be used to promote participation in TSA competitive events. The design will promote annually-selected competitions from TSA’s array of competitive events.

2027 Theme: Milestone Diner, a new retro-inspired American diner, is preparing for its grand opening. You have been hired to create a cohesive brand identity and promotional materials that celebrate the diner's nostalgic 1978 inspiration while attracting today's customers. The restaurant's branding should reflect a nostalgic late-1970s aesthetic while remaining inviting, family-friendly, and appealing to a modern audience. 

The following items are the required design pieces:

Item #1 – Restaurant Logo
Design a logo for Milestone Diner. The logo should be submitted enlarged on a 8.5" × 11" sheet of paper (portrait or landscape, designer's choice). The logo should establish the restaurant's visual identity and be appropriate for use across all required promotional materials.

Item #2 – Restaurant Menu
Design a bifold restaurant menu for Milestone Diner using tabloid-size paper (11" × 17"). The menu should be designed so the front and back panels are correctly positioned for printing and folding. Participants should create original menu item names, descriptions, and pricing appropriate for a classic American diner.

Item #3 – General Manager Business Card
Design a single-sided business card for the General Manager of Milestone Diner. The business card should reflect the restaurant's established brand identity while presenting the required contact information in a professional, well-organized layout.

Item #4 – Instagram Grand Opening Advertisement
Design a static Instagram graphic (4:5 vertical ratio) promoting the Grand Opening of Milestone Diner. The advertisement should capture attention, encourage attendance, and maintain the restaurant's established visual identity.

Use the following details for the design challenge: 

Restaurant Name: Milestone Diner
Address: 1978 Celebration Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 555-1978
General Manager: Delmar Olson
Email: manager@milestonediner.com 
Grand Opening Date:  July 1, 2027

  • State Conference Coordinator: Kylie South, Iowa State University

  • Coordinator Contact:

RC Transportation

Event Description:  Participants (5 Teams of 3 Students per Chapter) will compete in a Radio Controlled Car racing event.  The RC Cars will be provided either by the students or participating school chapter.  A set of guidelines, motor requirements, and frequencies will be posted in this area prior to the Local and State Conferences.

Announcement: ALL RC TEAMS USING LIPO BATTERIES MUST USE A LIPO CHARGING BAG WHEN CHARGING BATTERIES. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT CHARGING LIPOS WITHOUT A BAG THE BATTERIES AND CHARGER WILL BE CONFISCATED FOR THE REST OF THE EVENT AND ALL LAPS LOST. IF YOU ARE CHARGING LIPO BATTERIES WITHOUT A BAG AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO ANY FACILITIES YOU AND OR YOUR SCHOOL WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES.

RC Car Rules: Click to Download Rules Sheet

Spring Conference RC Registration, Due April 2nd 2027: Team Registration Link

Software Development

Event Description:  Participants (3 Teams of up to 4 Students per chapter) Participants use their knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, algorithm design, problem-solving principles, effective communication, and collaboration to design, implement, test, document, and present a software development project of educational or social value.

Teams will present their program or app to the judges at the competition. They must be prepared to walk through the development process  and the functionality of the program/app.

2027 Theme: Develop a software application that improves how people learn, teach, practice, or develop new skills. Competitors should identify an educational or training challenge affecting learners of any age and design an engaging, effective, and user-centered software solution.

Stem mass media

Event Description: (team of 2 or 3, 2 per chapter) In response to an annual theme, participants use written and verbal communication skills to convey a news story in both a video broadcast (preliminary round) and a digital written format (semifinal round). Participants must demonstrate a strong understanding of journalism etiquette and the common practices of the field of mass media.

2027 Theme:

Headline: Scientists link human right-handedness to walking upright and brain evolution

Background: 

Most humans favor their right hand, but scientists have long debated why this pattern is so common across cultures. Unlike humans, other primates do not show the same strong population-wide preference for one hand. A new Oxford-led study published in PLOS Biology suggests that human right-handedness may be connected to two major steps in human evolution: walking upright on two legs and the expansion of the brain. Researchers analyzed data from 2,025 individuals across 41 species of monkeys and apes, using evolutionary modeling to compare possible explanations for handedness, including tool use, diet, habitat, body size, social behavior, brain size, and locomotion. Their findings suggest that as early human ancestors became more fully bipedal and developed larger brains, right-handedness became increasingly common. The study also raises new questions about why left-handedness still exists and whether similar patterns of limb preference in other animals may have evolved in comparable ways.

Prompt:
Based on the following headline, develop a news broadcast that includes an introduction of the headline, a summary of the information in the news story, and an explanation of potential future implications of the highlighted work.

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1128472

All materials should be submitted via this form by Friday, April 2nd @ NOON. List participant names, school, chapter sponsor name and email address, along with all submitted materials.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Event Description:  Participants (3 Teams of 2 Students per chapter) work as part of a team on-site with supplied materials to build a model of a structure that is destructively tested to determine design efficiency.

Iowa Specific Rule:  Structures will be built at the State Conference.  All participants need to bring their own building tools and glue.  The building materials (except glue) will be provided by Iowa TSA at the event. 

Announcement: The structure design drawing can be done in advance of the contest.  Bring the completed design drawing to check in with you.

2027 Problem Statement

Storage Box Plan Drawing (Not required for Iowa’s State Conference)

Structural Design Description and Team Verification Document

Technology Bowl

Event Description:  Participants (3 Teams of 3 Students per Chapter) complete a head-to-head team competition.

Technology Problem Solving

Event Description:  Participants (4 Teams of 2 Students per Chapter) work together on site to develop and create a solution to a problem using the limited materials provided and the tools allowed.

*TOOLBOX REMINDER* All problem solving teams need to bring a toolbox that contains the items listed on the National TSA event description.  Please make sure prior to the event that your toolbox contains only the allowed items to participate in the challenge.  Teams who use outside materials not listed by the National TSA Event Description will be subject to point deductions/disqualification. (Updated on 10/23/24)

Transportation Modeling

Event Description:  Participants (5 individuals per chapter, 1 entry per individual) use engineering skills to design and fabricate a scale model of a vehicle that meets the current year’s stated design theme.

2027 Design Problem: Cartoon/comic vehicles

No copyright vehicles or symbols may be used. Students may use existing cartoon or comic cars as inspiration only.

  • State Conference Coordinator:

  • Coordinator Contact:

Robotics

Event Description:  Participants design, build, document, and test a robot assembled using open-sourced parts according to stated specifications and to meet the challenge of the yearly theme/problem. .  (Unlimited Entries per Chapter)

 

Link to Description: Here



Video Game Design

Event Description: Participants (three [3] teams per chapter) develop a game that reflects the theme for the year. The game must have high artistic, educational, and social value and be interesting, exciting, visually appealing, and intellectually challenging.

2027 Theme: Create a deep space-themed RPG where the primary method of progression is puzzle-solving rather than combat.

Challenge: Your game must include core RPG elements (such as character stats, a leveling system, or branching dialogue), but you may not include traditional combat. Instead, players must use their character's skills and stats to solve environmental, logical, or social puzzles to survive the dangers of deep space.

  • State Event Coordinator: Josh Atwell

  • Coordinator Contact: jatwell@boone.k12.ia.us

  • All materials should be submitted via email @ jatwell@boone.k12.ia.us by 3:00pm Monday, March 30th. List participant names, school, chapter sponsor name and email address, along with all submitted materials.

Webmaster

Event Description:  Participants (three teams [3] of three to six [3-6] individuals per chapter; one entry per team) design, build, and launch a website that features the team's ability to incorporate the elements of website design, graphic layout, and proper coding techniques.

2027 Theme: Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning portal

Challenge: You have been tasked with designing and developing an interactive Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning portal aimed at high school students (grades 9–12). The purpose of this site is to demystify AI by providing a foundational understanding of the technology, showcasing practical tools, and teaching techniques to leverage AI effectively and ethically in an academic setting.

Your website must include the following:

  • Educational  Content Modules: At least three distinct learning sections covering fundamental AI concepts, practical AI tools/techniques, and ethical AI usage

  • Gamification & Progress Tracking: An interactive, gamified user interface (e.g., digital badges, experience points, or a progress dashboard) designed to engage students and visually track their completion of the learning modules.

  • State Event Coordinator: Julie Pomrenke

  • Coordinator Contact: pomerjul@sblschools.com

  • All materials should be submitted via email by 3:00pm Monday, March 30th. List participant names, school, chapter sponsor name and email address, along with all submitted materials.