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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.

Middle School Events

Iowa TSA Logo High Resolution with Background.JPG

Middle School Events

Bio Technology

Event Description: (2 teams of 2 members) Address the annual theme, participants select a contemporary biotechnology issue and demonstrate understanding of the topic through their documented research and an original display.

2027 Theme: Biotechnology in Food

Biotechnology can be used to improve crops, make food last longer, or create new types of food. Explain how biotechnology is used in food production and describe one way it could help farmers or consumers.

  • State Event Coordinator: Brian Swanigan, Council Bluffs CSD

  • Coordinator Contact: bswanigan@cbcsd.org

CAD Foundations

Event Description: Participants (2 individuals per chapter) have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of CAD fundamentals as they create a two-dimensional (2D) graphic representation of an engineering part or object.

Bring a power strip to the state conference to ensure that we have enough room to plug in. The prompt will be given at the conference and you will replicate the part from drawings during the allotted time.

Submit your Solution here to this google form. You must have your submission in a PDF format to upload them.

Career Prep

Event Description:  Participants (3 individuals per chapter) conduct research on a selected technology-related career and use the knowledge gained to prepare a resume and cover letter, and participate in a mock interview.

Iowa Specific Rules:  The number of entries will determine if there will be a semifinalist list for the interviews.  If there are 10 or fewer entries, all will be interviewed.  If there are more than 10, a semifinalist list for interviews will be posted.

By Friday, April 2nd, 2027, all competitors must pre-register: Career Prep Pre-Registration. All documents should be submitted via this submission form by 3:00 pm Monday, April 5th, 2027. Remember all submissions (cover letter and job-specific resume) need to be in PDF format.

Choose a career from the Career Clusters Digital Technology category within one of the following subclusters:

  • Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

  • Information Technology (IT) Support & Services

  • Network Systems & Cybersecurity

  • Software Solutions

  • Unmanned Vehicle Technology

Challenging Technology Issues

Event Description:  Participants (2 teams of two members per chapter) prepare and deliver an extemporaneous debate style presentation with team members explaining opposing views of a current technology issue that has been selected on site from the four possible issues on the National Total TSA Middle School document.

2027 Topics:

  • The Use of AI to Write News Articles

  • Requiring Coding as a Core Subject in Middle School

  • Virtual Reality Replacing Physical Labs in High School Science Classes

  • Medical Tourism as a Means of Accessible Treatment Options

  • Robots in Elderly & Child Care

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 Friday April 2nd by 3pm.

Word Version of Chapter of Excellence Document:  (Click here to download)

Printable PDF Version of Chapter of Excellence Document:  (Click here to download)

Chapter Team

Event Description:  Participants (2 teams of six members per chapter) demonstrate their understanding of parliamentary procedure relative to business meetings. Participants will perform an opening ceremony, dispose of three items of business, and perform a closing ceremony within a specified time period.

Children’s Stories

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams per chapter; a team of 1-3 individuals is permitted) create an illustrated children’s story that will incorporate educational and social values. The story must revolve around the theme for a given year that is posted on the TSA website.

2027 Theme: Create a book that tells a story about the weather. You must include at least five tactile elements. 

Coding


Event Description: Students will be using Scratch to create a program for the onsite programming challenge.  Students will need internet access to access the following website and need their own computer.  

https://scratch.mit.edu/

 The event will consist of teams of 2 and no more than 2 teams per school.

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

 The event will be on Monday, April 5th from 3 pm to 7 pm.

 

Community Service Video

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams per chapter, up to five students per team [entries may be submitted by an individual or group]) create and submit a finished video that highlights their chapter’s involvement with the American Cancer Society, national TSA’s service partner.

Iowa Specific Rule:  Each team must upload their video to Youtube as an "Unlisted" video, and share the link with the State Coordinator below.

  • State Event Coordinator: Joe Huebbe, Johnston MS

  • Coordinator Contact: joe.huebbe@johnston.k12.ia.us

  • 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.

Digital Photography

Event Description:  Participants (4 individuals per chapter) design and place the album on a storage device for submission. 

2027 Theme: Create a digital photo series consisting of seven color photographs. Each photo should emphasize one of the colors in the ROY G. BIV sequence:

  1. Red

  2. Orange

  3. Yellow

  4. Green

  5. Blue

  6. Indigo

  7. Violet

The seven photos must all be connected by a single theme, story, location, subject, or idea. While each image should prominently feature its assigned color, the entire collection should feel like one cohesive series rather than seven unrelated photographs.

Iowa Specific Rules:  We would still like to have the entry in an actual binder with pages printed out.  No storage device or CD will be required or judged. 

Dragster

Event Description:  Participants (5 individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) design, produce working drawings for, and build a CO2-powered dragster according to stated specifications and using only certain specified materials.

A dimension working drawing is required (Hand and CAD Drawings allowed).

Top 8 cars will run head to head in a tournament style bracket to determine a winner.

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

  • State Event Coordinator: Joe Huebbe

Flight

Event Description:  Participants (4 individuals per chapter, one entry each) study the principles of flight and design in order to fabricate and test-fly gliders. Gliders must be designed to be launched from a catapult that is provided on site. Flight duration of the gliders and documentation of the design process are the primary elements of the evaluation.

Reminder that a portfolio of work leading up to the State Conference, a Toolbox, and Materials are required of each participating group.  These items are detailed in the MS Events Guide.

Forensics

Event Description:  Participants (four [4] 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.

Be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate, the following forensic concepts: 

2027 Skills

  1. Forensic Biology-Genetics

  2. Toxicology

  3. Forensic Psychology

Inventions and innovations

Event Description:  Participants (2 teams of 2 members) Participants research a need - and brainstorm a solution - for an invention or innovation that can be produced using recycled materials. Participants document their work in an interactive display and create a model/prototype.

  • State Event Coordinator: Denise Hoag, Council Bluffs HS

  • Coordinator Contact: dhoag@cbcsd.org

Mechanical Engineering

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams of 2-3 members) design, document, and build a mechanical device (Bean Bag Launcher) that incorporates the elements of the annual theme/problem.

2027 Problem Statement: Bean Bag Launcher to put bags into a cornhole board. Board will be 2’ x 4’ with a 1’ zone around the sides and front of the board.

Mechanical Engineering design Statement

Prepared Speech

Event Description:  Participants (3 individuals per chapter) develop and deliver an oral presentation that reflects the theme of the current year’s national conference.

2027 National TSA Conference Theme:  “Forward to Fifty”

Problem Solving

Event Description:  Participants (4 teams of two individuals per chapter) use problem solving skills to develop a finite solution to a stated problem given on site. Participants work as a team to provide the best solution, which is measured objectively.

*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.

Promotional Marketing

Participants create and submit a marketing portfolio and required elements that address the annual theme/problem. Semifinalists complete a layout and design assignment for evaluation.


Charitable and service organizations are the backbone of our communities.  A group called “Students Helping Grandparents” has contacted your chapter advisor about your chapter hosting an event at a public library, during which chapter members will lead focus group discussions with senior citizens.  The topic for the focus groups will be helping senior citizens understand and avoid online cybercrime.  The event is Tuesday May 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. 

2027 Theme: You have been asked to develop a promotional marketing campaign for Discover TSA: Open House & Recruitment Night. The purpose of the event is to introduce prospective members and their families to the opportunities available through the Technology Student Association. The event will feature student demonstrations, interactive STEM activities, competitive event displays, and opportunities to meet current TSA members.

Use the following information when creating your promotional materials:

Event Name: Discover TSA: Open House & Recruitment Night
School: Edison Middle School
School Mascot: Emus

School Colors:  Green and White
Date: Friday, August 1, 2027
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Edison Middle School
Address: 1840 Innovation Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819

Printable Design
A promotional graphic suitable for both print and social media advertising that promotes the event.

Wearable Design
A collectible lapel pin for the Edison TSA chapter.

Digital Design
An auto-advancing digital welcome presentation highlighting event activities, chapter accomplishments, and opportunities available through TSA

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

  • Printable graphic and wearable design should be turned in to the proper check in location.

  • Video file can be uploaded HERE. File can be 1G or smaller otherwise upload a youtube link on the form.

RC Transportation

Event Description:  Participants (three individuals per team, 5 teams 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

2027 RC Registration, Friday April 2nd 2027: Team Registration Link

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

Structural Engineering

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams of two members per chapter) Individual structural members working together to support a load is the challenge for every engineering project. The design brief for 2026 is to design a balsa structure that will support the greatest load possible (in the center) using the least amount of materials. The solution must transfer the load to the top of the Truss as efficiently as possible.

The goal of this challenge is efficiency: holding the maximum weight using a minimum amount of material.

Iowa Specific Rule:  Structures will be built at the State Conference this year (2027).  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 will be done in advance of the contest.  Bring the completed design drawing to check in with you.

Balsa strips (1/8”x1/8”) is the only building material permitted. The balsa wood is provided to construct the bridge. The participants may choose a glue type; however, hot-melt glue is not allowed for the structures. Keep the time limit in mind when selecting the glue. No other construction materials are allowed to be used in the construction of your truss tower

Problem Statement (Click Here for Link)

Middle School Team Verification Document (Click Here for Link)

Technology Bowl

Event Description:  Participants (3 teams of 3 individuals per chapter) compete in a head-to-head team competition.

Video Game Design

Event Description:  Participants design, build, provide documentation for, and launch an E-rated, online game on a subject of their choice. Onsite at the conference, semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the game.

All materials should be submitted via email @ jatwell@boone.k12.ia.us by 3:00pm Monday, April 5th 2027. List participant names, school, chapter sponsor name and email address, along with all submitted materials.

Website Design

Event Description:  Participants (three teams 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 Design Brief: Design and develop an informational website dedicated to a fictitious space exploration program. Your website should educate and inspire a general public audience — particularly students your age — about the mission's goals, crew, technology, and significance for the future of human space exploration.

  • State Event Coordinator: Julie Pomrenke

  • Coordinator Contact: pomerjul@sblschools.com

  • All materials should be submitted via email by 3:00pm Monday, April 5th 2027. List participant names, school, chapter sponsor name and email address, along with all submitted materials.