2025 & 2026 Rhode Island TSA Middle School Competitive Events Summary
AUDIO PODCASTING
Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects. The full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements. Semifinalists complete an onsite challenge to produce an additional podcast(s).
BIOTECHNOLOGY DESIGN
To address the annual theme, participants select a contemporary biotechnology issue and demonstrate understanding of the topic through their documented research and an original display. Semifinalists participate in an interview.
CHILDREN’S STORIES
Participants create an illustrated children’s story based on the annual theme. The entry product is a physical storybook of artistic, instructional, and social value. Semifinalists read their story aloud and participate in an interview.
CODING
To qualify for the semifinal round of competition, participants take a test that concentrates on computer science and coding. Semifinalists demonstrate their programming knowledge by developing a solution to an onsite coding challenge.
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD) FOUNDATIONS
Participants demonstrate their understanding of CAD fundamentals by creating a two-dimensional (2D) graphic representation of an engineering part or object and answering questions from evaluators about their entry.
CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE
Participants submit a scale model, display, and documentation portfolio for a design idea and plan for their construction solution based on the annual theme. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their entry and participate in an interview.
CYBERSECURITY FOUNDATIONS Participants take a test that assesses knowledge of cybersecurity vocabulary and the skills needed to execute common cybersecurity tasks. Using digital presentation software, semifinalists deliver a presentation that addresses the annual theme/problem.
DATA SCIENCE AND ANALYTICS
Participants conduct research on the annual topic and analyze the provided data set, document their research in a supporting portfolio, and create a display. Semifinalist teams participate in an onsite presentation highlighting their pre-conference submission.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Participants produce and submit a digital photographic portfolio that relates to the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an onsite photographic challenge and a presentation/ interview.
DRAGSTER
Participants design, draw, and construct a CO2-powered dragster that adheres to the annual specifications, design and documentation requirements, and theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview and compete in a double-elimination race.
ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS
Participants take a test on basic electrical and electronic theory. In response to an onsite challenge, semifinalists assemble a specified circuit from a schematic diagram, make required electrical measurements, and explain their solution in an interview.
FLIGHT
Participants submit a documentation portfolio and fabricate a glider designed to stay in flight for the greatest elapsed time. Semifinalists use their technical drawing skills to construct a glider that is flown onsite.
INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS 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. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their work and participate in an interview.
MASS PRODUCTION
Participants manufacture a marketable product that addresses the annual theme. The development of the product prototype is documented in a portfolio that presents participant knowledge and skills related to the mass production process. Through a demonstration of the prototype and an interview, semifinalists support the viability of the prototype.
INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS 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. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their work and participate in an interview.
MASS PRODUCTION
Participants manufacture a marketable product that addresses the annual theme. The development of the product prototype is documented in a portfolio that presents participant knowledge and skills related to the mass production process. Through a demonstration of the prototype and an interview, semifinalists support the viability of the prototype.
INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS 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. Semifinalists deliver a presentation about their work and participate in an interview.
MASS PRODUCTION
Participants manufacture a marketable product that addresses the annual theme. The development of the product prototype is documented in a portfolio that presents participant knowledge and skills related to the mass production process. Through a demonstration of the prototype and an interview, semifinalists support the viability of the prototype.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Participants design, document, and build a mechanical device (working catapult) that incorporates the elements of the annual theme/problem. Finalists are determined based on an evaluation of the documentation portfolio and participation in a head-to-head bracket.
MICROCONTROLLER DESIGN
To address the annual theme/problem, participants design and create a working digital device, document the development process, and demonstrate their product as part of a presentation.
OFF THE GRID
In response to the annual theme, participants conduct research on a sustainable architectural design for a home in a specified country. They then produce a portfolio and create a display and a model. Semifinalists present their design and participate in an interview.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Participants use problem-solving skills to design and build a solution to an onsite challenge. Solutions are evaluated using measures appropriate to the challenge, such as elapsed time, horizontal or vertical distance, and/or strength.
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.
ROBOTICS
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.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
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. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and project.
STEM ANIMATION
Participants design and create a STEM animation video and documentation portfolio to address the annual theme/ problem. Semifinalists present their animation and explain the elements of their portfolio/entry
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Participants apply the principles of structural engineering to design and construct a structure that complies with the annual challenge. An assessment of the required documentation and the destructive testing of the structure (to determine its design efficiency) determine both semifinalists and finalists.
SYSTEM CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
In response to a challenge presented onsite at the conference, participants analyze a problem (typically one in an industrial setting), build and program a computer-controlled mechanical model to solve the problem, explain the program and the features of the mechanical model solution, and provide instructions for evaluators to operate the device.
TECH BOWL
Participants demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in technology content standards by completing an objective test. Semifinalists participate in a head-to-head, team competition.
TECHNICAL DESIGN
Participants demonstrate their ability to use the technical design process to solve an engineering design problem provided onsite at the conference. Required elements of the entry are presented in a portfolio that includes technical drawings for a minimum of three viable solutions.
VIDEO GAME DESIGN
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.
WEBSITE DESIGN
To address the annual challenge, participants design, build, provide documentation for, and launch a website that incorporates the elements of website design, graphic layout, and proper coding techniques. Semifinalists participate in a presentation/interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website.
Middle School Events Checklist
| Event | Presubmission | Quiz | Project | On-Task | Interview |
| Audio Podcasting | x | x | x | ||
| Biotechnology | x | x | |||
| CAD Foundations | x | x | |||
| Children’s Stories | x | x | |||
| Coding | x | x | |||
| Construction Challenge | x | x | |||
| Cybersecurity | x | x | |||
| Data Science and Analytics | x | x | x | ||
| Digital Photography | x | x | x | ||
| Dragster | x | x | |||
| Electrical Applications | x | x | x | ||
| Flight | x | ||||
| Inventions and Innovations | x | x | |||
| Mass Production | x | x | |||
| Mechanical Engineering | x | ||||
| Microcontroller Design | x | x | |||
| Problem Solving | x | ||||
| Promotional Marketing | x | x | x | ||
| Robotics | x | x | |||
| STEM Animation | x | x | |||
| Structural Engineering | x | ||||
| Systems Control Technology | x | x | |||
| Tech Bowl | x | x | |||
| Video Game Design | x | x | x | ||
| Website Design | x | x | x |
Competition Attire – Middle School
Shirt:
The official TSA shirt (royal blue) is preferred however the following are acceptable:
- Button Down Shirt
- Polo/Golf Shirt
- Chapter Specific TSA Chapter T-Shirt
- Robotics Team Specific T-Shirt
The following are unacceptable:
- Non TSA Chapter or Robotics Team Specific T-Shirt
- Tank Tops
- Halter Tops
- Sweatshirts/Hoodies
Pants:
Grey Dress Pants, or at least knee-length Dress or Skirt are preferred, however the following are acceptable:
- Pants of any color
- Knee length Dress or Skirt of any color
- Untattered Jeans
The following are unacceptable:
- Leggings
- Baggy Pants
- Athletic Pants including Sweatpants
- Shorts
- Skirts above the knee
Shoes
Black or Brown Dress Shoes are preferred, however the following are acceptable
- Clean Sneakers
- Open Toed Shoes or Sandals (for Presentation Events Only)
The following are unacceptable:
- Flip Flops
- Crocs
- Military Boots
- Work Boots
Tie and Blazer
Ties and Blazers are not required, however, if worn must follow the below guidelines
Ties – Appropriate Pattern and Graphics
Blazer – Solid Color or Checkerboard Pattern
Note: Students not in appropriate competition attire when they compete may be allowed to participate in an event, but they will lose twenty percent (20%) of the total possible points per round.
Official TSA attire may be purchased online via the SHOP tab on the TSA website.