Mission Statement
The Technology
Student Association fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities
in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Members apply and
integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts
through co-curricular activities, competitive events and related programs.
The TSA Motto
Learning to Live in a Technological World
The TSA Creed
I
believe that Technology Education holds an important place in my life in
the technical world. I believe there is a need for the development of good
attitudes concerning work, tools, materials, experimentation, and
processes of industry.
Guided by my teachers, artisans from industry, and my own initiative, I
will strive to do my best in making my school, community, state, and
nation better places in which to live.
I
will accept the responsibilities that are mine. I will accept the theories
that are supported by proper evidence. I will explore on my own for safer,
more effective methods of working and living.
I
will strive to develop a cooperative attitude and will exercise tact and
respect for other individuals.
Through the work of my hands and mind, I will express my ideas to the best
of my ability.
I
will make it my goal to do better each day the task before me, and to be
steadfast in my belief in my God, and my fellow Americans.
Why Join TSA?
Click the link below for a
permission slip to join Sarasota Middle Schools TSA.
images\Permission2.pub
Once a member of TSA, students
will need to acquire the proper attire for State Competition.
Middle
School Competitive Events Overview
Agriculture and Biotechnology Challenge
Click here for a video description of this event
Participants (one team per chapter) conduct research on a contemporary
agriculture or biotechnology issue of their choosing, document their
research, and create a display. The information gathered may be
student-performed research or a re-creation or simulation of research
performed by the scientific community. If appropriate, a model or prototype
depicting some aspect of the issue may be included in the display.
Career Challenge
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Participants (one individual per chapter) conduct research on a selected
technology-related career and use the knowledge gained to prepare a resume
and cover letter, complete a job application, and participate in a mock
interview.
Challenging Technology Issues
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Participants (three teams of two members per state) prepare and deliver an
extemporaneous oral presentation, with team members explaining opposing
views of a current technology issue that has been selected on site from a
choice of three options.
Chapter Team
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Participants (one team of six members per chapter) demonstrate their
understanding of parliamentary procedures relative to business meetings.
Participants must successfully complete a written parliamentary procedures
test in order to proceed to the finals, where finalists perform an opening
ceremony and dispose of three items of business within a specified time
period.
Communication Challenge
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Participants (one individual per chapter) write, design and produce 1) a
newsletter that promotes the chapter's activities, 2) an effective sponsor
support request on chapter letterhead, and 3) a business card. Finalists
work creatively under constraints to design a solution to an on-site
problem.
Construction Challenge
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Participants (one team per chapter) submit a display that documents the use
of their leadership and technical skills to fulfill a community need related
to construction. Finalists discuss their projects in a presentation and an
interview.
Cyberspace Pursuit
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Participants (one team of three to five members per chapter) are required to
design, build and launch a World Wide Web site that features the school's
technology education program, the TSA chapter, and the chapter's ability to
research topics pertaining to technology. Click to access the
Middle
School Cyberspace Pursuit Design Brief
Digital Photography Challenge
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Participants (three individuals per state) produce and submit an album and
an 8" x 10" collage of digital photographs consisting of six color or black
and white digital photographs that present a single chapter activity/theme.
Finalists produce three digital photographs taken at the conference site
that have been edited appropriately for the on-site task.
Dragster Design Challenge
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Participants (two 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.
Please note an important rule change for middle school
Dragster
Design Challenge, on
page 77 of the
2008 &
2009 Middle School Technology Activities, National TSA Conference
Competitive Events Guide:
Rule A2 under
Axles/axle holes/wheelbase should read:
| |
Minimum |
Maximum |
| A.2 Bottom of axle hole above bottom of car |
5mm |
10mm |
Electrical Applications
Click here for a video description of this event
Participants (two individuals per chapter) demonstrate knowledge of basic
electrical theory through a written test. Finalists assemble a specific
circuit from a schematic diagram (using a kit provided) and make required
electrical measurements. Finalists then explain their solution during an
interview.
Electronic Game Challenge
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Participants (one team per chapter, one entry per team) develop an E-rated
game that focuses on the subject of their choice. The game should be
interesting, exciting, visually appealing and intellectually challenging. A
working, interactive game is submitted for evaluation.
Environmental Challenge
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Participants (one team per chapter, one entry per team) identify and
research a specific environmental problem or issue that has been influenced
by advancements in technology. Students present their findings in the form
of a multimedia presentation.
Flight Challenge
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Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry each) study the
principles of flight and design in order to fabricate (using materials
provided) 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.
Graphic Design Challenge
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Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) create
and produce a graphic design that is appropriate for national TSA conference
publications and other small promotional items. In a given year, the design
must promote the theme for the next year's national TSA conference.
Inventions and Innovations
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Participants (one team per chapter with a minimum of three individuals)
investigate and determine the need for the invention of a device, system or
process. The invention may be groundbreaking, or it may be an improvement to
an existing device, system or process. The invention may be an idea, in lieu
of a working model. Team members present their idea for an invention using a
stand-alone multimedia presentation, documentation notebook, and a model or
prototype. Finalists make an oral presentation about the invention to a
panel of judges who will act as a group of venture capitalists interested in
funding an invention.
Leadership Challenge
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Participants (one team of three individuals per chapter) work in teams to
develop a plan of action that addresses a specific challenging situation
provided on site. Under time constraints, finalists develop a plan for a
second situation and then make a team presentation.
Manufacturing Challenge
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Participants (one team of at least three individuals per chapter) design and
manufacture a product using discarded material that has been donated from
business or industry The chapter submits documentation of chapter activities
and two product samples made during the manufacturing experience.
Medical Technology Challenge
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Participants (one team of two or more students per chapter) conduct research
on a contemporary medical technology issue of their choosing, document their
research, and create a display. The information gathered may include
student-performed research or a re-creation or simulation of research
performed by the scientific community. If appropriate, a model or prototype
depicting some aspect of the issue may be included in the display.
Prepared Speech -
Click here to view a video description
Participants (one individual per chapter) develop and deliver a prepared
speech, using visual support, on the assigned topic. The presentation must
reflect the theme of the current year's national conference.
Problem Solving
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Participants (one team 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.
Structural Challenge
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Participants (one team of two members per chapter) work to determine
superior engineering as they conduct research and then model and test a
structure that is designed to hold the greatest load. Teams submit their
models for destructive testing.
System Control Technology
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Participants (one team of three members per state) develop a
computer-controlled model solution to a problem provided on site. Typically,
the problem is a scenario of a situation in an industrial setting that
requires a solution. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer controlled
mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical
features of the model-solution, and leave instructions for operating the
device.
Technical Design Challenge
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Participants (two individuals per chapter) demonstrate the ability to read
and interpret technical sketches, drawings, and the use of materials when
they complete a technical design and illustration test. Finalists
demonstrate their ability to solve an on-site technical design problem using
standard sketching, drafting, and problem-solving techniques.
Technical Writing Challenge
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Participants (three individuals per state) are required to conduct research
in two or three specified subtopics of a broader technological area and,
using the knowledge and resources gained through that research, write a
comprehensive report on the one subtopic that is designated on site.
Technology Bowl Challenge
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Participants (one team of three individuals per chapter) are required to
complete a written objective examination to qualify for the oral
question/response, head-to-head team competition phase of the event.
Technology Transfer Challenge
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Participants (one team from the TSA chapters involved, with a maximum of six
students on the team from three middle school chapters) design, manufacture
and package a marketable mass-produced product through a collaborative
effort. Two completed products will be included in the display for this
event.
Transportation Challenge
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Participants (two individuals per chapter) design, engineer, and fabricate a
battery-powered vehicle that covers a course in the shortest amount of time.
TSA Cup: Marine Design Challenge
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Participants (one team of at least two individuals per chapter, one entry
per team) research and present sailboat design principles and build a model
sailboat that is raced in a test tank. Participants choose a country and
incorporate information about that country — as well as information about a
sailboat design/manufacturing company from the country — into an event
display.
TSA Multimedia
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Participants (one individual per chapter, one entry per individual) create
and design a stand-alone multimedia presentation to promote TSA.
Video Challenge
Click here for a video description of this event
Participants (three teams per state) develop and submit a detailed
storyboard, production plan, and finished video that depicts the chapter's
involvement in TSA, technology education, or community service. Click to
access the
Video Challenge Rating Form.
