Design and build

Explore events where you develop a design, make a model or device, and show how it works.

Students prepare their device at a past TSA competition.

You receive a drawing problem.You create the CAD drawing.You submit a PDF.

Individual · On-site CAD drawing

CAD Foundations

You will use design software to draw an engineering part accurately.

Explore CAD Foundations

You plan the site.You build a scale model.You document the construction proposal.

Team of 2–6 · Scale model, display, and portfolio

Construction Challenge

You will design a community greenhouse and garden for a narrow city site.

Explore Construction Challenge

You build the dragster.You draw and document it.Your car competes on the track.

Individual · Race car, drawing, and materials list

Dragster

You will design and build a small CO₂-powered race car.

Explore Dragster

You design and test gliders.You fly your prepared glider.You rebuild and fly if you advance.

Individual · Glider, portfolio, and on-site rebuild

Flight

You will design a glider that stays in the air as long as possible.

Explore Flight

Identifying a needMaking a model and displayPreparing a sales pitch

Team of 2–4 · Model or prototype, display, and possible sales pitch

Inventions and Innovations

Your team develops an invention or improves an existing idea to meet a real need.

Explore Inventions and Innovations

Designing a repeatable productMaking matching copiesDocumenting the production process

Team of 3–6; up to 3 present · Matching products, portfolio, and possible presentation

Mass Production

Your team develops a repeatable production process and uses it to make matching products.

Explore Mass Production

Students prepare a device at a past TSA competition. Use the current rules for your own entry.

Team of 2 · Device + portfolio

Mechanical Engineering

Build a catapult that hits its target.

Explore Mechanical Engineering

Understanding the family's needsModeling a housing solutionDocumenting the design

Individual or team of 2–6; 1–3 representatives present · Display, model, portfolio, and possible presentation

Off the Grid

You will design a home or home system that responds to a community's needs and limited public utilities.

Explore Off the Grid

Building and testing the carDocumenting solar-only runsRacing and explaining the design

Team of 2–4 · Model car, showcase display, race trials, and possible interview

Solar Racer

Your team builds a solar-powered model car and documents how it performs.

Explore Solar Racer

Building the first structurePreparing drawings and verificationCompleting load testing

Team of 2 · Pre-built structure, documentation, and possible on-site build

Structural Engineering

Your team builds a lightweight structure and tests how much load it can support.

Explore Structural Engineering

Interpreting the design briefComparing three drawn solutionsSubmitting a design portfolio

Team of 2 · Twenty-four-hour design portfolio challenge

Technical Design

Your team develops and documents an engineering design in response to a new problem.

Explore Technical Design