Copyright: All entries must be the original work of the student participant or student team. All ideas, text, images (photos), computer generated, video and/or other), and sounds from other sources must be cited, including anything that is from the public domain. References and resources are to be cited using MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the most current edition. If copyrighted material is used, proper written permission must be included. Failure to follow this procedure will automatically result in disqualification of the students (all projects) and may potentially disqualify the entire chapter from the  Texas TSA State Competition.

Minimum Required Documentation

Uniqueness of Student Work

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used Computer Numerical Control or Computer Aided Manufacturing devices to create projects. Any projects in which CNC mills, lathes, computer controlled lasers, etc. were not used to produce all major components should not be entered in this category.

Judging criteria for production will be based on the following areas: degree of difficulty, appearance, finish, and craftsmanship.

Minimum Required Documentation

Uniqueness of Student Work

CNC/CAM - Wood

CNC Mill/Router

CNC Lathe

CNC Laser Engraver

CNC/CAM - Other

CNC Mill/Router

CNC Lathe

CNC Laser Engraver

CNC Plasma Cutter

CNC Other

Uniqueness of Student Work

All work must be 100% student original produced. ALL copyright rules and regulations apply. No downloaded files of any format - in part or in whole - may be used to create any part or parts of any 3D Print/Rapid Prototype.

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used traditional and modern woodworking tools, methods, and techniques to create projects. Any projects in which CNC mills, lathers, computer controlled lasers, etc. were used to produce any components should not be entered in this category. Purchased materials such as glass, mirrors, and hardware must be listed in documentation and do not count as an additional construction material.

Judging criteria for production will be based on the following areas: degree of difficulty, appearance, finish, and craftsmanship.

Minimum Required Documentation

Wood - Manual Turning (No CNC)

Projects in this category are crafted using traditional lathe and turning tools. Example projects include but not limited to lamps, candlesticks, walking canes, and bowls.

Wood - Indoor

Projects in this category are entirely made of wood for the primary use to be indoors. Example projects include but not limited to bookshelves, tables, dressers, display cabinets, and bed headboards.

Wood - Outdoor

Projects in this category are entirely made of wood for the primary use to be outdoors. Example projects include but not limited to picnic tables, outdoor furniture, tiki stands, and swings.

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used traditional and modern metal trade tools, methods, and techniques to create projects. Any projects in which CNC mills, lathers, computer controlled lasers, etc. were used to produce any components should not be entered in this category. Purchased materials such as glass, mirrors, and hardware must be listed in documentation and do not count as an additional construction material.

Judging criteria for production will be based on the following areas: degree of difficulty, appearance, finish, and craftsmanship.

Metals - Decorative (No CNC)

Projects in this category are entirely made of metal for the primary use to be for decoration. Example projects include but not limited to signs, yard art, table inlays, and furniture.

Metals - Functional (No CNC)

Projects in this category are entirely made of metal for the primary use to perform a function. Example projects include but not limited to bumpers, fire pits, grills/smokers, and farm equipment.

Trailers

Projects in this category mostly made of metal for the primary use as a trailer. Other materials are permitted to be used. Trailer must have a tongue and at least one axle.

Foundry

Projects in this category follow the traditional Foundry Process of heating metal to a liquid state, creating a form/mold, pouring the metal into the form/mold, cooling, and then leaving as a rough cast or finishing it to a final casting. Example projects include but not limited to pendents, mechanical parts, component bodies, and decorative statues.

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used traditional and modern tools, methods, and techniques to create projects from various materials not listed under other categories. Any projects in which CNC mills, lathers, computer controlled lasers, etc... were used to produce more than 50% of the major components should not be entered in this category. Judging criteria for production will be based on the following areas: degree of difficulty, appearance, finish, and craftsmanship.

Minimum Required Documentation

All Other Materials (No CNC)

Projects in this category are entirely made of one material other than wood or metal. Example projects include but not limited to RC car body, walking cane, artistic statue, PVC catapult, and drinking glass.

Combination of any Two Materials

Projects in this category are made of 2 or more materials including than wood and metal. Example projects include but not limited to wood and resin table tops, wood and metal furniture, and stained glass and metal yard art.

Restoration

Items that were originally commercially manufactured and have been restored to their original state. A work history must accompany the entry showing the condition of the item before the restoration. All parts not reconditioned by the student must be identified. Photos documenting the restoration process must be included in the required documentation for projects in these categories.

Recycled Materials

Items made out of a minimum of 50% recycled materials. A recycled material is defined by using an component or material in a way that it was not originally designed for. An example would be using a bathroom tissue rolls to create the inner structure of a foot stool. An example of what is NOT a recycled material is using license plates to create the outline of Texas. A work history must accompany the entry showing the recycled item before construction. Photos documenting the construction process must be included in the required documentation for projects in these categories.

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used traditional and modem methods, equipment, and processes to create communication projects.

Screen prints: Entries must include 3 copies in order to judge consistent registration and quality, along with content, composition and overall visual effect. Maximum size not to exceed 11 x 17 inches.

GI-24 – Binding Terms

• Bound – Example, spiral bound, glued and tape, GBC Machine
• Saddle Stitch – Stapled in the fold.

Mounting boards may be used not to exceed 8-1/2" x 11" unless otherwise noted.

Minimum Required Documentation

Graphic Design

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used traditional and modern methods, equipment, and processes to create grphic design projects.

Product Graphic Printing

Product Graphic Printing entries must include one printed product in order to judge quality along with content, composition and overall effect. Product must be in a maximum of 2 gallon ziploc style clear bag with documentation inside the bag and label placed on the outside of the bag.

Technical Report

Using Word Processing software create a technical report – include a cover sheet, body of report, and bibliography. Citations and bibliography can be in either MLA or APA format.

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used Multimedia & Animation Technology to create 2D and 3D projects. Multimedia includes video, audio, graphics, and animation.

Multimedia: Entries must include two or more communications methods. A story board and brief description of the two or more communications methods used must be included.

USB Drive only: This includes a wide variety of small pluggable USB memory storage devices such as thumbrives or flash drives. Please ensure that they work on both PC and Macs. Care should be taken to ensure the safety of these devices due to their portable nature. USB Drive must be read by current version of Internet Explorer or .flc, .avi, and .mov formats. USB Drive must be in resealable clear plastic bag (Zip Lock Type). USB Drive is required and must be auto-play.

Video Editing/Sound Editing - must supply original footage/audio and finished copy.

Documentation is to be considered only when projects are being considered for a Best In State (BIS). Documentation should not be discounted because of method used - hand drawn/written vs. computer created/drawn.

Minimum Required Documentation

Computer Generated Presentation - USB Drive Format

Presentation must include a minimum of 2 of the following media: static images, audio, or video. A story board and brief description of the methods used must be included.

Sound Editing - USB Drive Format

Sound Editing - must supply original footage/audio and finished copy.

Video Editing - USB Drive Format

Video Editing - must supply original footage/audio and finished copy.

Computer Imaging - USB Drive Format

Must cite source for Clip Art.

2D Animation - USB Drive Format

3D Animation - USB Drive Format

Webpage Designs

Other

Items in this category involve projects in which students set-up, shoot, and develop their own photographs for presentation to a specified or general audience.

Photographs: Photos must be taken by the student unless otherwise noted. Maximum printed size for a single photographic entry is 8.5 x 11 inches and for multiple photo classifications the size limit is 22 x 28 inches. Each class will be one photograph unless specified.

Mounted Entries: Entries cannot be framed except by folded tape or suitable matting material around the perimeter. The complete assembly/mounting material, taped edges, drawings, photos, backing and cover cannot exceed 8-1/2" x 11" for single photographic entry or 22" x 28" for multiple photo classifications. Maximum thickness for single sheet is 0.125 inches.

Printing: Photo is developed by the student in a traditional film processing lab using traditional methods and practices, or digitally in the lab, classroom, at home, etc. or in a professional lab, photo store, or commercial setting.

Minimum Required Documentation

Uniqueness of Student Work

Single Photo Entries

Special Effects Photo Entries

The following entries require 2 photos to be submitted. The first photo is the original unaltered photo. The second photo will be the final product that has been edited. Each photo must be 8.5 x 11 inches or smaller.

• NO MOUNTING! Entries in these classification can not be mounted.
• Small label on back of 2nd photo must explain effect(s)/process(es) used and can be handwritten

Multiple Photo Entries

Photos must be taken by the student unless otherwise noted. Maximum printed size for multiple photo classifications the size limit is 22 x 28 inches. Multiple photos may be mounted or printed as a single sheet up to 22 x 28 inches.

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students created projects using traditional drafting or modern computer aided design standards practices, and methods. This category will be divided into two sections: Engineering and Architecture

Maximum sheet size in this category is 24 x 36 inches. No limit on number of sheets.

The most current version of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards of symbols and conventions will be the standard for judging.

DC: 1-1 Precision Dimensions: Entries should include such dimensioning practices as: datum line, tolerances, limits, geometric symbols, reference dimensions and BASIC dimensions, but not limited to these examples.

DC: 1-2 Development and Intersections: Each entry must be accompanied with a model. The suggested material is stiff paper fastened with tape or glue. The model may be painted to appear as metal as desired. The model must be attached to the drawing.

DC: 1-3 Fillets and Rounds: May be represented only by curved or straight lines on any drawing for clarity.

DC: 1-4 Aerospace: Aerospace is defined as anything for an aeronautical purpose or application. This may include actual aircraft or spacecraft, aircraft/spacecraft parts or projects (flight or non-flight) for NASA H.U.N.C.H. (High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware).

Free Hand Lettering: Is to be used except for CADD and INK drawings. All pencil drawings must have free hand lettering except for pre-printed title block.

Working Drawings: shall consist of the following: Multi-view drawings with dimensions necessary for manufacture, and other views such as: isometric, sections, exploded views, assembly views, charts, and notes are acceptable.

Pictorials (exploded) can be used as needed for clarity.

Working drawings may include exploded assemblies/ pictorials/ rendering to describe the various elements of the working drawings. The pictorials/ exploded assemblies may be rendered/ shown.

Multiple Sheets: Drawing sets should be fastened together along the left edge.

Pictorial: Pictorial drawings do not have to be dimensioned.

Rendering: Rendering or shading permitted for pictorials and presentations unless otherwise noted.

Pictorials on working drawings can be shaded and/or rendered.

Title Block: Title blocks may contain only the following information:

• Student Name
• Unique Student ID Number
• Classification Number

All drawings except Presentation Drawings must be plain printed. Presentation drawings may be laminated or mounted, as long as the outside dimension of the matting or lamination does not exceed the drawing size by more than 1/2 " on any edge. Blank or mylar cover sheets are allowed on presentation
drawings.

The bold face word CADD means CADD only. All work must be done in CADD. Note: All manual drawings can be either pencil or ink. 

Minimum Required Documentation

Engineering Design

For the Engineering Section this category: symbols, lettering, and standards should be used as appropriate. Common industrial practices and time savers may be used. Shading, rendering and coloring may be used in presentation drawings and pictorials on working drawings.

Architectural Design

For the Architectural Graphics portion of this section: American Institute of Architects or the Architectural Graphic Standards should be used as needed. Common industrial practices and time savers may be used. Shading, rendering and coloring may be used.

All finish (rendering) is pencil unless noted. No limit to number of sheets.

Items in this category involve projects in which students created and designed structures, models, used commercial kits, or highlighted the design process. Judging criteria for production will be based on the following areas: degree of difficulty, appearance, finish, and craftsmanship. Material used is calculated as item as displayed.

• Maximum base size for models: 30" x 42" (unless otherwise stated)
• Model must have hard copy of plan view (A bird's eye view of the ground floor)

Minimum Required Documentation

Models - Architectural

This category is for finished models with detailing, full landscaping, sidewalks, trees, cars, people, etc.

Study Model

A study model is similar to the type used by architects for site design and planning. Suggested materials: cardboard, foam board, Styrofoam, paper, plastic, balsa wood, and glue. This model is to be unfinished, no landscaping or finishing methods allowed (only structure and typography). All study models are a maximum of 24”x36” unless otherwise specified.

Kits

Entries made from commercial kits.

Interior Design

Projects will be judged on the basis of design: function, color, texture, balance, etc. on a maximum 24" x 36" board. The project should be accompanied by data that has ( 1) complete floor plan set, (2) furniture placement, (3) color palate samples, (4) finish sample board. A design must be entirely the original work of the student.

Displays/Portfolios: The use of photographs, videos, maps, charts, schedules, safety information and other media is encouraged to communicate the message of the entry. The minimum documentation requirement must be an integral part of the display/portfolio.

Entries must be complete and in safe operating condition. All devices and products must be displayed, where feasible, in such a manner as to allow internal inspection of workmanship. High voltage components and potentially dangerous areas must be covered and labeled.

Minimum Required Documentation

Multidisciplinary

Aerodynamics

Develop and produce airfoils for the following. Provide drag and lift test results for each airfoil. Document the research of the air foil aerodynamics.

Construction Technology

Home/commercial building - static display of a partial model that demonstrates the use of structural concepts.

Electronics/Electrical

These entries do allow kits in each classification.

Energy, Power and Transportation

Static displays that demonstrate the extraction, processing, transferring, controlling and / or use of the following:

Manufacturing

Materials

Lasers

A display that demonstrates the use of the light energy through the use of a laser emitting device.

Biotechnology

Activities entered in this classification must have portfolio documenting research in the area and illustrate or explain a method for solving the problem.

Robotics and Programming

This section gives schools with robotics programs a place for their students to show/display their work/efforts. Display area not to exceed a space that is 4 feet wide x 18 inches deep and 4 feet tall. Projects may include the use of LEGO, VEX or Fisher Technique robotic kits.

A poster to illustrate safety principles in the classroom environment or in the workplace.

• Poster Sizes allowed: 18 x 24, 22 x 28, or 24 x 36 (sizes are in inches)
• Safety posters may be computer generated or printed.
• Posters cannot be framed but can be laminated.