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.

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

Items in this category involve student created projects in which students used traditional and modern woodworking tools, methods, and techniques to create projects. 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 modern methods, equipment, and processes to create graphic design projects. Copyright rules are strictly enforced. All copyrighted material must have the written concent of the material owner.

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

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.

Uniqueness of Student Work: All student entries must be made from a single unique native file. Each project must be unique in both the final product and any associated electronic file regardless of file type. The same original photo can not be entered into multiple categories. For example, color and B/W. Photos can only be entered one time.

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. The photos should be in their RAW or UNEDITED format unless entered in the SPECIAL EFFECTS categories.

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.

Uniqueness of Student Work: All student entries must be made from a single unique native file. Each project must be unique in both the final product and any associated electronic file regardless of file type. The same original photo cannot be entered into multiple categories. For example, color and B/W. Photos can only be entered one time.

Edited 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.

Special effects depend on the basic belief that photographs don't lie. They exploit this premise by presenting to the observer images that are seemingly impossible to achieve in reality or which enhance certain features of a subject beyond that achievable by normal photographic methods. These effects are achieved by manipulating the image typically using a photo editing software or app.

• 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.
• Maximum sheet size in this category is 24 x 36 inches.
• The most current version of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards of symbols and conventions will be the standard for judging.
• 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:
  • Unique Student ID Number
  • Classification Number
• No School logos are allowed unless they are student created logos that are not associated with the school mascot/logo/school name.

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.

Uniqueness of Student Work: All student entries must be made from a single unique native file. Each project must be unique in both the final product and any associated electronic file regardless of file type. The same original CADD file can not be entered into multiple categories. For example, Two view and Three View or With pictorial and without a pictorial. Drawings can only be entered one time.

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: 24" x 24" (unless otherwise stated) Model must have hard copy of plan view (A bird's eye view of the ground floor)

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

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).

Entries made from commercial kits.