TEECA Competitions

Manufacturing Challenge

The manufacturing competition is designed to both encourage and reward the study of production technology as it relates to manufacturing. The teams must design, document, fabricate and implement an intermittent production process (offsite) to produce an assigned product. Intermittent production, in this example, is used when batch manufacturing or custom manufacturing is required for the intermittent production of finished goods. Teams will also bring an example of a product they have produced using their intermittent production process. Past competitions have included components that were manufactured in hardwoods, plywoods, metal, plastics; and using processes like woodworking, metalworking, injection molding, 3D printing, CNC machining, and casting. Some commercially available hardware is generally accepted.

Robotics Challenge

The robotics competition is provides students with an opportunity to design, document, build, and program a robot that is capable of autonomous and/or remote controlled operation to complete an identified task. In previous years robotics platforms included VEX, LEGO Mindstorms, and other open-source options. Competitions have included both VEX-U style competitions, and/or unique competitions developed by the coordinator. This competition is released early to allow teams adequate time to produce a competitive robot.

Engineering Design Challenge (Pilot)

The Engineering Design challenge has been developed to encourage design thinking, promote cross-material processing development, and foster innovation in our modern technology age. The team must design, document, fabricate and refine a prototype that falls within the challenge specifications. This finished prototype will be presented to the judges at the National Conference and will be accompanied by a comprehensive Portfolio. This competition is not for the faint of heart or the lackadaisical, only fully working, retail ready, well-documented prototypes will be accepted for judging. No exceptions. Previous competitions included the creation of an “Internet Streaming Radio” designed to be placed on a fireplace mantle. Competition guidelines outline the type and quantity of materials and components required. Manufacturing processes are inclusive to any that produce a finished final prototype.

Communications Challenge

The communications challenge typically requires students produce a video advertisement of some sort to promote the teaching profession, the technology and engineering education field, or their home institution. Video length varies, but typically falls between 2 minutes to 30 seconds depending on the identified target audience and platform delivery. Competition release in mid-January allows for planning and execution of much of the competitions, but occasionally on-site prompts must also be incorporated into the final video. Video and audio technology ahs evolved so rapidly in the last few years that students may use a variety of equipment and software ranging from cellphones and handheld cameras, to drones and larger professional equipment. Software for video editing and sound editing is also typically at the discretion of the teams participating and their available access.

Problem Solving Challenge

The problem solving competition is for students who enjoy going through a design or problem-solving process working as a member on a small- to medium-sized team. The competition allows for teams to demonstrate their design, problem solving, and creativity skills. The competing teams will receive contest details, tools, and materials necessary to develop a solution to a specific problem. Problems are either announced onsite or prior to the event, and there is often a limited amount of time to go through the problem solving process. Each team is responsible for providing general tools and materials as required and described in the competition guide. On-site prompts guide the problem solving event and any specialty materials that are needed for teams will be provided by the coordinator.

Teaching Lesson Challenge

The Teaching Lesson & STEM Showcase Competition challenges Technology Education students to design and deliver a dynamic, STEM-based lesson aligned with the theme of the annual ITEEA Conference location. This lesson is geared towards middle or high school aged students per the design guidelines. Submissions are entered into the STEM showcase, where preliminary judging offers the top 5 candidates to give their proposed lesson LIVE.

Generative A.I. Challenge (Pilot)

This competition will utilize artificial intelligence as part or all of the creative process. The competition is typically two-parts. First, a prompt on the type of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Second, participants will expand on their work in an essay. Previous competition prompts included using A.I. to generate a scene of “Fictional Architecture”, and was followed by a 2 page essay that included additional descriptions, the prompt the student used, software that was used, and a brief dive into the societal impact of A.I. usage.

NEW Elementary STEM Challenge (Pilot)

The Elementary STEM Teaching Lesson & STEM Showcase Competition challenges Technology Education students to design and deliver a dynamic, STEM-based lesson aligned with the theme of the annual ITEEA Conference location. This lesson is geared towards elementary aged students per the design guidelines. Submissions are entered into the STEM showcase, where preliminary judging offers the top 5 candidates to give their proposed lesson LIVE.