FOURTEEN COMPETITION CATEGORIES TO CHOOSE FROM
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Rubric - What is a rubric?
To assess projects consistently, each project is scored using a guide, or rubric.
Click a category title below to view and/or download the rubric.
YIKES!! I Need a Project PORTFOLIO?
Each project must be accompanied by a Tech Fair Project PORTFOLIO
(know previously as a Notebook)
Student Portfolio Requirements are listed at the bottom of the portfolio judge score sheet.
Review the judge score sheet so you will know what is required!
This category calls for students to develop an original design with the primary purpose for allowing the motion of objects. ex., Powtoon, Scratch, Crazytalk, Kidpix, Stop Motion, Claymation, GoAnimate, Toon Boom, Alice, etc.
This category is defined as any original audio production that has been edited/produced with digital tools. Projects may include speaking, singing, music, sounds effects, and other audio components.
ex. Audacity, Garage Band, Wavosaur, EarSketch, Adobe Audition, Wavepad and Acoustica.
Projects in this category are self-executing programs created by the student using recognizable programming languages such as: BASIC, C ++, C#, Java, LOGO, Pascal, Python, Ruby, SQL, etc. Programs must be functional and have an intended purpose. All parts of the program must be the author's own design.
This category is defined as any computer created or manipulated photo project whose final output is printed. Such projects might be digital photography and graphic design. Sophisticated use of software to create the design or photo must show more than simple cropping or the use of a couple of drop down menu choices. ex. Paint, Kidpix, Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, or freehand drawing on a graphic tablet.
Projects in this category student choose the software program of their choice in creating a digital game. Content, design and rules of the interactive game must be original. Students are to demonstrate creativity, organization, and interactivity.
This category is for devices engineered and/or modified by students to serve a specific purpose or meet a specific goal. The device must be fully functional. Some examples are: Arduino, Raspberry Pi and Makey Makey Projects.
Internet Applications. CHANGE FOR 2020 Projects in this category use WEB-BASED SOFTWARE and are now in Web Design I. Use Web Design I Rubric below. Examples include web pages, web sites, chat rooms, interactive games, bulletin boards, podcasts and blogs. Examples are: Wix, Weebly, Freewebs, Google Sites, Blockly, Scratch, Kodu, MIT App Inventor, etc. Note: Mobile Device Application inventing software is also included in this category.
Multidimensional Design/3-D Modeling
This category is defined as any original artwork digitally created and modeled in three dimensions using specialized software. Software may include: Maya, AutoCAD, Sketch Up, GollyGee Blocks, and Light Wave. The output may be 3D printed or hand built to scale with cardboard, wood or plastic materials based on the student designs.
Multimedia is defined as a presentation combining sound and/or motion with text. Sound may include voice, music, or natural or man-made sounds and effects that are part of the software, found on the Internet, or created and imported by the student. Examples include: PowerPoint, KidPix, AppleWorks, Astound, Storybook Weave, HyperStudio, Photostory, Google Slides, Prezi, etc.
This category (formerly General Applications) is defined as any student created, computer-generated project that uses desktop publishing or general productivity software. Examples include: Calendars, compelling charts and graphs, digital books, brochures, graphic organizers, newsletters, etc.
Projects may be constructed from kits or published drawings, modified from other devices to create new applications, or constructed from the student’s own concepts and designs. All entries must be a working piece of electronics. Mechanical and motor driven devices must be controlled by computers, either hard-wired or remote, which are programmed by students in order to be eligible. Examples of commercially available kits are robotic “arms” or robot movers, Lego and K’Nex style building kits, Capsella, VEX, and Technics style robotics kits.
Technology Test (Not considered a project when registering students).
Written exams given on-site for each of the grade levels. The exams have up to 50 multiple-choice questions. Topics include: History of Computers, Parts of the computer, peripheral computer devices; uses and limitations of computers; uses of common software; new technology; the Internet; social implications of computers and general programming.
Team Programming Challenge (Separate registration. Not considered in project count.)
This category is an on-site event in which one team of students is given a series of problems to solve during a two-hour competition time. Each team is awarded points for each problem solved correctly. Programs are judged on structure, design, and organization. Grades 7-12 only.
This category is defined as any original video project that has been edited on a computer with digital video editing software and exported into a digital video format. The completed project must be displayed for viewing on a computer. The focus of this category is on the editing process. Original video content used in this kind of project may come from the student or it may be obtained from other permissible sources. Camtasia Studio, iMovie, Pinnacle, Windows Movie Maker, etc.
Web Design is divided into two sub-categories, including those projects that were previously in Internet Apps.
Web Design-1 are Internet based web designs such as Wix, Weebly, Freeweb, Blotchly, Scratch.
Web Design-2 are websites created through MANUAL CODING. Students are to use HTML, or an applicable program (i.e. Dreamweaver) for this project. Hyperlink at least three separate pages. At least three external links to “outside” information required.