NOTE: A student's main focus is the technology used to create a project. Content information is needed but it is not the main focus. For example: A student creates a MS PowerPoint about "The Habitat of Elephants". When presenting that virtual project, the student needs to center on the technology he/she learned and applied to create the project, not necessarily the information about the habitat of elephants.
YIKES!! I Need a Virtual Project PORTFOLIO?
Each project must be accompanied by a Tech Fair Project PORTFOLIO
Student Portfolio Requirements are listed at the bottom of the portfolio judge score sheet.
2023 PORTFOLIO JUDGE SCORE SHEET
Review the judge score sheet so you will know what is required!
Rubric - What is a rubric?
To assess projects consistently, each project is scored using a guide, or rubric.
Click each category title below to view, print and/or download the rubric.
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
TO CHOOSE FROM
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ALL 2023 TECH FAIR PROJECTS ARE VIRTUAL (Asynchronous)
Click on category name to view rubric.
Additional Information on the ACTE State Website: alabamaconsortiumfortechnologyineducation.org
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. 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 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.
Student projects in this category use a combination of static images and/or words into a single design to convey information for a special effect. The focus is on communicating a message first, using different fonts, graphics, images in a graphic design to create an attractive composition using the principles of design. Examples of software: Sketchpad, ToonBoom, Crayola Color Alive, Adobe Creative Suite, Lucid Press, PicMonkey, Design Pickle, Pixlr, Vectr, Desygner, Youidraw, Piskel.
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.
Mobile Apps. Projects in this category are developed using any mobile device application software designed to be used on a specific mobile device. (Devices such as a phone, tablet, etc.). The student must demonstrate how to run the app on a selected device. The app can be developed for any operating system. (iOS, Windows Mobile, Android, etc.)
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 NO TEST FOR 2023 (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 (TPC) ACTE State-wide Virtual TPC 2023. Grades 5-12 Only. The TPC is different now. It is a separate entity, requiring a separate registration than the regular tech fair. There is no qualifying contest at the regional level. Sponsors and students sign up to compete state-wide in the Fall and Spring TPC events.
This category is a VIRTUAL EVENT 2023 in which teams of students are given a series of problems to solve during a one and a half-hour competition time. Each team is awarded points for each problem solved correctly.
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.
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.