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I need the TSA logo to use in my event project. Where can I get the TSA and WV TSA logo to use in my events?
WV TSA has made available the TSA and WV TSA logos in a variety of file formats for students to use.
These images can be found on the WV TSA site.
Can I obtain sample problems for the TSA events so that I can prepare for them?
WV TSA has made available problems from past conferences so that you can prepare for events at the WV TSA Spring Conference and the TSA National Conference. These
sample problems can be found in the Event Problems
area of the WV TSA site.
The Technology Bowl (written) and CAD competitions begin at the same time. Is it possible to compete in both? -- Robert Eller, Magnolia High School
The only way to compete in both would be to take the Technology Bowl (written) test first, then report up to an hour late to begin CAD; you would not get the full time in CAD. It is not possible to do CAD then take the Technology Bowl (written) test since Technology Bowl is a test and competitors are release as they finish the test. You may want to consider which event you do better and focus on that. Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you choose to do both events, you must contact the CAD event coordinator prior to the Technology Bowl test to inform them of your conflict. If the coordinator for the CAD event is not aware of your conflict and you show up late, they have the right to not allow you to compete in the event.
-- Alta McDaniel, WV TSA State Advisor, February 24, 1999
Is the roof of Architectural Model supposed to be removable?
There is no stipulation as to the removable roof. This is up to the students. The emphasis is on the overall model and the overall portfolio. Students should be practical in their approach to constructing the interior details for their models. With the limited scale size of the model, the emphasis should be on the basic design and conceptualization to meet the problem criteria. Too much attention to decorating details and enhancements in the model can actually detract from the overall effect.
-- Sid Rader, event chairman, March 9, 1999
Can software other than CAD software be used (ie. 3D Studio Max)?
The event rules state “participants … develop technical drawings on site using computer aided drafting tools.” Also, the Evaluation Criteria judges on “utilizing CAD functions…15 points” and “manipulation of viewpoints and local coordinate system…30 points”. I am not familiar with 3D Studio Max, but if it does not clearly meet these criteria, I wouldn’t use it.
-- Alta McDaniel, WV TSA State Advisor, Dec 11, 2000
Are there unlimited entries for the written test for Chapter Team at the WV contest?
Yes, as many students from a chapter as want to can take the written portion of the test. Be aware, however, that the highest 6 scores will make up the oral team. You will not be able to choose who to have on the team at that point. If only 6 people take the test, those 6 will comprise the team.
What if one of our Chapter Team members has a conflict or drops out at the last minute? Can we still compete with less than 6 members?
If there is a conflict, but the member is registered for the conference, the entire team must compete. There is a 3-4 hour time period for all contestants to compete, and the contest coordinator and judges will try to work with you. You are sent a schedule before the conference, so try to minimize conflicts ahead of time. If a member drops out at the last minute, you may substitute another member, or compete with less than 6 members. Be aware, however, that just by one member not being there, the team loses a minimum of 7 points. (1-official dress, 2- opening ceremony, 2- debate, 1- voice, 1- equal participation).
What is an "integrated software" package? Can you give some examples?
An integrated software package is a suite of programs or a single program that provides word processing, spreadsheet, and database functionality. Some examples of these programs are Microsoft Office, Microsoft Works, Lotus SmartSuite, Corel WordPerfect Suite, Claris Works, and Apple Works.
Who can compete in Creed? I have heard that only first year members can compete, is this true?
At the Middle School level, any student can compete in the Creed competition, no matter how many years they have been a member.
At the High School level, only members who have joined TSA for the first time can compete. The reason for this ruling is that Creed is really a Middle School level event, designed to encourage students to learn the Creed. Advisors see the benefit in new high school members learning the Creed, so we have let those new members compete also.
-- Alta McDaniel, WV TSA State Advisor, November, 2003
Can I update my web page after I submit the URL on March 15 for the State competition?
No. Once you have sent the Cyberspace Pursuit Coordinator your URL, you may not change the page in any way until after the State Conference.
Can I update my web page after State Conference, but before the National entry deadline?
Yes. At your discretion, you may use the judge’s comments along with your own design decisions and work to improve your entry before it is entered at the National level.
Can I place a web cam on my site? Would this be interpreted as updating past the deadline? -- John Ward, Clay County HS, 2000
Yes you can place a web cam on your site. In its basic nature, the web cam will always be changing. However your web site code to implement the cam will not change, thus your site has not really changed past the deadline.
-- Hank Burton, WV TSA Cyberspace Pursuit Coordinator, January 2000
What type of questions are asked during the interview?
Any questions related to the site research and development are fair game. Questions related to the design brief are also possible. Some possible questions include:
· What programs were used during the development of the WWW site?
· What were the responsibilities of the team members in the research and development of the site?
· What do you consider makes a quality WWW site?
Where can I find images to use on our WWW site?
There are numerous sites on the Internet that provide images to use in your WWW site for free. A good place to start is at Yahoo's listing of WWW sites providing pictures for use on WWW sites.
You can also use clipart images that often come with word processing, desktop publishing, and illustration programs. You may have to convert these images to a format usable by the WWW browser before using these clipart images.
What programs do I use to create a WWW site?
There are a variety of programs to use for creating WWW sites. You will need three basic applications: a web browser, a graphics editor, and a HTML editor. The web browser should be either Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer as specified by the Cyberspace Pursuit rules.
There are a variety of graphics editors available to use such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Photopaint, and Paintshop Pro. For a more complete listing of graphic editors, check out Yahoo's list and C-Net's Builder.com.
There are numerous HTML editors that can be used for creating a WWW site. These editors include word processors, graphical WWW site editors, text editors, and HTML editors. For a more complete listing of applications to create WWW sites, check out Yahoo's list and C-Net's Builder.com.
With Microsoft Word 97, how do I insert a hyperlink command?
To add a hypertext link in a Word 97 document, do the following:
1. Enter the text and/or graphic for which you want to be the used as the link.
2. Select the text and/or the graphic for which you want to be used as the link.
3. Click the "Insert Hyperlink" button on the shortcut bar or press the key combination Ctrl+K.
4. You may be prompted to save the file before continuing. Click "Yes" if you wish to save the file. Otherwise, click "No" to continue without saving.
5. From the dialog box displayed, enter the name of the file to link to. You may need to browse for the file if you do not know the name and location. Be careful when entering the file name so that it does not include the complete path name (e.g.) C:\My Documents\tsa.html. You want to use a "relative" link. If you include the complete path name, there is a strong chance that your WWW site will not work properly when you publish it on the Interent.
-- Hank Burton, WV TSA Event Coordinator, February 1999
Does everyone who signed up for the cyberspace have to attend the interview? There are some conflicts with other events. -- John Ward, Clay HS, 1999
This is a team event so all team members registered for the event must be present for the interview. Generally there are several Cyberspace Pursuit entries for each level so scheduling must be done. Discuss your situation with the event coordinator at the conference once you know of all the conflicts. It may be possible to schedule the interview around these conflicts.
-- Hank Burton, WV TSA Event Coordinator, March 1999
Is there going to be a lot of questions related to HTML code in the interview? Not everyone knows enough about it to pass a test related to HTML. Some members were there for creative and research purposes. -- John Ward, Clay HS, 1999
Interview questions are fair game concerning the development of a WWW site and the design brief. Questions can be related, but not limited, to site research, publication, and development. This is a group event so questions can be answered by any member of the group during the interview.
-- Hank Burton, WV TSA Event Coordinator, February 1999
What type of questions will I be asked during the interview?
The questions asked can be anything concerning the problem statement assigned at the conference. You should have an understanding of the operation of basic electrical circuit components (resistors, capacitors, LED's, diodes, etc.). You should also know how to use a multimeter to measure resistance, current, and voltage in an electrical circuit.
Do we construct our planes on site or before the conference at our school?
Due to time constraints at the WV State Conference, planes are constructed at the home school, and brought completed, with paper work to the conference. At the National Conference, only the paper work is submitted. The plane is built on-site.
How many winds of the rubber band motor are permitted in the HS Flight Endurance competition?
As many as you can. That's part of the profile- understanding power management.
-- Tom Sanders, event chairman, March 9, 1999
Last year I displayed some really beautiful pictures of flowers, buildings and animals, but I came in last place. Can you explain why?
The Imaging Tech display must depict the published theme in the rules for that year. The judges must not have thought your pictures depicted the theme well. Try, try again!
I heard a rumor that we couldn’t use simple levers (like rakes) as one of the simple machines in our mechanism. Is that true?
Yes, the rules have been refined to make our members think a little harder! The original idea of the contest was for students to build a simple “robotic arm” type of mechanism. Instead, smart TSA students took the rules to the limits, and used simple rakes and hoes to pull the balls toward them. Now, Regulations state that "(the mechanism) must not include a device that simply acts as a hoe or rake. Must include the use of mechanical advantage and be designed and constructed to include a change of motion, speed, direction or force between the user’s hand(s) and the portion of the device that gives motion to the balls."
I’m interested in the Mousetrap Vehicle contest, but my advisor doesn’t teach that activity in class. Where can I find more information on how to build one?
There is a great website at http://www.docfizzix.com They have tips, hints, pictures, and you can also order materials and books on the topic.
I want to use a computer to do a Powerpoint presentation for my speech. Can I set it up ahead of time in the judging room and load the program (my computer is slow)? Also, do I need to bring a screen? If so, can my advisor or another student help me set up?
The (national) events coordinator's ruling is that the computer and all other setup will need to be completed within the allotted setup time of 4 minutes. If the computer can not load the program and be ready within the 4 minutes, the student will need to make some other accommodations. Additionally, do not expect a screen to be available (...at nationals. There will be one at States). If one is available, the coordinator will allow it to be used, if possible. If the student must have a screen, he or she will have to provide one. Help with set up should not be a problem, as long as it is the advisor.
-- Paul Jacobs, TSA National Event Manager
What kind of posters are the judges looking for: general safety rules or very specific rules?
A poster can depict either general or specific safety rules, as long as it relates to the theme “Safety in the Technology Lab”. Just remember, positive messages that are neat and colorful attract the judges eye. Posters with violent content will be disqualified.
For the Technology Bowl Oral event, do the highest three scorers from the chapter have to participate, or could someone else replace one of the team members? I signed up for another event at that same time and would have a conflict if I would be one of the three highest scores on the written test.
Yes, the three highest scores from the Technology Bowl Written test comprise the Technology Bowl Oral team. If you have an event conflict with Technology Bowl Oral that you can't resolve, the best thing to do is not take the Technology Bowl Written test, therefore guaranteeing that you won't be a part of the Technology Bowl Oral team.
-- Alta McDaniel, WV TSA State Advisor, March 1999
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