On December 11, members of the Oregon Technology Student Association (TSA) gathered at the Blue Mountain Community College Workforce Training Center in Boardman, Oregon to participate in a regional competition. Participating school districts sent student teams to represent them in a variety of technology-based challenges.
The Oregon TSA prides itself on introducing students to ideas and concepts related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Beyond this, TSA plays a critical role in helping students develop confidence and real-world problem-solving skills. In some cases, this means placing students in leadership roles and allowing them to help run events themselves. One example worth noting is student leader Elizabeth Finch. (Far left)
Finch attends Heppner Junior/Senior High School and serves as the Oregon TSA Vice President of Leadership this year. She has been a member of the Oregon TSA since she was in 9th grade. Typically, one would expect to see Finch competing with her peers. However, today, she is acting as a student coordinator: greeting teams, answering questions and helping direct traffic.
Finch, along with two other Heppner students, serves as TSA state officers. Rylee Palmer is the State President, and Lily Nichols is the Vice President of Development. Palmer and Nichols were unable to attend in person, but their leadership is notable, given the statewide scope of the organization.
To start the day’s events, Finch expressed gratitude for all those in the room, and welcomed the participating TSA teams:
Hermiston High School
Heppner Jr./Sr. High School
Pendleton High School
Riverside Jr./Sr. High School
Ukiah School
Weston-McEwen High School
Student teams have the opportunity to compete in the following categories: Structural Design and Engineering, Manufacturing Prototype, and the Flight Endurance Tests. The flight tests were conducted in the gymnasium of the Boardman Recreation Center.
The Structural Design and Engineering portion of the day invites students to construct a bridge, under certain parameters. Contestants have two hours to construct a stable bridge that is efficient and uses the least amount of materials. This is the same bridge they will attempt to demolish later in the day.
During the Flight Endurance Test, TSA teams bring a pre-designed airplane that was imagined and materialized by their own team members. Teams aim to keep their aircraft airborne for as long as possible while meeting specific design guidelines. This reflects the real-life constraints that can exist in the world of engineering, where teams must keep a necessary balance between efficiency and durability.
Each year, in the Manufacturing and Prototyping session, students make, produce, package, and advertise a toy. This year, they were tasked with creating marble mazes. These products are then evaluated by a team of judges, based on parameters given before competition.
While they presented their product to judges, students explained how they worked in collaboration with others, how they went about selecting the right design, and how they adjusted when things didn’t go as planned. This exchange is empowering, providing students an opportunity to explain their process, and getting real-time feedback for potential next steps. This facet of the day’s events is Elizabeth Finch’s favorite.
When asked about her experience in TSA, Finch responded, “TSA is a great chance to develop career skills and make new friends. Being in TSA has helped me grow as a leader and gain confidence in myself.”
Finch notes that there are a variety of activities under the umbrella of TSA; including architecture, coding, fashion design, and more. She hopes to see deeper chapter involvement across the region, hoping it will help promote future expansion in our schools.
Are you interested in learning more about Oregon TSA and how to get involved?
Students: Contact your school’s TSA Advisor or complete Oregon TSA Interest Form.
Supporters and Volunteers: Contact Dave Fowler at Heppner Jr./Sr. High School
Competition Results:
Structural Design and Engineering:
First Place: Heppner Jr./Sr. High School
Second Place: Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Third Place: Heppner Jr/Sr High School
Manufacturing Prototype:
First Place: Hermiston High School
Second Place: Heppner Jr./Sr. High School
Flight Endurance:
First Place: Pendleton High School
Second Place: Pendleton High School
Third Place: Pendleton High School