About TSA
The Technology Student Association is an American student organization with over 250,000 members whose mission is to promote the science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) interest of its members. TSA Ostwald is one of the few foreign delegations that participates in high school disciplines.
Members of the TSA work all year round on projects that are closely related to topics such as natural sciences, computer science, technology, but also communication and creativity. The goal is to participate in the"National Conference", which is held annually in a large city in the eastern part of the United States, where the best entries in each category are honored. Particularly worth mentioning is the cultural and scientific exchange between the participants.
But TSA is much more than just a competition: The members organize themselves almost independently and form TSA to an organization, which promotes social competence and community feeling. There are a variety of ways TSA can develop you into a leader, at regional, state and national levels. Last but not least, TSA offers the unique opportunity to build friendships and learn from each other beyond state and national borders.
TSA is probably the best preparation for students for their future careers in technological jobs. Participants gain practical knowledge and the ability to organize themselves, work in a team and react to challenges and problems that occur.
Motto
TSA's motto is "Learning To Lead In A Technical World". It refers to the mission of the TSA to teach students knowledge, skills and leadership competencies through autonomous project work. This should prepare them for a successful career in an industrialized, globalized and technologized world.
Creed
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I believe that Technology Education holds an important place in my life in the technical world.
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I believe there is a need for the development of good attitudes concerning work, tools, materials, experimentation, and processes of industry.
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Guided by my teachers, artisans from industry, and my own initiative, I will strive to do my best in making my school, community, state, and nation better places in which to live.
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I will accept the responsibilities that are mine.
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I will accept the theories that are supported by proper evidence.
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I will explore on my own for safer, more effective methods of working and living.
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I will strive to develop a cooperative attitude and will exercise tact and respect for other individuals.
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Through the work of my hands and mind, I will express my ideas to the best of my ability.
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I will make it my goal to do better each day the task before me, and to be steadfast in my belief in my God, and my fellow Americans.
Our work
To become part of our team, interested students from grade 9 onwards work on so-called entry projects at the beginning of each school year on topics that are very similar to TSA competitive events. In the first sessions, they then present them to the members to introduce themselves, their talents and interests and to qualify for our chapter. After that, all old and new members split up into individual teams and work on various projects throughout the year. We deal with a variety of topics with annually changing tasks and thus always new challenges. Just in time for Christmas, we present our sponsors and alumni the intermediate results and collect valuable criticism. With the Final Presentations, the final project statuses are presented and the officers decide who will be honored to fly to the United States as part of our National Conference team.
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group_add1. Entry projects
At the beginning of the school year, potential members present their entry projects. Through these presentations, we can get an impression of them so that we can accept the best students. -
work2. Working phase
The teams of our chapter are working on their projects. During school meetings, organizational matters are clarified and any problems during the working phase are discussed. -
park3. Christmas party
At the annual Christmas party, the teams present their work to the entire Chapter, the sponsors, and the alumni. This meeting is intended to gain criticism from experienced TSA participants. -
co_present4. Final Presentations
In the period from Christmas to March, all members are again working hard on the completion of their projects. In March, the so-called final presentations take place. Here, all results are presented and the officers decide which members have will present their projects at the National Conference. -
flight_takeoff5. National Conference
The projects will be presented and evaluated by the jury at the National Conference in the USA at the beginning of summer.
Structure
The TSA is led and organized by students. Particularly committed students are elected as officers and are then responsible for fulfilling defined organisational duties. The teachers are called advisors and advise officers and members, thus contributing their experience.
Levels
Regional
school level
State
US state with their unions and international contestants
National
Contestants from the U.S. and the whole world
President
Bela Tollkien
Vice President
Phillip Leutloff
Secretary
Alek Vettermann
Reporter
Erik Andreß
Treasurer
Sergeant at Arms
The National Conference
At the beginning of the summer, the approximately 8,000 best students from 49 u.s. states, Turkey, Japan and of course Germany meet every year to contest each other in over 60 competitions. The conference lasts about 5 days with 4 General Sessions. After the opening event, a Kick-off will take place. Participants can meet in a grand hall and exchange pins and are able to get to know each other. After the various projects have been submitted, the jury will evaluate the teams and publish a list of the first 12 places with anonymized numbers. The semi-final has been reached. Depending on the project, the teams now have to face a 5-minute interview or prepare a 15-minute presentation. In the closing ceremony, the first 3 teams will be honored with a trophy. As it is a long journey especially for us, some free time should not be missing. Here is a video of our last trip: