Entries can be developed from various non-multimedia application programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases or any other non-multimedia software. This category includes, but is not limited to, desktop publishing projects.  Teams may consist of only 2 members.  No tri-board displays. 

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Multimedia projects are defined as computer-based reports or creative presentations using any combination of sound and/or images with text. Possible software used for projects in this category include but are not limited to: Power Point, KidPix, AppleWorks, Astound, Storybook Weaver and HyperStudio. If appropriate to the project, a storyboard may be included in the students’ notebooks to show sequencing of project creation.

All multimedia entries should be able to be judged within a 15 minute time frame. Videos do not go in this category.  Any hyperlinks need to be captured one level deep since Internet access will not be available. 

Grade levels for this category are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.  Your computer is required to display your project.

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GRAPHIC DESIGN

Animated Graphic Design:
This category is defined as an original design with the primary purpose for allowing for the motion of objects.  Software may include, but not be limited to, Flash, KidPix, etc.

Digital Photography:
This category is defined as any computer created original project using photographs.  Software may include, but not be limited to, Photoshop, Corel Draw, Microsoft Photo Editor.  The project must be displayed on the computer in the program in which it was created.  A hard copy of the finished project may be displayed.

3D Modeling:
This category is defined as any original artwork that had been created and can be modeled in three dimensions.  Software may include, but not be limited to, Maya, AutoCad, Sketch Up, and Light Wave.

Student is allowed to bring computer.

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Student is allowed to bring computer.

Teams may consist of no more than 2 members.

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Projects in this category have strength in their use on networks, either the World Wide Web or LANs (Local Area Networks). Examples of intranet/Internet application projects include web pages, web sites, chat rooms, interactive games, bulletin boards, and blogs. 

Your computer is required to display this project.  Internet access will not be available at the fair.  All links must be captured one level deep.  Teams may consist of only 2 members.  No tri-board displays.

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Written exams will be given on-site for each of the grade level categories. The exams will have 50 multiple-choice questions. Questions will be vocabulary and concept oriented. They will come from the following topic areas:

1. History of computers
2. Parts of the computer
3. Peripheral computer devices
4. Uses and limitations of computers
5. General uses of common computer applications software
6. New and emerging technologies
7. The Internet
8. Social implications of computers
9. General programming (Level III, Grades 9-12, only)

Questions for the Technology Literacy Challenge will come from information generally available in textbooks and reliable sources on the Internet. A suggested list of resources is available on the Fair web site. Computer magazines and television programs have discussed some of the social implications of computers. An oral exam may be used as a tie-breaker of three or more students.

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Individual Programming Challenge:
This category is an on-site event in which one student is given a series of problems that s/he must solve during the two-hour competition time.

Any questions regarding interpretation of the problems must be submitted in writing to the judges who may choose to answer or reject the question. The decisions of the judges are final.

Each individual will be awarded points for each problem solved correctly. Programs will also be judged on structure, design, and organization. In the event of a tie, two or more individuals may be declared winners.

Competition will begin with a briefing session. The contest problems will be distributed to all teams at the same time. At the end of the two hours, the floppy disks used in the competition will be submitted for judging. The judges will use the contestants’ computers to check the solutions to the problems. Results will be announced at an awards ceremony.

Each contestant is required to bring the computer of their choice, appropriate operating system software, and programming software with which to compete. Students must also bring two non-initialized disks, a power strip and extension cord to the test site. Contestants may bring an additional computer only for emergency situations in the event that one computer does not function. However, back up computers must remain unplugged and may not be used unless permission is obtained from one of the judges. Contestants may bring to the contest only the manuals for their computers. Any contestant using other resources including textbooks, published program listings, notes, or disks other than the blank ones submitted at the end, will be disqualified.

Contestants will not be permitted to communicate with their advisors. No visitors will be allowed in the testing areas. Contestants will be monitored on a random basis. Each contestant must be able to enter their programming code, execute the solutions to the problems and save them on the disks that will be submitted to the judges.

Team Programming Challenge:
This category is the same as the above, except that teams of two members may participate.

Student is allowed to bring computer.

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