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Competition Categories

 

Categories for 2024

 
Entries will be divided up by division and then category. 
  • Primary - (Pk-1) 
  • Elementary - (2-3) 
  • Intermediate - (4-5) 
  • Middle - (6-8) 
  • High - (9-10) 
  • High - (11 -12) 

 

Teacher Division - This category is defined as any original work that includes the design, implementation, and assessment of activities/products:

  • Engage students and improve learning
  • Enrich professional practice
  • Provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community.

Teacher artifacts are not limited to a specific category, tool, or concept. They will be judged within age/grade level categories and should be based on innovative practices to achieve learning goals.

Schools may enter two entries per category, per division. If a school has more than this, please contact Ashley Gasperson at agasperson@horrycountyschools.net 

Technology Fair Categories - some possible software applications are listed with each category.  These examples are not a complete list and do not represent all software that can be used for each category, they are just to serve as examples and provide direction. If you have questions about a specific software please contact agasperson@horrycountyschools.net. 

  • Animation – This category is defined as any original project that generally consists of a sequence of images of the motion of objects to create a video. Animation can involve programming sprites to talk, move, and interact. This can include, but is not limited to, short movies, music videos, comical shorts, and others using a variety of animation techniques. Animation can also be stop-motion animation, which is the technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of puppets or models to create an illusion of movement when the movie is shown as a sequence. (Scratch Jr., Scratch, Stop Motion, Toontastic, Buncee, Photopea)
  • 3-D Modeling – This category is any original work digitally created and modeled in three dimensions using specialized software. Models are NOT required to be printed on a 3D printer. The project must be presented in the software used to create the model(s). (Tinkercad, Sketchup, Autodesk)
  • Audio Production - This category is defined as any original audio production that has been edited/produced with digital tools. Projects may include speaking, singing, music, sound effects, podcasting, and other audio components. The project must be displayed on a device using the program in which it was created. The student should be prepared to demonstrate to judges how the software was used to create the finished project. (Garage Band)
  • Device Modification - This category is for devices engineered and/or modified by students to serve a specific purpose or meet a specific goal. The device and parts do not have to be new. However, the device must be fully functional.
  • Digital Game Design – Digital Game Design projects should include original content, design, and rules of an interactive game. Students may use the software program of their choice in order to demonstrate creativity, originality, organization, and interactivity. Students should be able to explain to judges what inspired their game idea and how they programmed their game to achieve project goals. (Scratch, MakerCode Arcade)
  • Digital Art/Photo Production - This category is any project using a single original student photograph where digital editing tools were used to enhance/modify the image. Images containing non-original content or collages fall under the Graphic Design category. The project must be displayed on a device using the program in which it was created. The student should be prepared to demonstrate to judges how the software was used to create the finished project. A hard copy of the finished project should be displayed and shared. (Photopea)
  • Graphic Design - Projects in this category use a combination of static images and/or words into a single design to convey information or an idea with an intended effect. Ideas could include posters, brochures, infographics, etc. Digital Photography and 3d Modeling are NOT part of this category. The project, including all images and content, must be shared on a device using the program in which it was created. (Canva)
  • Internet Applications - Projects in this category are network-based applications including, but not limited to, websites or blogs. The project must be displayed on a device. Prepare to present elements of the design and production process. The source code must be available where applicable. (Google Sites, Weebly, Wix)
  • Mobile Apps – An entry in this category is an app that is specifically developed for a mobile device. The app can be developed for any mobile operating system. Students should be able to explain to judges what inspired their idea and how they programmed their app to achieve its intended purpose. Projects designed as mobile-friendly web pages fall under the Internet Applications category. The student must be able to run the app on a device or a mobile simulator. (GimKit, MIT App Inventor, MakeCode Arcade)
  • Multimedia Applications - Projects in this category are defined as any multi-page creative presentation or publication using any combination of media, including audio, video, images, or text. Videos fall under the Video Production category. Animated movies fall under the Animation category. (Canva, Slides, KeyNote)
  • Project Programming – Projects in this category are executable programs created by the student using a programming language. All parts of the program must be the author’s own design. Programs must be functional and have a specified intended purpose.
  • Robotics (Programming) – Projects in this category are autonomous machines programmed by the student from their own concepts. Devices controlled through direct, real-time remote control by the student are not appropriate (ie: remote-controlled robots). Once started, the robotics project should operate as a standalone, independent machine without human interaction.
  • Robotics (Engineering) - Projects in this category are autonomous machines engineered and programmed by the student from their own concepts and designs or published drawings/kits. Devices controlled through direct, real-time remote control by the student are not appropriate (ie: remote-controlled cars). Once started, the robotics project should operate as a standalone independent machine without human interaction. 
  • Video Production – Video Production includes any original video project edited on a computer with digital video editing software and exported into a digital video format. The project must be uploaded as supporting documents. Prepare to share with judges examples of different levels of understanding of the software and production process. Stop-motion and animation projects fall under the Animation category. (CapCut, iMovie)
  • Passion Projects – Any creation or artifact students have related outside of instructional time, at home, not as part of an after-school club. Student artifacts are not limited to a specific category, tool, or concept.  They will be judged with age-appropriate peers based on their creativity. This may include Artificial Intelligence (AI). Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). AI Artificial intelligence includes any creation that has the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. An AI would consist of projects that develop systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experience. AI examples include computer processes that would facilitate a self-driving car, smart assistants, robot chat boxes, social media monitoring, GPS, facial recognition, Alexa, and Siri.