Coding
Description
Participants will demonstrate their knowledge of computer science and coding by taking a written test. Semifinalists will further demonstrate their programming knowledge by participating in an onsite programming challenge.
2024-25 Highlights
To prepare for MS Coding competition, teams should have knowledge of concepts (software development, computer science, and coding topics) that will be on the Coding written test. They also should be familiar and comfortable with using the Scratch programming language.
Scratch is a free visual programming language available from the MIT Media Lab (https://scratch.mit.edu/download). An offline version of the Scratch tool should be downloaded and available on each team’s laptop.
Teams that advance to the semifinalist level, based on written test performance, will perform a challenge using the Scratch programming language. Semifinalist teams will receive the challenge on site and will have two hours to complete it. (PLEASE NOTE: Semifinalist teams MUST have a version of this program available for offline use, as there will be no Internet access available during the semifinalist level of the competition.)
Examples of the types of challenges students may be asked to complete can be found at this link: https://scratch.mit.edu/starter-projects
Einstein MS, 2024 1st Place
Students use Scratch to code
Event Deadlines
January 23, 2025
Link to Coding test
Students should spend a maximum of 1 hour taking the test.
Students should work on the test without outside assistance (don’t look up answers).
Each student must take the test individually.
Advisors will receive student scores
April 2025
All team members will take a Coding test at the state conference on Wednesday night during the testing window.
Each team member must bring a laptop for testing that can connect to wifi (which may require entering a password).
All teams may compete in the onsite challenge, but only the Top 12, based on combined test scores, will have their work judged.
Washington TSA Rules
To compete, students must:
Belong to a currently affiliated TSA chapter
Be registered (by their TSA advisor) for competition by December 20, 2024 ($30)
Compete in the January 23, 2025 virtual competition (see individual event pages for details)
Be selected as a top competitor in their event(s) and invited to participate at State
Number of competitors is dependent on specific event
Qualifying competitor lists will be published by February 10, 2025
State Conference registration week February 24-28, 2025 (see state conference page for details)
At the state level, 3 teams of 2 (may be individuals at advisor request) per chapter may compete.
Additional Information
Event Coordinator: Rachel Shafer, RShafer@everettsd.org
Event Manager: Spencer Martin, spencer.martin@sunnysideschools.org
