2025 tech fair

Categories & Judging

  • Each category will be judged based on the following grade level groupings; (3rd-4th), (5th –6th), (7th –8th), (9th –10th), and (11th –12th).
  • The DeKalb County School District’s Technology Competition is a regional competition for the Georgia Student Technology Competition (GASTC). All first-place winners will advance to compete in the GASTC. The GASTC is the highest level of student technology competition in Georgia. The Georgia competition will occur after the DCSD regional competition on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
  • Competition Guidelines: The DCSD Technology Competition guidelines follow the same expectations as the Georgia Student Technology Competition (GASTC).

    Students can compete in 14 different categories: 3-D Modeling, Animation, Audio Production, Device Modification, Digital Game Design, Digital Photo Production, Graphic Design, Internet Applications, Mobile Apps, Multimedia Applications, Productivity Design, Project Programming, Robotics, and Video Production.

    Projects for each category must be unique and cannot be entered in more than one category. Projects may consist of an individual student or a team of two students. Projects must be created and designed by students. Some adult guidance is allowed, but it must be clear and evident that all work entered was completed by the students. Students unable to present their projects, even due to illness, may NOT use “proxies”. Only students that are part of the original, registered team may represent a project at the Tech Competition.

  • Students MUST document any work they did not create. In some cases, they will also need to receive permission and show documentation. Then please add the Creativity, Copyright, and Competition use video.
  • For more information and examples of projects from the GASTC click the categories below
Judging will take place in-person at McNair Middle School. Students will present their projects and interact with judges during the evaluation process.

All student projects will be judged by the following:

  • Originality – Was the entry original, creative, and imaginative in content and implementation?
  • Clarity – Was the student presentation to the judge clear? (Nervousness will not count against the student)
  • Documentation – Did the student receive and document all required permissions?
  • Appropriateness – Was the technology/software used appropriately matched?
  • Design – Does the overall design support the project purpose?

During the presentation, students will be required to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the software in relation to the project.
  • Explain various aspects of the project’s creation.
  • Defend the software selection for the project.
  • Answer given questions about the project.