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.
2023-24 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/starter_projects/). 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://www.101computing.net/scratch-challenges/
Einstein MS, 2023 1st Place
Students use Scratch to code
Event Deadlines
January 11, 2024
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 on Jan. 12
March 2024
All team members will take a Coding test at the state conference on Wednesday night during the testing window.
Each team members 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 an affiliated TSA chapter, register for competition by December 15, 2023, and pay the $30 competition fee. Participants must also meet the January 11 event deadlines (see above) to “qualify” for the Washington TSA State Conference in March.
To compete at the WTSA State Conference, students must have been registered in December, met the Jan. 11 deadline, and then register in February for the State Conference ($420/$500 per student package price (4 or 2 students per room)).
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