Q & A

Q & A

Have a question you need answered about The Tech Challenge? Email your questions or comments to challenge@thetech.org. We will be happy to provide you an answer within 2-5 business days.

Questions and answers sent via email will be added anonymously to this page.

General Questions

Awards


Q: Can my little sister be the team mascot?

A: Yes, Mascots may influence the judge's evaluation of your team's style and presentation.

General Questions


Q: What age do you have to be to participate in Tech Challenge?

A: You must be in grades 5-12 on the event day.

Q: Can I get together with anyone to create a team, or do teams have to be students that are all in the same classroom?

A: You can get together with anyone to create a team. The only rule is that every participant on a team must be in grade 5-12 somewhere (not necessarily your class or school).

Miscellaneous


Q: Can we get sponsors?

A: Sure. When looking for sponsors you need to consider two things: what you need and who you know. Think about businesses that have the materials you are looking for and ask them for donations. Or talk to friends, family, neighbors, or anyone else who might want to help you out personally. In either case you want to prepare something before you approach someone. Describe the competition and why you are participating in it. Explain where you are in the design process and how their assistance will help you. Take things for them to look at, the Tech Challenge poster, your latest device sketch etc. Respect their time and keep it brief.

Q: Can I use my Tech Tag to get a Team Photo to upload on my team's web area?

A: If you don't have a digital camera, use one of the Tech Tag photo stations at The Tech. Capture your team experiencing the Earthquake Platform in Exploration, Shadow Garden in Idea House, or the Thermocamera in Life Tech. Creative teams will find additional opportunities in The Tech Virtual Test Zone, NetPl@net and Genetics as well. After taking your picture, visit my.thetech.org, enter your Tech Tag number, and look in the NetPl@net section to find your photo. Right-click (if you have a PC) or Ctrl-click (if you have a Mac) on the photo you want and use the pop-up save picture or save image menu to save the photo. Then, you can upload it for Tech Challenge from your team page on our website!