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AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Level 4
MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER SCHOOL IS ALLOWED

  • Description: Teams will be asked to create one or more solutions for an AI problem.
  • Internet Access: Allowed
  • Large Language Model: Prohibited -Any form of large language models including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, Bart, and Grok are strictly prohibited. Teams that use these tools will be removed from the competition immediately.
  • Helpful Tools: The following tools could be used for developmental purposes. Python is required for programming. Additional packages are allowed as long as they are in Python. Machine learning software packages: scikit-learn, pandas, pyplot, matplotlib, numpy, and scipy; deep learning software packages:  tensorflow, Pytorch, Keras, Gensim, spaCy, AllenNLP, NLTK, OpenCV, SimpleCV, and Detectron2. Collaborative coding platforms: Google Colab, Jupyter Notebook, and Kaggle Kernels. Version control platforms: GitHub.com and GitLab.com. 
  • Judging: Each team must submit their results to the Kaggle leaderboard, which will be provided. The codes and the documentation must be submitted to the participant team’s Google Colab repository. The document, which is a single PDF file, should describe the model(s), external data (if any), results (e.g., text, tables, figures, visualization, screenshots), the process to reproduce the results, discussion, conclusion, references (if any). No page limit. No changes can be made after the competition ends. The judging committee reserves the right of post-competition validation. Awards may be revoked if fabrications are found.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated in three aspects: model performance (based on the leaderboard submission), documentation (based on the Google Colab submission), and coding quality (based on the Google Colab submission). The best result a team submits to the leaderboard is used for judging the model performance. The documentation serves as a technical report and will be scored based on its comprehensiveness, clarity, and accuracy. A template will be provided. The code will be reviewed based on its design, smell (e.g., comments are clear and useful, good naming, etc.), modularity, and reconfigurability. The final score of a team is a weighted summation of three scores.

CAD

Level 4
MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER SCHOOL IS ALLOWED

  • Description: Teams will be asked to create one or more CAD designs/views as solutions to the problem.
  • Internet Access: Optional to use web or server-based CAD software
  • Helpful Tools: 3-D modeling CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, Solid Works, etc.
  • Judging: At the end of the contest time, teams should save their work and leave it up on their computer screen. The judging form must have complete written instructions for loading each view.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on accuracy and completeness of the 3-D models along with the proper application of orthographic projection and dimensioning rules.

CYBERSECURITY

Level 4
MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER SCHOOL IS ALLOWED

  • Description: Teams will solve a selection of cyber security problems using their choice of tools.
  • Hardware/Software: Contestants will be given a Virtual Machine (VM) for the competition. Each team member is required to have a computer for the Cybersecurity Challenge.
  • Internet Access: Required. Computer must have a compatible wireless adapter.
  • Helpful Tools and Skills: Kali Linux, firewall basics, Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer, sysinternals tools, bash scripting, http, ftp, nmap, sqlmap, netcat, wireshark, nikto, ZAP, burp suite, hexeditor, rdesktop. Cyber Security teams can use the tools listed (or others) on Kali Linux, but to solve the problems, teams will need to know some windows firewall basics, using MSBA, sysinternals tools, bash scripting. It is also expected that contestants have basic understanding of http and ftp.
  • Judging: Judges will evaluate the answers to problems without considering the tools used. Solutions will be delivered digitally.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on answers to Cybersecurity questions and evidence provided.

DESKTOP PRESENTATIONS

Levels 2-4

  • Description: Teams will design original slide shows using text and graphics to achieve the project’s objectives.
  • Hardware/Software: Teams may use their choice of software, prepared and original photos, clip art, logos, animations, video and audio clips. Scanners, cameras, mobile devices and online resources can be used. Earphones are recommended but not required. Dictionaries and/or spell check programs may be used. 
  • Internet Access: Optional to access additional clipart, use web or server-based software, or to download sponsor logos. Computer must have wireless capability.
  • Helpful Tools: Your choice of photo editing and drawing applications.
  • Judging: At the end of the contest time, contestants should save their work and leave it up on their computer screen.
  • Criteria: Slide presentations will be judged on originality, creativity, readability, communication, and fulfillment of the problem's requirements.

DESKTOP PUBLISHING

Levels 1-4 

  • Description: Teams will create one or more publications in response to a specific challenge received on the day of the competition. Depending on the challenge, participants will be asked to use a combination of text and graphics to create fliers, posters, invitations, etc., that convey a clear and visually pleasing message.
  • Hardware/Software: Teams will use their choice of desktop publishing software on their own computers. Examples include: Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher), Print Shop, PaintShop Pro, Pages, etc.
  • Internet Access: Optional to use web-based software, find additional clipart, or download sponsor logos.
  • Helpful Tools: Participants can take advantage of other tools installed on their computers, including dictionaries, spell check, or clip art. They may also choose to bring scanners, digital cameras, or drawing tablets to create original artwork during the competition, but products in this category will be judged on layout and visual organization over artistic ability. Adobe Creative Suite (PhotoShop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher), Classroom Publisher, PrintShop, Writing Center, PaintShop, QuickTime, Pages, etc.
  • Judging: At the end of the contest time, contestants should save their work and leave it up on their computer screen.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on originality, creativity, fulfillment of the problem’s requirements, and effective use of the computer.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Levels 1-4 

  • Description: Teams will create visual solutions to various problems using their choice of graphics software.
  • Hardware/Software: Some problems may allow the use of scanners or digital cameras.
  • Internet Access: Optional to access web information for background research related to assigned problems, use web or server-based software, or to download sponsor logos. Computer must have wireless capability.
  • Helpful Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, PhotoShop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint), Painter, Print Shop, KidPix, PaintBrush, PowerPaint, PaintShop, etc.
  • Judging: At the end of the contest time, contestants should save their work and leave it up on their computer screen. The judges will evaluate the solutions from the screen.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on originality, creativity, fulfillment of the problem’s requirements, and effective use of the computer.

INTEGRATED APPLICATIONS

Levels 3 & 4
MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER SCHOOL IS ALLOWED

  • Description: Teams will integrate word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications to create solutions to various problems.
  • Hardware/Software: ASCII delimited data files will be provided. Contestants should not type in data.
  • Internet Access: Prohibited
  • Helpful Tools: Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word, Publisher, etc.), Quatro Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
  • Judging: All information used in the database, spreadsheet, and word processor should be saved in separate files.
  • Criteria: Teams must use at least two separate applications (both may be a part of a single suite of applications). Solutions will be evaluated on the team’s ability to obtain the correct outcome, as well as the methods used to integrate data between applications.

INTERNET SCAVENGER HUNT

Level 2 

  • Description: Teams will use a computer they provide to compete in an Internet scavenger hunt. Teams will need to answer questions using Internet research skills.
  • Hardware/Software: Any device with Internet access can be used. We recommend a laptop computer with a typical web browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari.
  • Internet Access: Required. Computer must have wireless capability.
  • Judging: An online form will be provided for the team to use to input responses to the scavenger hunt questions.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on answers to Scavenger Hunt questions and methods used to obtain information. Ties will be broken based on the quality of the responses.

MUSIC COMPOSITION

Levels 3 & 4 
MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER SCHOOL IS ALLOWED

  • Description: Teams will compose original music.
  • Hardware/Software: Each team is required to have earphones. No speakers.
  • Internet Access: Prohibited
  • Helpful Tools: Sibelius 5, DubTurbo, Fruityloops, Audiotool, VirtualDJ, CakeWalk, Home Studio, Encore, EZ Vision, Finale Allegro, Music Trax, Music Shop, SongWorks, Finale, MasterTrac Pro, Noteworthy Composer, Acid, MuseScore 1.1, Ableton, Finale Notepad, Smart Music, GarageBand, etc.
  • Judging:  Judges must be able to view the written or composed elements on the screen, as well as listen to the full composition. The judging form must have complete written instructions for loading each program.
  • Criteria: Judges will evaluate by viewing and listening to your music, depending on the software. Solutions will be evaluated on originality, creativity, fulfillment of the problem’s requirements, and effective use of the computer.

PROGRAMMING – OBJECT-ORIENTED BUSINESS

Levels 3 & 4
MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER SCHOOL IS ALLOWED

  • Description: Teams will solve a selection of programming problems using their choice of Visual Programming or JAVA programming languages.
  • Hardware/Software: Editors are allowed.
  • Internet Access: Allowed.  Computer must have wireless capability.
  • Helpful Tools and Skills: Visual Studio QBasic, True Basic, MS Basic, Quick Basic, Visual Basic, C++, C#, JCreator for IDE, Java IDE, SunJAVA, HTML, BlueJ, Eclipse, DevCPP, JAVA, etc.
  • Judging: Judges will evaluate a copy of the program code on the screen as well as the program execution. Each programming language will be judged separately. At the end of the contest time, contestants must leave one of their programs up and running, or ready to run. Any other programs must be saved. The judging form must have complete written instructions for loading each program. Partial solutions will be judged.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on operability, user-friendliness, clarity, organization, structure, utility, creativity, and fulfillment of the problem’s requirements. Each problem has a different point value, and the winner is chosen based on the total number of points earned.

PROGRAMMING – SCIENTIFIC/NON-BUSINESS

Level 4 
MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER SCHOOL IS ALLOWED

  • Description: Teams will solve a selection of programming problems using their choice of programming languages.
  • Internet Access: Allowed. Computer must have wireless capability.
  • Helpful Tools and Skills: Python, Dev-C++, Eclipse, C#, C++, Visual C#, etc.
  • Judging: Judges will evaluate a screen copy of the program code and the program execution. Each programming language will be judged separately.
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on operability, user-friendliness, clarity, organization, structure, utility, creativity, and fulfillment of the problem’s requirements. 

VIDEO EDITING

Levels 2-4 

  • Description: Teams will create a video telling a story using video and provided music options with editing software supplied by the team.
    Pre-Competition: Teams will receive the video in .wmv and .mp4 formats ahead of time so they can view the video and import it into their video editing software. DO NOT edit the video prior to the competition. Tape logging/paper edits are allowed and can be brought to the competition.  Questions can be directed to gcc@whro.org.
  • Hardware/Software: Additional video or music is not allowed. Voice-overs may be required. A microphone is needed. Headphones are recommended.
  • Internet Access: Prohibited
  • Helpful Tools: Avid Media Composer, MovieMaker, Ulead, iMovie, Elements, GarageBand, iPhoto, iTunes, iLife Suite, etc. 
  • Judging: At the end of the contest time, contestants should save their work and leave it up on their computer screen.
  • Criteria: Final video should be between 1 to 2 minutes. Over 2 minutes is considered ineligible. Solutions will be evaluated on continuity (clarity of the story), composition (length of the shots and video clip arrangement), creativity, editing skills (transitions, effects, etc.), graphics (usage, spelling, grammar) and use of video clips and music selections.

VISUAL PROGRAMMING/BLOCK CODING

Levels 1 & 2 

  • Description: Teams will create a digital story or a game using ScratchJr or PBS KIDS ScratchJr (Level 1) or Scratch (Level 2). 
  • Hardware/Software: Dictionaries and/or spell check programs may be used. Blank storyboards are allowed. Earphones recommended but not required.
  • Internet Access: Allowed. Computer must have wireless capability.
  • Helpful Tools: Scratch.  
  • Judging: At the end of the contest time, contestants should save their work and leave it up on their computer screen. The judges will evaluate the solution from the screen. Teams will be disqualified if they use an existing Scratch Jr Project. 
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on creativity, originality, demonstration of technology skill, programming practices, and fulfillment of the problem’s requirements.

WEB DESIGN

Levels 3 & 4 

  • Description: Teams will create a website that meets the requirements given at the start of the event. The website will require multiple pages and user interaction.
  • Hardware/Software:  Each team must provide their own tools, including a web browser, to create the website. Teams may use any design software, editor, or IDE to implement the website.
  • Internet Access: Optional to use for reference and inspiration. Computer must have wireless capability.
  • Helpful Tools: Popular choices are Adobe Dreamweaver, Visual Studio Code, JetBrains WebStorm, etc.
  • Judging: Teams will be disqualified if they use existing websites or copy website templates. The created website need only be accessible locally from the team's workstation - there is no requirement to publish or host the website publicly. Please leave the completed judging form by the computer. 
  • Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on functionality, user experience, visual appeal, and creativity of the website.