STEM Video FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Any middle or high school student from the DFW area is free to enter.
All entries must be uploaded by 5 pm (central time) on Feb. 1. Videos may be submitted starting Oct. 1.
The videos will be judged by topic with winners in each technology trend area. The video will be judge on 1) whether the guidelines were followed; the quality of the content chosen to identify a future trend and connect the trend to a future career; the creativity of the video; and the overall quality of the video (are the sound and visuals clear.)
Awards will be presented as follows:
Middle school winner: $1000
High school winner: $1000
Due to the number of entries, only the winning videos will receive feedback on the content of their entry.
Finalists from high school and middle school will be notified no later than Feb. 15. Reminder: a finalist is not a winner. Being chosen as a finalist means that your video was voted as a top video and will go on to be judged by our panel of experts. There will not be a general announcement of finalists.
All winners will be notified directly no later than March 1. A complete list of winners, along with the winning videos, will be posted on our STEM page.
There is no limit to the number of students who can work on a video. However, the video must be entered under one name ONLY (the Lead Producer). Recognition and prizes will be given to the lead producer and all those listed as co-producers on the entry form.
There are no paper forms needed to enter a video. You will need to fill out the online Registration Form (Submit) prior to uploading your video. Within 24 hours of registering, you will receive an email with an invitation/link to upload your video. If there is a problem with your upload, we will contact you. If your video is chosen as a finalist, you will need to submit a signed Tech Titans STEM Video Contest Release Form. This form is available on STEM Video Contest Resources. Finalist videos CANNOT be awarded a prize unless the necessary forms are received.
As many as you want! We will judge each entry individually. Keep in mind, it is better to spend more time perfecting one great video than turning in several mediocre videos.
All videos should be entered in digital format, preferably mp4 format. We will not accept audio-only recordings or videos recorded on VHS tapes.
Once you have perfected your video, register for the contest. Once you register, you will receive an email within 24 hours with instructions for how to upload your video. First, fill out the online registration form information. Then, follow the email directions. Let us know if you have any technical problems.
You can use any equipment that you have. Use a still camera to make a photo montage or stop-motion animation, or use an iPod, flip camera, or video camera to make a motion picture. When you are putting your media together, there are several types of editing software that you can use. iMovie comes free on all Macs and is very easy to use. Ask your teacher if your school has access to a Mac computer lab. If you have a PC, check to see if it has Windows Movie Maker, or download it free online. You may also be able to get free trials of editing software through Sony’s Vegas Products or Pinnacle Studio. However, these are a little more technical and may require some time to learn how to use. Remember that we are judging entries based more on content than on style, and so you shouldn’t worry if you don’t have experience with these technologies. You can make a great video with even the most basic equipment.
Begin with the Background Reading provided. You can then find additional resources for conducting your research at our Research Page. If you still would like more information, send an email to stem@techtitans.org and we'll connect you with an expert in the field.
Yes, all information presented in the video must be properly cited, giving credit to the original source. If your video is chosen as a finalist, you will be required to submit a list of all sources used.
No copyrighted materials (music, images, etc.) may be used for this contest unless you own the copyright or have a license to use the material. Written permission must be obtained and provided upon request for all copyrighted materials. You may write your own music or use “stock” music that is included in some editing software. If you choose to write your own music, make sure you have the composer sign the Actor Release Form (available with the other STEM Video Contest Resources.)
Yes. If there is inappropriate content, use of copyrighted materials, problems with length, or lack of the appropriate forms, we will have to disqualify your entry. If you are unsure whether an item is copyrighted or inappropriate, run it by your parents or teachers. If there are still questions, just don’t use it. Better safe than sorry!
This is a student contest, and therefore, all of the research, writing, and editing should be done by students. If you want a parent or teacher to act in your film or hold the camera while you act, that is fine. However, you are the director of your film and all content should be yours alone!
Contact stem@techtitans.org if you have any questions. You can also ask your teacher for guidance or extra resources.