Inside TJHSST’s Techstravaganza

When people think about TJHSST, they usually picture rigorous STEM classes, competitive admissions, and intense workloads. But there’s another side to TJ that often goes overlooked, its commitment to making STEM accessible to younger students. The most visible example of this is Techstravaganza, a free, student-run STEM fair that takes place every spring at the school.

If you're thinking about applying to TJ, or just curious about what students do beyond academics, Techstravaganza is a great glimpse into the community, leadership, and real-world impact that comes with a TJ education.

A Quick Overview

Techstravaganza is an annual science and technology fair hosted at TJHSST and organized by Tomorrow’s Women in Science and Technology (TWIST). It's not a typical school science fair—there are no trifold boards or PowerPoint presentations. Instead, it’s a massive, interactive event where TJ students teach STEM concepts to elementary and middle school students through hands-on activities, live experiments, and fun challenges.

What Happens at Techstravaganza?

Techstravaganza features over 50+ student-run STEM booths, covering everything from chemistry and biology to computer science and engineering. The idea is simple: take big scientific concepts and make them understandable—and exciting—for a younger audience.

Some booth examples include:

• Banana DNA Extraction: Teaches basic genetics using bananas and dish soap.

• Lava Lamp Chemistry: Demonstrates chemical reactions with oil, water, and Alka-Seltzer.

• Stomp Rockets: Kids build and launch their own paper rockets.

• Robotics Demos: Run by TJ’s robotics teams, showcasing engineering in action.

• Intro to Programming: Interactive stations where kids can try block coding or basic Python.

The booths are designed and run entirely by TJ students. That means attendees are not only learning science—they’re seeing high schoolers teach and lead, which often makes the experience more relatable and memorable.

Techstravaganza is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). This annual event brings together over 300 student volunteers, numerous school clubs, and esteemed external organizations to create a dynamic, hands-on STEM experience for elementary and middle school students across the DMV area. 

Diverse Club Participation

Nearly every STEM-related club at TJHSST contributes to Techstravaganza, offering a plethora of interactive booths and demonstrations. For instance:

• Physics Team: Conducts engaging physics experiments, aiming to inspire young minds and bridge the gender gap in physics participation.

• TJ Space Program (TJREVERB): Demonstrates satellite technology and basic circuit-building, providing insights into aerospace engineering.

• Biology Society: Offers hands-on biology labs, such as DNA extraction, to spark interest in the life sciences.

These clubs, among many others, collaborate to ensure a comprehensive STEM exposure for attendees.

Collaboration with External Organizations

Techstravaganza's impact is amplified through partnerships with renowned external organizations. Past collaborators include

• NASA: Provides space-related exhibits

• American Society for Naval Engineers: Showcases naval engineering projects and innovations.

• Robotics for Youth: Engages students with interactive robotics demonstrations. 

These partnerships offer students exposure to real-world STEM applications and career

Why This Matters for Future TJ Applicants

For students hoping to attend TJ, Techstravaganza shows what the school values outside of pure academics. Here's what it reveals:

1. Leadership Opportunities Start Early

Freshmen at TJ often help out with Techstravaganza in some form, while sophomores and upperclassmen lead booths, design experiments, and run logistics. It's a hands-on way to develop leadership and communication skills.

2. STEM Outreach Is a Core Part of TJ Culture

One of the core values at TJ is giving back to the community through science and education. Students don’t just learn advanced topics—they also learn how to teach them. For future applicants, this shows that TJ is looking for students who are excited to share what they know, not just absorb it.

3. It’s Student-Run (And Taken Seriously)

Techstravaganza isn’t a side project. Planning starts months in advance, and TWIST members coordinate with dozens of schools, secure partnerships with organizations like NASA, and manage logistics for thousands of attendees. It’s a major operation—and it’s completely student-driven.

What You Can Do (Even If You’re Not at TJ Yet)

• Attend as a guest: If you’re in elementary or middle school, this is a great way to see TJ students in action. The vibe is fun, not intimidating—and the event is designed to make science feel approachable.

• Volunteer through school or a STEM club: Some local middle schools and STEM organizations participate through partnerships. If you’re in the area, look for ways to get involved as a helper or observer.

• Use it to guide your SPS: If you attend and feel inspired, that’s a great story to include in your Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) later on. It shows you’re already thinking about how to grow as a student and give back.

Final Thoughts

Techstravaganza is one of the best examples of how TJ students apply their learning outside the classroom. It’s fun, high-energy, and meaningful—for the kids attending and for the TJ students running it.

For applicants, it also highlights something important: getting into TJ isn’t just about being good at math or science. It’s also about how you use that knowledge to lead, teach, and inspire others.

FAQ

Who can attend Techstravaganza?

The event is open to all elementary and middle school students in the DMV area. Parents are welcome too! It’s free and designed to be fun for learners of all backgrounds.

What do TJ students do at Techstravaganza?

TJ students design, run, and teach at each booth. They also handle logistics, publicity, and partnerships through TWIST, the club that organizes the event.

Is Techstravaganza just for future TJ applicants?

No, it's open to anyone—but attending is a great way to learn more about the school and meet current TJ students.

How does this relate to applying to TJ?

Participating in or learning from events like Techstravaganza shows a passion for STEM and initiative—both important traits for future TJ applicants.