Creating and Innovating in the Destination Imagination Challenge
If you are looking for the freedom to grow and collaborate without boundaries, the ability to solve problems in new and innovative ways, and the confidence to celebrate your victories and learn from your failures, you will want to consider entering a team in Destination Imagination. This global organization aims to foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills in students through unique STEAM-based educational challenges.
Destination Imagination challenges are a unique way for students to grow as creative and critical thinkers, public speakers, and collaborative problem-solvers In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Destination Imagination challenges and provide information on how to apply, eligibility, and deadline information, and tips for doing well in the competition.
What is Destination Imagination?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 65% of today’s students will be employed in jobs that have not been invented yet. Understanding how to approach new challenges in creative and collaborative ways is an essential skill for young people to learn – and a school that the education system often ignores. Since its founding in 1982, Destination Imagination has focused solely on developing challenges that enhance these skills for its participants.
Destination Imagination challenges are open-ended, team-based, and open to young people from pre-K through university. Their challenges are rooted in their creative process – “recognize, imagine, collaborate & initiate, assess, evaluate and celebrate” – which is applicable to virtually all subject matters. There are six different challenges, each with a unique focus, that allow students to personalize their experience.
The Destination Imagination Challenges
The Destination Imagination Challenges are open to students from pre-K – university. The competition is open to small teams, and there are different divisions based on the ages of the participants. To participate in the competition, students must form teams of up to seven members and select a challenge to solve.
Teams can register online through the Destination Imagination website. The registration fee varies depending on the region, and early registration is recommended as space is limited. The registration deadline varies depending on the region, so it is essential to check the specific dates for the region you plan to participate in.
Destination Imagination Challenge: The Challenge Experience
The flagship Destination Imagination Challenge Experiments allows students of all ages to form teams of 2-7, select one Team Challenge to focus on, and present their solution at a Tournament. Team Challenges are available each year for the following categories: Technical, Scientific, Fine Arts, Improvisational, Engineering, Service Learning, and Early Learning.
While the Destination Imagination Team Challenges are broken into those categories, they always incorporate elements that make them multi-disciplinary, cross-curricular, and open-ended enough for truly creative solutions. When they present their solutions at the Tournament, teams will be competing against others solving the same Challenge at their level. Top teams will advance all the way to the Global Finals competition.
Teams generally form and begin working between August and January, spending 2-6 months developing a solution to the Team Challenge. During this time teams also practice Instant Challenges, which are brief creative and critical-thinking exercises that strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Prices for teams and background checks vary globally but in the US forming a team usually costs $165 per team and background checks usually cost $25 per manager.
Destination Imagination Challenge: Early Learning
For young learners in pre-K – 2, these challenges teach basic STEAM principles and are centered around curiosity, inquiry, and play. Early Learners can participate in the Challenge Experience in a non-competitive Tournament or can join Pathways. Pathways is a STEM & Literacy curriculum that includes activities that guide students to understanding essential concepts and developing social and emotional skills.
Pathways can be purchased in English or Spanish for $99.00.
Destination Imagination Challenge: The Digital Open
The Destination Imagination Digital Open is a virtual challenge designed for teams looking for a flexible learning experience. Teams register and are given seven weeks to innovate a unique digital video solution to their Challenge. Solutions will be presented in a Virtual Showcase, and winners announced in December. Team members do not need to be in the same location, and teams can participate in both the Digital Open and the Challenge Experience.
The Destination Imagination Digital Open is open to students at the elementary, middle, secondary, and university levels, and teams can range from 2 to 7 members. Pricing varies globally, but in the US, registration costs $500 per team.
Destination Imagination Challenge: The imagineXperience
The Destination Imagination imagineXperience is designed to inspire K-12 students living in underserved communities through project-based learning that reinforces social awareness, relationship skills, self-confidence, and responsible decision-making while teaching things like Artificial Intelligence and digital storytelling.
Teams may be international but must be English-speaking. This competition is virtual and has had participants spanning three continents. By participating in this competition, students have reported gaining confidence to express ideas and speak in front of groups, and with computer science, teamwork, and AI and Robotics.
Destination Imagination Challenge: Young Innovators Exchange
The Destination Imagination Young Innovators Exchange celebrates the intersection of technology and the arts through storytelling. Teams use TETRIX kits to design fantasy creations using the servos, controllers, connectors, gears, and more to design components of theatrical scenes. These can range from castles with working drawbridges, to fire-breathing dragons and more! You can click here to view the photo gallery from Envision 2022.
Tips for Doing Well in Destination Imagination
If these competitions seem interesting, consider finding a team and joining the Challenge that speaks to you! Here are some tips for doing well in the Destination Imagination Challenge:
Read the Challenge Guidelines Carefully
The most crucial step is to read the Destination Imagination guidelines carefully. Make sure you understand all the requirements and limitations of the challenge. This will help make sure that you are qualified to participate to the fullest.
Brainstorm and Generate Multiple Ideas
Brainstorming is an essential part of the creative process. Encourage team members to generate multiple ideas and explore different approaches to the challenge. This will help you develop well-rounded solutions and consider all possibilities.
Develop a Solid Plan
Once you have selected your best ideas, develop a solid plan. Create a timeline, assign tasks, and set deadlines to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Make sure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities and that the plan is feasible.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice is essential to ensure that your solution is well-rehearsed and executed smoothly. Practice can also help identify areas that need improvement. Practice your performance, test your device, or rehearse your presentation. Make sure everyone is comfortable with their role and that the solution is polished.
Be Confident and Engaging
Presentation is a significant aspect of the challenge. Be confident and engaging when presenting your solution. Speak clearly, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize key points. Keep the audience engaged and interested in your solution.
Have Fun
Destination Imagination challenges are meant to be fun and engaging. Enjoy the experience, and don't be afraid to be creative and innovative. The more fun you have, the more memorable your solution will be.
Destination Imagination challenges are an excellent way for students to engage in problem-solving tasks that encourage creativity and innovation. The challenges are open-ended and allow students to explore different areas of interest. It is important to register early, with deadlines depending on the region. By brainstorming ideas, developing a plan, and working collaboratively, students can increase their chances of success in the competition.
If you are interested in Destination Imagination, consider applying to the 1:1 Mentorship Program at InspiritAI! Research experience allows you to put your creativity and innovation to the test, and our mentors – hailing from the world's top research institutions and tech companies – will walk you through an entire research project from start to end. Whether you are a coding novice or a virtuoso, our individualized mentorship program will help you develop an exceptional research project. For more information, do not hesitate to contact InspiritAI with questions.
