TEAM CHALLENGES

15 Technical Challenge
25 Scientific Challenge
35 Structural Challenge
51 Fine Arts Challenge
61 Improvisational Challenge
75 Service Learning Challenge

TEAM
CHALLENGES
Like us on Facebook at
Destination Imagination, Inc.
to share content and interact
with the DI community

Follow us @IDODI for

program updates

87 Rising Stars!

OVERVIEW

There are seven new Challenges to choose from

each year. Team Challenges teach the creative
process from imagination to innovation.
The Team Challenge is the combination of the
Central Challenge and Team Choice Elements.
After solving Team Challenges, teams can attend
tournaments to showcase their solutions in front
of Appraisers and live audiences.

Central Challenge
Follow us on Pinterest for
inspiration and creative ideas

Share your photos

@boxandball

Share your love for DI. Use

the #IamDI hashtag on Twitter,
Facebook and Instagram

The Central Challenge encourages development

of critical thinking, problem solving techniques,
teamwork, and the creative process over a
sustained period of time (usually 2 to 4 months).

Team Choice Elements

Team Choice Elements are team-selected
elements that are incorporated with the
Central Challenge to allow creative freedom in
showcasing additional strengths.

DestinationImagination.org

2014 Destination Imagination, Inc.

13

14

2014-15 Program Materials

Technical Challenge A: Creature Feature

LEARNING OUTCOMES

20142015

Mechanical Engineering
Technical Design Process
Construction
Effective Storytelling
Theater Arts Skills
Perseverance
Visual Arts
Presentation Skills

TECHNICAL
CHALLENGE

Project Management
Creative and Critical Thinking
Teamwork
Interpersonal Skills
Management Skills
Self-directed Learning
Risk Taking
Stages of the Creative Process
Digital Literacy
Citizenship Skills

Like us on Facebook at
Destination Imagination, Inc.
to share content and interact
with the DI community
Follow us @IDODI for
program updates
Follow us on Pinterest for
inspiration and creative ideas
Share your photos
@boxandball

POINTS OF INTEREST

Build a creature that uses technical methods

to perform team-chosen actions.
Present a story of adventure with
the creature as a character.
Use technical methods to demonstrate
features of a world where the story is set.
Create and present two Team Choice
Elements that show off the teams interests,
skills, areas of strength, and talents.

DestinationImagination.org

2014 Destination Imagination, Inc.

15

CHALLENGEOVERVIEW

Time Limit
The team must complete the Presentation (including setup) in eight minutes or less.

Team Budget
The total value of the materials used may not exceed $175US.

Approaching This Challenge

This Challenge can be solved on many levels, ranging from the simple to the complex. We recognize that
there are many different ways to be creative. Please approach this Challenge in the true spirit of Destination
Imagination: try foremost to solve the Challenge. If you find the intent or any of the details of the Challenge
unclear, we encourage you to ask for a Clarification. (See the Rules of the Road.) Rememberif it doesnt
say you cant, then you can. However, if it says you must perform specific requirements, then those
requirements have to be met.

Team Number
Teams and individuals using these Program Materials must hold a 2014-2015 Team Number. The Destination
Imagination Team Number is a license to compete in sanctioned tournaments and/or to use the Program
Materials for educational purposes within your team, school, group, or organization. Online access to
Program Materials for teams who have purchased Team Numbers is on www.destinationimagination.org.

My 2014-15 Team Number is:

___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

My team is planning to compete in a sanctioned tournament.

I have registered for that tournament with the:

Regional Director or

Affiliate Director

TEAMS

TEAM MANAGERS

In order to successfully solve this Challenge,

teams must read and follow:

Team Challenge
A. The Central Challenge (240 points)

Recommended Resources:

Roadmap

Instant Challenge Practice Set

(available online in the Resource Area at
DestinationImagination.org)

Travel Guide for Teams

(available online after Jan. 1, 2015)

B. Team Choice Elements (60 points)

C. Presentation Area
D. Reward Points

Rules of the Road

facebook.com/destinationimagination

Published Clarifications
(online at DestinationImagination.org)

twitter.com/idodi

Training at DIuniversity.org

The information in these materials is binding

on all teams.

16

2014-15 Program Materials

Technical Challenge A: Creature Feature

A: CENTRALCHALLENGE
240 POINTS

1.

The Intent of the Challenge: To solve this Challenge, the team must design and build a Creature that
uses technical methods to perform specific team-selected Creature Actions. The team must also create
and present a Story of Adventure that has the Creature as a character and is set in a world portrayed by
the team. The team will use Technical Methods to demonstrate features of the world where the Story
of Adventure is set.

2.

Creature: The team must design and build a Creature that uses Technical Methods to perform three
different Creature Actions during the Presentation.
a. The Creature can be real or imaginary. A team member cannot be the Creature.
b. The intent is for the team to design and build all parts of its Creature using the teams own ideas and
skills. The team may incorporate commercially produced devices, but only the modifications and
additions that the team made to those devices will be scored for Technical Design and Technical
Innovation.
c. The three Creature Actions must be from the following categories:
i. Moving
ii. Communicating
iii. Eating/Consuming
iv. Creating/Building
v. Team-Defined
d. The Creature Actions can be performed in any order.
e. Each category can be used only once. The team must select one category on the Tournament Data
Form for a Creature Action if it fits in multiple categories. If more than one Creature Action is from
the same category, only one can receive points for successful completion of the Creature Action.
(D.1.a.i, D.1.b.i, D.1.c.i)
f. The team must use Technical Methods to initiate, operate, and/or produce all three Creature Actions.
i. Team members may be directly involved in the Technical Methods used to initiate, operate,
and/or produce Creature Actions. More direct involvement by team members may result
in lower scores for Technical Design and Innovation of Creature Actions. (D.1.a.ii, D.1.b.ii,
D.1.c.ii)
g. The team must carefully define successful completion of all three Creature Actions on the Tournament
Data Form so that it is obvious to the Appraisers when the Action is successfully completed. If the
Appraisers do not see the successful completion of each Creature Action, the team risks receiving
zero points for that Creature Action. (D.1.a.i, D.1.b.i, D.1.c.i)
h.

The team will earn points for the following:

i. Successful completion of each Creature Action. (D.1.a.i, D.1.b.i, D.1.c.i)
ii. Technical Design and Technical Innovation of each Creature Action. These scores will be based
on all Technical Methods actually attempted during the Presentation to initiate, operate, and/
or produce each Creature Action. (D.1.a.ii, D.1.b.ii, D.1.c.ii)
DestinationImagination.org

2014 Destination Imagination, Inc.

17

A: CENTRALCHALLENGE
240 POINTS

i. Once the team has successfully completed all three Creature Actions, the team can earn Repeated
Action Bonus points by successfully completing any of the Creature Actions a second time. (D.1.a.iii,
D.1.b.iii, D.1.c.iii)
i. The team may earn Repeated Action Bonus points one time for each of the three different
Creature Actions.
ii. The same Technical Methods used to complete each Creature Action the first time must be
used to repeat the Action to receive Repeated Action Bonus points.
iii. The Creature Actions can be repeated in any order.
3.

World: The team will portray a real or imaginary world that is the setting for the teams Story of
Adventure.
a. The team must use Technical Methods to demonstrate two World Features during the Presentation.
A World Feature cannot be the same as a Creature Action. Each World Feature can be real or
imaginary. A team member cannot be a World Feature.
i. Examples of World Features include, but are not limited to: wildlife, terrain, transportation,
buildings, weather, events, cultural artifacts, languages, social gatherings, inventions,
discoveries and migrations.
ii. Team members may be directly involved in the Technical Methods used to initiate, operate,
and/or produce the demonstration of the World Features. More direct involvement by team
members may result in lower scores for Technical Design and Innovation of the World Features.
(D.2.b, D.2.d)
iii. The intent is for the team to design and build all parts that demonstrate the World Features
using their own ideas and skills. The team may incorporate commercially produced devices,
but Appraisers will consider only the modifications and additions that the team made, when
scoring.
b. The team must carefully define successful demonstration of each World Feature on the Tournament
Data Form so that it is obvious to the Appraisers when each World Feature has been successfully
demonstrated. If the Appraisers do not see the successful demonstration of each World Feature, the
team risks receiving zero points for the successful demonstration of the World Feature. (D.2.a, D.2.c)
c. The team will earn points for the following:
i. Successful demonstration of each World Feature. (D.2.a, D.2.c)
ii. Technical Design and Innovation of each World Feature. These scores will be based on all
Technical Methods actually attempted during the Presentation to initiate, operate, and/or
produce the demonstration of each World Feature. (D.2.b, D.2.d)

18

2014-15 Program Materials

Technical Challenge A: Creature Feature

A: CENTRALCHALLENGE
240 POINTS

Technical Methods
The team must use principles in fields such as chemistry, computer science, electricity, hydraulics, mathematics,
mechanical engineering, physics, structural engineering, or other technical fields to initiate, operate, and/or produce
the attempted Creature Actions (see A.2) and World Features (see A.3).

Technical Innovation
Technical Innovation includes how new/unique, original, or creative the methods are for initiating, operating, and/or
producing the Creature Actions (see A.2) and World Features (see A.3). It also includes the level of complexity, elegance,
riskiness, difficulty, originality, and/or creativity of the attempted Creature Actions and World Features.

Technical Design
Technical Design includes how effective, efficient, and reliable the methods are for initiating, operating, and/or producing
the Creature Actions (see A.2) and World Features (see A.3).

4.

Story: The team must create and present a Story of Adventure with the Creature as a character, set in
the world portrayed by the team. The Story of Adventure is team defined. The team will describe its
Story of Adventure on the Tournament Data Form.
a. The Creature must have a role in the Story of Adventure.
b. The teams Creature Actions and World Features must be integrated into the Story of Adventure.
c. The team will earn points for the following:
i. Creativity of the world portrayed in the Story of Adventure. (D.3.a)
ii. Creativity of the Creatures role in the Story of Adventure. (D.3.b)
iii. Integration of the Creature Actions and the World Features into the teams Story of Adventure.
(D.3.c)
iv. Clear and effective storytelling. Clear and effective storytelling means the Story of Adventure
has a beginning, middle, and end and it is presented in a way that is easy to understand.
(D.3.d)

5.

Team Identification Sign: The team should provide a free-standing Identification Sign (ID Sign) of
approximately 2ft x 3ft (0.6m x 0.9m) displaying your teams Team Name, Team Number, School/
Organization (if different from Team Name), and Level. It cannot be used as a scoring element. See
Team Identification Sign section in Rules of the Road for further information.

DestinationImagination.org

2014 Destination Imagination, Inc.

19

B: TEAM CHOICE ELEMENTS

60 POINTS

In addition to the above requirements, the team must present TWO creations called Team Choice Elements
that show off their interests, skills, areas of strength, and talents. The team may create anything it wishes for
Team Choice Elements including props, music, technical gadgets, costumes, physical actions, etc.
1.

The team must present both Team Choice Elements as part of the eight-minute Presentation and each
Team Choice Element should have a meaningful connection to the teams Central Challenge solution.
Each Team Choice Element must be described briefly on the Tournament Data Form found at the end
of this Challenge.

2.

A Team Choice Element may not be a specific item that is required in the Central Challenge and is
already being evaluated. A Team Choice Element MAY be a single unique PART of a required item, as
long as it can be evaluated as a stand-alone item. Both Team Choice Elements may be presented at
the same time ONLY IF both can be easily identified and scored separately. Examples of these can be
found in Rules of the Road.

3.

Each Team Choice Element will be evaluated in three ways: for the creativity and originality of the Team
Choice Element, and for the quality, workmanship, or effort that is evident and integration into the
Presentation. Evaluation of Team Choice Elements is subjective.

C: PRESENTATIONAREA

1.

Floor Surface: Destination Imagination strongly suggests that the Presentation Area be a large space
with a hard floor such as wood, linoleum, concrete or very short-napped carpet. The team should be
prepared to deal with a variety of floor surfaces.

2.

Site Size: The minimum required overall size of the Presentation Area is 20ft x 20ft (6.10m x 6.10m),
but the team may use any additional space that Tournament Officials designate as available. The
20ft x 20ft site will not be taped. A minimum ceiling height of 10ft (3.05m) is recommended for this
Challenge at Regional and Affiliate tournaments. At Global Finals a minimum 12ft (3.66m) ceiling height
is recommended for Secondary Level.

3.

Electrical Power: A single 3-prong electrical outlet will be provided at the edge of each Presentation
Area for the teams use.

20

2014-15 Program Materials

Technical Challenge A: Creature Feature

D: REWARDPOINTS
ELEMENT

POINTS

D E TA I L

Central Challenge

Up to 240

1. Creature

Up to 135

A.2

0 or 10
Up to 30
0 or 5

A.2.h.i
A.2.h.ii
A.2.i

0 or 10
Up to 30
0 or 5

A.2.h.i
A.2.h.ii
A.2.i

0 or 10
Up to 30
0 or 5

A.2.h.i
A.2.h.ii
A.2.i

Up to 50

A.3

0 or 5
Up to 20
0 or 5
Up to 20

A.3.c.i
A.3.c.ii
A.3.c.i
A.3.c.ii

Up to 55

A.4

Up to 15
Up to 15
Up to 15
Up to 10

A.4.c.i
A.4.c.ii
A.4.c.iii
A.4.c.iv

Team Choice Elements

Up to 60

1. Team Choice Element 1

Up to 30

B.3

Up to 10
Up to 10
Up to 10

B.3
B.3
B.3

Up to 30

B.3

Up to 10
Up to 10
Up to 10

B.3
B.3
B.3

a. Creature Action A
i. Successful Completion of Action A
ii. Technical Design and Innovation of Action A
iii. Repeated Action Bonus
b. Creature Action B
i. Successful Completion of Action B
ii. Technical Design and Innovation of Action B
iii. Repeated Action Bonus
c. Creature Action C
i. Successful Completion of Action C
ii. Technical Design and Innovation of Action C
iii. Repeated Action Bonus
2. World Features
a.
b.
c.
d.

Successful demonstration of World Feature 1

Technical Design and Innovation of World Feature 1
Successful demonstration of World Feature 2
Technical Design and Innovation of World Feature 2

3. Story of Adventure
a.
b.
c.
d.

Creativity of the world portrayed in the Story of Adventure

Creativity of the Creatures role in the Story of Adventure
Integration of the Creature Actions and World Features
Clear and effective storytelling

a. Creativity and originality

b. Quality, workmanship, or effort that is evident
c. Integration into the Presentation
2. Team Choice Element 2
a. Creativity and originality
b. Quality, workmanship, or effort that is evident
c. Integration into the Presentation
CENTRAL CHALLENGE SCORING
STORY OF
ADVENTURE

23%

CREATURE
ACTIONS

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

INSTANT
CHALLENGE

TECHNICAL
DEMONSTRATION
OF WORLD
FEATURES

21%

25%
TEAM CHOICE
ELEMENTS

CENTRAL
CHALLENGE

60%

15%

56%

DestinationImagination.org

2014 Destination Imagination, Inc.

21

Tournament Data Form TECHNICAL Challenge: CREATURE FEATURE / PAGE 1 of 3

Team Name:

Team Number: ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

School/Organization:

Level: EL

ML

SL

UL

To our teams and Team Managers: Help your Appraisers identify the required elements of your Challenge solution so they can award you all of the points you have earned. Please fill out this 3-page form completely and
neatly. For Elementary Level teams only: Team Managers MAY fill out the form, writing out the words dictated
by the team.

PART ONE: Required Paperwork

At the tournament Challenge Site, the Prep Area Appraiser will ask for your teams forms. A complete checklist
of the required forms is below. None of the forms listed below can be used as a scoring item.

Your team needs:

Five copies of the completed PAGE ONE and PAGE TWO of the Tournament Data Form. This is PAGE
ONE of the form.
One Copy of the completed PAGE THREE of the Tournament Data Form. This page helps your team
reflect on how you experienced the creative process.
Two Copies of the completed Declaration of Independence. Blank copies of this form can be found in the
Rules of the Road. One copy of this form is for Team Challenge, the other copy is for you to take to Instant
Challenge.
One Copy of the completed Expense Report. This form can be found in the Rules of the Road. Be sure to
bring copies of your receipts in case you are asked for them, but it is not necessary to attach them to the
form.
One Copy of Team Clarifications issued to your team.
Team Identification Sign: This will tell the Appraisers and the audience who you are. It must list your Team
Name, Team Number, School/Organization (if different from Team Name), and Level. It cannot be scored.
See the Rules of the Road for more information.
Published Clarifications: You need to be sure you are aware of the Published Clarifications for this
Challenge available at www.DestinationImagination.org.

PART TWO: Brief Description of Team Choice Elements

Team Choice Element 1: What is your Team Choice Element?

Please write a brief description of your Team Choice Element. Make sure that Appraisers know exactly what
you want them to evaluate. What would you like them to know about the Team Choice Element?







Team Choice Element 2: What is your Team Choice Element?

Please write a brief description of your Team Choice Element. Make sure that Appraisers know exactly what
you want them to evaluate. What would you like them to know about the Team Choice Element?

22

2014-15 Program Materials

Technical Challenge A: Creature Feature

Tournament Data Form TECHNICAL Challenge: CREATURE FEATURE / PAGE 2 of 3

Team Name:

Team Number: ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

School/Organization:

Level: EL

ML

SL

UL

PART THREE
This Challenge requires the team to supply the following information to help the Appraisers evaluate your
solution. This is PAGE TWO of the form. Be sure to fill in both pages.
1. Describe the three Creature Actions to be scored:

Identify Category:
Moving, Consuming/Eating,
Communicating, Creating/Building,
or Team-Defined

Define Successful Completion

What will happen?

Category:
Action A fits in this category because...

Creature Action A is successfully completed when...

Category:

Creature Action B is successfully completed when...

Action B fits in this category because...

Category:
Action C fits in this category because...

Creature Action C is successfully completed when...

2. Describe the two World Features to be scored:

Define successful demonstration of each World Feature -- What is the World Feature? What will
happen and when?
World Feature 1 is successfully demonstrated when...

World Feature 2 is successfully demonstrated when...

3. Provide a very brief summary of your teams Story of Adventure.

4. Describe your team-created world.

5. Describe your Creature and its role in the Story of Adventure.

DestinationImagination.org

2014 Destination Imagination, Inc.

23

Tournament Data Form TECHNICAL Challenge: CREATURE FEATURE / PAGE 3 of 3

Team Name:

Team Number: ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

School/Organization:

Level: EL

ML

SL

UL

PART FOUR
THE CREATIVE PROCESS: Reflect on how your team experienced each stage of the creative process as you
solved the Team Challenge:
1. RECOGNIZE: Understanding all the issues or points of the Challenge:

2. IMAGINE: Exploring new ideas about possible solutions to the Challenge:

3. INITIATE and COLLABORATE: Taking risks and going beyond the minimum as you commit to a solution.
Working in a collaborative way. Listening to all team ideas before judging them:

4. ASSESS: Monitoring progress. Assessing the solution as it is being created and after it is finished:

5. EVALUATE: Reflecting on the experience, thinking about what was learned, celebrating the teams journey
and accomplishments:

24

2014-15 Program Materials

Technical Challenge A: Creature Feature