by Jaime Lingnofski, Teacher
Destination ImagiNation® is an experience-based activity like no other. Over the course of this season, students will choose and then work to solve one of many Team Challenges and any number of Instant Challenges. By solving Challenges, students gain valuable experience in problem solving. This is a powerful process based on more than 50 years of research that can transform the way children approach challenges for the rest of their lives. Teams are tested to think on their feet, work together and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of the Challenges. Participants gain more than just basic knowledge and skills. They learn to unleash their imaginations and take unique approaches toward working as a team to solve a variety of problems.
With Destination ImagiNation®, the process is more important than any tangible item the team may create. The journey is more important than the end result. Teams will experience moments of laughter, struggle, brilliance, failure and success. The sum of these moments are the character building blocks for the future.
The following is an example of a 2010-2011 Team Challenge to solve and present at this seasons tournament.
Unidentified Moving Object
Technical
- Design and build Equipment to move various Materials to and from towering heights
- Start and end the Presentation with the Equipment contained in a Storage Box
- Create and Present a Sales Promotion highlighting the Features of the Equipment
- Complete all of the above with no AC electrical power
A team consists of anywhere from two to seven students. Each team is required to have one Team Manager. The job of the Team Manager is to make sure the participants experience the program in their own way. By stepping aside and refraining from “interference”, the Team Manager gives the team members the opportunity to take ownership of their Challenge solutions. That ownership is a vital element of the Destination ImagiNation® journey. It allows participants to learn lifelong lessons through experience, which will affect each participant in an individual, memorable and meaningful way.
Much of the team progress actually occurs when the team works on their own. If the team is capable of doing so, they are encouraged to meet on their own as soon as they are comfortable. By encouraging autonomy early on, the team soon understands that the project does not depend on the Team Manager.
This is the first year for Destination ImagiNation® at Appleton Christian School. We have a wonderful combined team of 7th and 8th graders that meet on Tuesday and Thursday’s during 5th Period. It has been my honor to get this program “kicked off” at ACS and I look forward to next year having many more teams. Because each team of 7 students needs 1 Team Manager, Mrs. Tofte and I are looking for volunteers for next year. If we don’t get volunteers, many students who want to be a part of this program may lose that chance to grow. So, please call the office today at 687-2700 and help change the lives of God’s children.
