A Successful Program Year

 global finals, scholarships, tournament  Comments Off
May 082013
 

Hello All Creative Problem Solvers,

On behalf of the Students for a Creative Iowa (cre8iowa) board, I would like to say THANK YOU for participating in the Destination Imagination® program through the Iowa Affiliate organization, cre8iowa. Whether you are a veteran or a new participant, you should be congratulated on a great season.

To view the State competition results please go Competition Results page. We want to congratulate all of the first place teams in every Challenge and level that have qualified to advance to Global Finals at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville on May 22-25, 2013. If you want to watch as our proud Iowa teams participate in the largest creative thinking and problem solving competition in the world, stay tuned to DITV. Congratulations also to Joe Bantz, Team Manager for West Des Moines team 112-46655, Jenius Gellybeans, for earning a Spirit of DI Award.

If you have not yet done so, this would be a great time to have a DI celebration. Have a party, have the students perform their Challenge one last time, have the parent do an IC, the sky is the limit. I would encourage all teams to celebrate their success, whether that is competitive success and/or successful completion of a journey through the creative process.

Are you asking yourself what (if anything) have you learned from participating? I bet if you start listing all the skills and research factoids, you would be surprised. The 2013 Students for a Creative Iowa Student Scholarship and the 2013 Kitch-Eilerts Memorial Scholarship winner, Virginia Bantz, has some encouraging words on why to participate in DI:

DI has given me the tools I need to easily adapt to new situations, help people use their strengths, and lead those around me to a common goal. And though I have not yet had the opportunity to save the world with a bed sheet and Popsicle sticks, I know I will be ready.

Congratulations Virginia on being selected as this year’s scholarship winner and thank you to all who applied.

If you have more questions after your first year as a participant or you are an old hat at this, you should keep checking out our website, www.cre8iowa.org, and the Members Only Gallery. We have all sorts of materials and activities including ideas on how to keep all those creative juices flowing (stay in DI mode all year), how to get even better at Instant Challenge (you want to take home the new IC medal home don’t you?), how to help jump start your team (it’s never too early to be thinking about next year). Speaking of next year, take a gander at the 2013-14 Challenge Previews. Where do those previews lead you?

Also consider submitting a design for the Pin and T-shirt Design Contest.  Please check the Contest page for more details. The 2012 team members of “Deafened by the Sneeze,” in addition to Avery Travis from Fairfield, are co-winners of the 2013 Pin & T-shirt DIsign Contest. Congratulations!

Still have more questions? Please email us at cre8iowa@gmail.com.

 

Creatively yours,

Alisha Heisterkamp

Affiliate Director, Students for a Creative Iowa

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2013 State Schedule

 tournament  Comments Off
Mar 232013
 

The State Tournament schedule is now available for viewing. Please note that the deadline for special schedule requests has passed. If a special situation arises between now and the State Tournament, you may contact another team and exchange places, as long as that team is competing in the same Challenge and Level. However, both teams must notify cre8iowa by emailing cre8iowa@gmail.com. If your team withdraws, please notify us immediately, as this affects the schedule.

Go to our Competition Schedule page to download the State Tournament schedule, as well as to locate driving directions to Ames Middle School. The download link for the schedule is AFTER the map, so make sure you scroll past the map.

You may find the following Tournament reminders helpful:

  • When you first arrive at the Tournament, visit the Registration table to check in your team. This is located in the Commons.
  • Parking:
    • Please note that buses should NOT park in front of the school. Those that have done so in the past get parked in until the end of the Tournament, and cannot get out until everyone else has left. Instead, park in the back of the school in the north lot.
    • Challenge A teams can drop off their props by going to the East parking lot. Look for the doors with a large letter “A” on them.
    • Do not park in the center turnaround. This is a Cy-Ride turnaround, and you will be towed away if you park here.
  • Schedule:
    • When you check your schedule, please note that there are 2 performance times: one for the Team Challenge, and one for Instant Challenge. Check-in is 20 minutes before any performance, so give yourself enough time to move from one location to the next.
    • Challenge E teams have a structure weigh-in time, for a total of 4 scheduled times: Structure Check-in, Team Challenge Check-in, Team Challenge and Instant Challenge.
  • Prop Storage:
    • We are asking Team Managers and Coordinators for their assistance in monitoring Prop Storage. Prop Storage is NOT supervised, so do not leave your valuables unattended. Many teams choose to leave their solution in a vehicle until it is time to perform.
    • If you see something that shouldn’t be happening, please let the Prep Area Appraiser for that Challenge know, or talk to the Challenge Master (identified by a neon-colored safety vest).
  • Things to do during downtime:
    • There will be a photo station somewhere in the Commons, so bring your camera and take a team photo.
    • Your team is encouraged to watch other teams’ performances, since this is a great learning opportunity.
    • Got a restless team? There are games that teams can borrow to keep them occupied. The Games Table is located in the Commons Area. Also, check out the state team packet for some more ideas.
  • No dumping of any part of your solution is allowed. We appreciate being able to use the Ames Middle School facility, and want to insure that we are welcome in the future. Dumping of any part of your solution can be grounds for an Unsportsmanlike Conduct deduction, even after the Tournament is completed.
  • Paperwork: Make sure your team shows up with the appropriate completed paperwork. This is turned in to the Prep Area Appraiser. Team Managers can complete paperwork for elementary teams as long as they write the exact words the team dictates. Middle and high schoolers should complete their own paperwork. It is important that these forms be legible! To insure legibility, take advantage of the fillable forms found in the Resource Area. If you run out of space, type on the back, or attach a second sheet. Keep in mind, however, that Appraisers do not have time to read a novel!
    • All teams: Declaration of Independence (2 copies – one for the Prep Area Appraiser, and one for Instant Challenge Check-in)
    • All teams except projectOUTREACH® (see below) – 5 copies of Tournament Data Form (each Appraiser gets a copy)
    • projectOUTREACH® teams: 6 copies of Project History for Continuing Projects and 6 copies of Tournament Data Form (each Appraiser gets a copy)
    • All teams – Medical Information Form for each team member (kept by the Team Manager in case of an emergency)
    • All teams except for Challenge D – Expense Report (make sure this is a photocopy, since it will not be returned to you). Also bring copies of receipts in case questions arise about Expense Report.
    • All teams – 5 photocopies of Team Clarifications (if your team asked for any)
  • Things to know:
    • All teams are required to familiarize themselves with Published Clarifications. These clarifications supersede all other rules and can be published ANYTIME.
    • Make sure you review the Tournament policies page. No weapons (real or facsimile) are allowed, and requests for the use of dry ice must be pre-approved by the Tournament Director. Students must be supervised by adults at all times.
  • If you have not already scheduled a dress rehearsal, now is a great time to do so. Please remind audience members that it is Interference for them to provide any kind of constructive feedback. Have your team practice set-up, entering from the left, entering from the right, and having something go wrong (such as having scenery fall down, or a prop being forgotten at home). Remind teams that their solution must fit through a standard doorway.
  • Now is a good time to have the team brainstorm a list of “what if” scenarios in case something goes wrong at the Tournament. Simultaneously, have the team brainstorm a list of items needed for an emergency repair kit.
  • Remind parents and supporters that they may not help students put on makeup and costumes, and that it is the team’s responsibility to make any repairs to their solution. It is the team’s solution!

As always, feel free to contact us with your questions.

 

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Understanding your team’s Sub-state tournament scores

 team support, tournament  Comments Off
Mar 112013
 

Congratulations to all of our teams who performed at the Sub-state tournament this past Saturday, March 9th. Tournament results are posted on the Competition Results page. A special congratulations goes to the Middle Level Challenge B (Wind Visible) team, Blue Eggs and Turkey (Team 112-18306), from St. Mary’s School in Storm Lake for earning a Renaissance Award. The Renaissance Award is awarded to teams or individuals who demonstrate extraordinary amounts of effort and preparation or outstanding skill in engineering, design or performance. You can read what the Appraisers and Challenge Masters wrote about this team on the Competition Results page.

So, what’s next? To prepare for the State tournament, teams are encouraged to analyze their Sub-state tournament standings, and to use that information to make changes to their Team Challenge solution. Your team’s tournament score is comprised of individual components detailing whether your team did an above average, average or fair job. To learn specifically where your team needs to make changes, it’s important to examine the individual components of its score very carefully, and to compare them to the Reward Points section of your team’s Challenge.

Raw Score vs. Scaled Score

Let’s start by discussing what the 2 rows of numbers mean that comprise your team’s score. Although there are some exceptions that we’ll get to in a moment, in general the bottom row of numbers is the team’s Raw Scores, or the number of points Appraisers award the team for its performance in the Central Challenge, Team Choice Elements and Instant Challenge. It is important to note that these are preliminary scores. Together, these points add up to a maximum combined 400 points: 300 points for the Team Challenge (240 Central Challenge points + 60 Team Choice Elements points), and 100 points for Instant Challenge. If your team is doing Challenge D, the improvisational Challenge, you have no Team Choice Elements and therefore your Central Challenge alone accounts for three-fourths of your team’s score, or 300 points.

The top row of numbers is your team’s Scaled Scores. What this means is that the preliminary or Raw Scores are turned over to the Score Room, where they are stacked against other teams’ scores in your Challenge and Level, and curved on a scale, much as grades in a typical classroom are curved on a scale. If Team ABC’s Raw Score of 76.75 is the highest Instant Challenge score for its Challenge and Level, for example, then its Scaled Score is 100 points, and all other teams in that Challenge and Level are scored proportionately beneath it.

The significance of the Raw Scores versus the Scaled Scores is that between the two is a narrow time frame when your team can get some initial feedback. Thirty minutes after a team performs its Team Challenge, one Team Manager and one team member may pick up the team’s Raw Scores and discuss them with the Head Appraiser or Challenge Master. If your team has not been doing this, there is no guarantee that the Raw Scores will be accessible later. More importantly, you have missed a great opportunity to learn more about the team’s performance. The official reviews areas of strength and areas where you team may need to improve, asking open-ended questions that the team should take to heart and discuss during a team meeting. The official will not suggest specific ways to improve scoring areas, of course, for this would be Interference. After this meeting, the Raw Scores go to the Score Room for final computerized calculations.

Breakdown of Reward Points

Where you will find your team’s Scaled and Raw Scores can be found in the bulleted list below. Note that the scores correspond directly with the Reward Points section of your team’s Challenge. It is critical that your team examine each column of its scores in relationship to (1) its own Total Scaled Score, and (2) other teams’ individual scoring elements, since this will help your team understand where it would be most impactful to make changes and/or focus additional effort. Point out to your team the pie charts that are in the Reward Points section of their Challenge. This will help them understand visually the impact of different scoring elements.

Challenge A:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Zone Score (max. 120 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Scaled Vehicle Score (max. 50 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 4: The top number is the Scaled Travel Score (max. 25 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 5: The top number is the Scaled Story Score (max. 45 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 6: The top number is the Scaled Team Choice Elements Score (max. 60 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 7: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Challenges B, C & projectOUTREACH®:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Central Challenge Score (max. 240 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Scaled Team Choice Elements Score (max. 60 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 4: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Challenge D:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Central Challenge Score (max. 300 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Challenge E:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Weight Held Ratio (max. 140 points). Below it is the Raw Score, based on the numbers in Column 3.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Total Weight Held by the Structure (in pounds). The bottom number is the Structure Weight (in grams). If you take the top number and divide it by the bottom number, this gives you the Raw Score for Column 2.
  • Column 4: The top number is the combined Scaled Score (max. 100 points) for Element 2 (Creativity and Workmanship of Structure), Element 3 (Structure Bill of Materials), and Element 4 (Story with Twist and Prop/Costume). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 5: The top number is the Scaled Team Choice Elements Score (max. 60 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 6: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Types of Scores

Teams are awarded Subjective, Objective or Zero Scores for various scoring elements.

An objective score is awarded for fulfilling a specific requirement: If you do this, it is worth X number of points. If it is there, the points are awarded; if it is not, that scoring element receives a Zero Score. Make sure that your team is not losing easy points by missing required elements! Often, objective scores are awarded for problem-solving, i.e., solving a specific task.

Whenever you see a range of points awarded for a scoring element, this is a subjective score that is the result of the Appraisers’ opinions. Subjective scores are usually awarded for creativity, innovation, the Team Choice Elements, and Instant Challenge. Is your team getting the most out of its subjective scoring areas? Let’s examine these areas in more detail.

Creativity and Innovation

In general, anywhere that creativity is scored, the team needs to ask itself: Is our solution really original, innovative, unique, uncommon, or unexpected? Is the team making sure that every element is its OWN solution, rather than being produced by someone else? This could be an Interference issue and result in a deduction, especially at State, where scoring is stricter.

Some Challenges (often the technical ones) call for an innovation score. Innovation is related to complexity of the solution. Ask your team what else it can do to elaborate, or add details. Is there something new the team can research that would result in a different, possibly more complex solution? Often (though not always), higher complexity results in a higher innovation score.

Team Choice Elements

Many teams do not score as highly as they can for their Team Choice Elements. Keep in mind, first of all, that Appraisers can only score what the team describes on its Tournament Data Form. If this information is not detailed enough, then the Appraisers will not have a clear understanding of what they should score. The Appraisers MUST use what the team describes on the Tournament Data Form. If the information is not there, the Appraisers cannot make assumptions about where the team wants them to award points.

Has the team selected the right Team Choice Element, or is there something else that would be a better choice? Make sure that the Team Choice Element is not something that is already being scored elsewhere. If your team’s costumes are a required part of the Challenge, for example, then you should not list them as a Team Choice Element. You may, however, single out one of the costumes because of its special properties; make sure you describe what is special on your Tournament Data Form!

A very important fact to keep in mind is that a Team Choice Element is awarded points in 3 areas, worth 10 points apiece: creativity and originality; quality, workmanship or effort that is evident, and integration into the Presentation. Creativity and originality are often apparent when common materials are used in uncommon, unintended or unexpected ways. Quality, workmanship or effort become evident by the details invested in the outcome, by the amount of time it takes to develop the final product, and by the learning that takes place during the process. Integration into the Presentation concerns how well the Team Choice Element fits into the story; would the story be the same if this Team Choice Element were not present?

Instant Challenge

A team’s Instant Challenge score is 25 percent of its final score, and often has a huge impact on the overall competitive outcome. Doing well in Instant Challenge is usually the result of practicing often and consistently, and of debriefing after every practice. A team should practice Instant Challenge at every team meeting. Ideally, a balance of different types of Instant Challenges should be included.

Instant Challenges are either task or performance-based, or a combination of the two. Task-based Challenges involve moving, guiding, controlling, building for weight, height and/or strength (or weakness!), modifying, narrowing down choices, or communicating. In contrast, performance-based Challenges require a performance involving a beginning, middle and ending. They may involve props and/or materials, or simply a team’s imagination. Any Instant Challenge may be non-verbal, in whole or in part.

Team Managers should feel free to modify practice Instant Challenges to address a perceived need that a team has. For example, a Team Manager can add or subtract time for a Challenge, remove or add steps, or substitute other materials that are smaller (or larger) in scale than the ones described in a published Instant Challenge. They can require a non-verbal solution, ask the team to split into two parts, remove or add materials, and so on. Have a team member or two sit out and make critical observations. Always debrief your team afterward, asking your team to evaluate itself: What do you think you did well? What could you do better? What would you change the next time around? Don’t be afraid to repeat the same Instant Challenge, requiring a completely different solution the second time around!

Swap out the roles that team members play; in business this is known as cross-training. Do the same with your team, making sure that different people act as facilitator, timekeeper, rules keeper, builder, planner, and so on. The ways in which your team members communicate with each other through these roles is an important part of their teamwork score. Most Instant Challenges have a planning component, when teamwork is evaluated. Keep in mind that a team that cannot be heard can also not be awarded points; do not whisper at any time during Instant Challenge!

A useful exercise is having your team write its own Instant Challenge, which makes them much more aware of the components of Instant Challenge, as well as the problem-solving process.

To best prepare for Instant Challenge, help your team build a library of experiences from which it can draw when faced with Instant Challenge in a competitive situation. At the very least, your team will feel more comfortable in dealing with the unexpected if it has practiced Instant Challenge often and regularly. Resources for Instant Challenge are found in cre8iowa’s Instant Challenge Library, as well as in the Destination Imagination Resource Area and at ShopDI. Next year, make sure your team attends cre8iowa’s annual Instant Challenger workshop.

Advancing to the Next Level

In moving from one Tournament level to the next, all teams are expected to evaluate how they did previously, set new goals and modify their solutions. The best teams often triple the level of complexity between the Sub-state and State tournaments, and triple it again between State and Global Finals tournaments. We are looking forward to seeing the results of that process!

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2013 Sub-state Tournament Schedule

 destination imagination news, tournament  Comments Off
Feb 232013
 
3.7.13 Update: The Final Schedule with confirmed rooms and times is available on the Competition Schedules Pages.

The Sub-state Tournament schedule is now available for viewing. Please note that room assignments and times are subject to change with notification. The deadline for special schedule requests has passed. If a special situation arises between now and the Sub-state Tournament, you may contact another team and exchange places, as long as that team is competing in the same Challenge and Level. However, both teams must notify cre8iowa by emailing cre8iowa@gmail.com. If your team withdraws, please notify us immediately, as this affects the schedule.

Go to our Competition Schedules page to download the Sub-state Tournament schedule, as well as to locate driving directions to Ames Middle School. The download link for the schedule is AFTER the map, so make sure you scroll past the map.

You may find the following tournament reminders helpful:
  • When you first arrive at the tournament, visit the Sales & Registration table to check in your team. This is located in the Commons.
  • Food service will be available from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. You will find the menu Here.
  • Please note that buses should NOT park in front of the school. Those that have done so in the past get parked in until the end of the tournament, and cannot get out until everyone else has left. Instead, park in the back of the school in the north lot.
  • Challenge A (In the Zone) teams can drop off their props by going to the East parking lot. Look for the doors with a large letter “A” on them.
  • Do not park in the center turnaround. This is a Cy-Ride turnaround, and you will be towed away if you park here.
  • When you check your schedule, please note that there are 2 performance times: one for the Team Challenge, and one for Instant Challenge. This includes Rising Stars!® teams. Check-in is 20 minutes before any performance, so give yourself enough time to move from one location to the next.
  • Challenge E (Hold It!) teams have a structure weigh-in time, for a total of 4 scheduled times: Structure Check-in, Team Challenge Check-in, Team Challenge and Instant Challenge.
  • Prop storage is NOT supervised, so do not leave your valuables unattended. Many teams choose to leave their solution in a vehicle until it is time to perform.
  • There will be a photo station somewhere in the Commons, so bring your camera and take a team photo.
  • Your team is encouraged to watch other teams’ performances, since this is a great learning opportunity.
  • Got a restless team? There are games at the Sales & Registration table that teams can borrow to keep them occupied.
  • No dumping of any part of your solution is allowed. We appreciate being able to use the Ames Middle School facility, and want to insure that we are welcome in the future. Dumping of any part of your solution can be grounds for an Unsportsmanlike Conduct deduction, even after the Tournament is completed.
  • Make sure your team shows up with the appropriate completed paperwork. This is turned in to the Prep Area Appraiser. Team Managers can complete paperwork for elementary teams as long as they write the exact words the team dictates. Middle and high schoolers should complete their own paperwork. It is important that these forms be legible! To insure legibility, take advantage of the fillable forms found in the Resource Area. If you run out of space, type on the back, or attach a second sheet. Keep in mind, however, that Appraisers do not have time to read a novel!
    • All teams except Rising Stars!®: Declaration of Independence (2 copies – one for the Prep Area Appraiser, and one for Instant Challenge Check-in)
    • All teams except  Rising Stars!® (see below) – 5 copies of Tournament Data Form (each Appraiser gets a copy)
    • Rising Stars!® teams: 5 copies of Starry Showcase form (each Appraiser gets a copy)
    • All teams - Medical Information Form for each team member (kept by the Team Manager in case of an emergency)
    • All teams except for Challenge D and Rising Stars!® - Expense Report (make sure this is a photocopy, since it will not be returned to you)
    • All teams except for Challenge D and Rising Stars!® – Copies of receipts in case questions arise about Expense Report
    • All teams – photocopy of Team Clarifications (if your team asked for any)
  • All teams are required to familiarize themselves with Published Clarifications. These clarifications supersede all other rules and can be published ANYTIME.
  • Make sure you review the Tournament policies page. No weapons (real or facsimile) are allowed, and requests for the use of dry ice must be pre-approved by the Tournament Director. Students must be supervised by adults at all times.
  • If you have not already scheduled a dress rehearsal, now is a great time to do so. Please remind audience members that it is Interference for them to provide any kind of constructive feedback. Have your team practice set-up, entering from the left, entering from the right, and having something go wrong (such as having scenery fall down, or a prop being forgotten at home). Remind teams that their solution must fit through a standard doorway.
  • Now is a good time to have the team brainstorm a list of “what if” scenarios in case something goes wrong at the Tournament. Simultaneously, have the team brainstorm a list of items needed for an emergency repair kit.
  • Remind parents and supporters that they may not help students put on makeup and costumes, and that it is the team’s responsibility to make any repairs to their solution. It is the team’s solution!
As always, feel free to contact us, cre8iowa@gmail.com, with your questions.

 

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Understanding the role of an Appraiser

 appraisers, instant challenge, team support, tournament  Comments Off
Oct 272012
 

If you’re a Destination Imagination veteran, you have heard us say many times that we can’t hold a tournament without the help of our volunteer Appraisers. This is really true! Every team doing Challenges A-E and projectOUTREACH® is required to provide an adult Appraiser (age 18 or older) who spends one Saturday in January or February getting trained, one full day at the Sub-state tournament, and one full day at the State tournament. Every Rising Stars!® team is required to provide one adult volunteer who serves up to a half day in a non-scoring role at the Sub-state tournament, and does not need to have advance training.

Although Team Managers often ask a team member’s parent to step in as an Appraiser, there are many other ways to find one. Read How to Find Appraisers for suggestions. You may wish to share Top Reasons to Be an Appraiser with anyone you ask to serve in this capacity. We also welcome adults who are NOT representing a team to become an Appraiser. If you would like to become a Friend of cre8iowa by serving as a non-team affiliated Appraiser, please contact Keith Kutz at only_kman@yahoo.com.

The main role of an Appraiser is to keep an open mind in order to discover areas in which to “praise” teams by awarding them points. That’s why ApPRAISErs are called Appraisers. Appraisers set the tone of the tournament to a great extent. If they are happy to be there, then that is evident to the teams and their spirit is infectious. The scores you award teams at tournament provide them with critical feedback they need to evaluate themselves, to improve their solution at the next level of competition, and to set goals for their next Destination Imagination season.

It is definitely fun to watch teams’ creative performances and to award them well-deserved points. Many of our Board members, in fact, began their volunteer experience with Destination Imagination as Appraisers; most of them serve as tournament officials today (in addition to wearing other hats). At Destination Imagination Global Finals, it is considered to be a privilege to be selected as an Appraiser. You can see how some Appraisers celebrate the fun by participating in a Team Manager & Officials Challenge at Global Finals.

When you check in at Appraiser training, you will sign up to appraise a Challenge that is different from the one the team you represent is doing. Challenges focus on technical, scientific, fine arts, improvisational, structural or service learning areas, or—in the case of Instant Challenge—on on-the-spot problem solving. You can find a preview of the Challenges HERE, and can see what practice Instant Challenges look like by visiting our Instant Challenge Library. You’ll get an overview of the Destination Imagination program, become acquainted with the difference between objective, subjective and zero scores, learn all about the Challenge you will be appraising, and experience how to work together as a member of an Appraisal team.

Speaking of Instant Challenge, this week’s newly-released Instant Challenges include:

By becoming familiar with the same rules that teams follow, you’ll help us to create a fair and consistent playing field for every team at tournament. You’ll take what you learn at Appraiser training to the Sub-state tournament, refine your skills and learn some new lessons, and apply them at the State tournament, where the first place team in every Challenge and Level earns the right to advance to Global Finals. In a sense, you are doing the same thing that teams are doing, i.e., both of you are improving your performance from one tournament to the next. You’ll have a chance to evaluate teams for creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, and will nominate some teams and some individuals for exceptional creativity, expertise, DI spirit, community service and other areas.

Several points to keep in mind about being a DI Appraiser are that you are making a commitment to the team you represent by serving as an official.  The team is not allowed to advance to the next level of competition without your completion of training and your service at both tournaments. You will spend the entire tournament day at the site of the Challenge you are appraising, and will not be able to leave the site until the last team has performed and your Head Appraiser or Challenge Master excuse you. Your free lunch on both tournament days is provided by Students for a Creative Iowa. Teams who have a single Team Manager must be accompanied by that Team Manager at tournament, who may not also serve as an Appraiser. Appraisers can choose on what day to attend training, as follows. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m., and training runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Jan. 26, 2013 – Kirkwood Community College (Iowa City)
    • 1816 Lower Muscatine Rd.,  Iowa City, IA 52240
    • Check-In: Room ICCR 255
  • Feb. 2, 2013 – Kuemper Catholic High School (Carroll)
    • 116 S. East St Carroll, IA 51401
    • Check-In: Cafeteria/Hallway
  • Feb. 9, 2013 – Ames Middle  School (Ames)
    • 3915 Mortensen Road, Ames, IA 50014
    • Check-In: Commons

If you have never served as an Appraiser (or even if you have), and would like to have a better sense of what to expect as an Appraiser, you will benefit from visiting DI University. This is a free online training that gives you an overview of the program and explains some of the roles that Appraisers fill. It is not a substitute for learning about the Team Challenge you will appraise at tournament, since that information is provided at your official Appraiser Training, but it definitely helps to paint a picture for you. The two modules that will benefit you most include “Being a DI Appraiser” and “Rules of the Road.”

As we get closer to tournament, you will find updated Appraiser information, on the Appraiser Information page on our Web site. For now, you’ll want to add these 2 tournament dates to your calendar:

  • March 9, 2013 (Saturday). Sub-State Tournament. Ames Middle School, Ames.
  • April 6, 2013 (Saturday). State Tournament. Ames Middle School, Ames.
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 Posted by at 6:58 pm

Iowa Membership Registration is now open

 contests, season kickoff, tournament  Comments Off
Oct 102012
 

The Iowa Membership Registration Form for the 2012-13 season has now been posted.

This year’s registration is different than in years past as Students for a Creative Iowa is requiring ALL registrations to be submitted via email to cre8iowa@gmail.com. Cre8iowa is making this change in an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to be more to be more effective for our members. We believe this new method will more efficient, because it allows us to more quickly process registration forms, making it easier for us to provide you with accurate information sooner, it allows us to save our members on postage costs, and it allows us to provide better support as everything can be looked up electronically. This year, members will use a fillable Word document to enter all appropriate information. We have also tried to simplify the form this year by including all the terms and conditions on the last two pages versus spread throughout the document.

Also, don’t be alarmed if you have never filled out a form such as this one. We have created a How To Guide to walk you through the process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at cre8iowa@gmail.com or by calling Judy Nolan at 515-864-1863.

Please go to http://www.cre8iowa.org/current-season/iowa-membership-registration/ and review all the information found on this page. It is on this page that you can download both the Iowa Membership Registration Form and the How To Guide.

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2012 Global Finals results

 global finals, tournament, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Jun 012012
 

Thirteen Iowa teams pitted their creative problem solving expertise against the best teams in the world at Destination Imagination® (DI) Global Finals held May 23-26, 2012 at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. After months of creative teamwork and successful competition at Iowa’s sub-state and state tournaments, these teams earned the right to advance to the international competition. Iowa success stories include a first place award for a high school team from West Des Moines in the Instant Challenge portion of the tournament, special recognition for a 7th place high school team from Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment in Fairfield, and an 11th place finish for a team from West Delaware High School in Manchester. Five of Iowa’s 13 teams finished in the top half of their level of competition.

This year’s Global Finals tournament was the largest in its history, with 1,276 teams competing from 45 states, 7 Canadian provinces and 13 countries. The competition was vigorous, the energy high, and the spirits of the participants were infectious. To enjoy a small taste of the Global Finals event that our participants and their supporters experienced, watch the video below. Congratulations to all of our Iowa teams; we’re proud of your creative problem solving efforts!

Results follow the video. To download a press release, click HERE.

Results

Challenge A, Assembly Required

  • Elementary Level: Team 112-29086, The Funky Chunky Monkeys (Meeker Elementary School, Ames): 26th place out of 48 teams
  • Middle Level: Team 112-32153, You gonna eat that? (Maharishi School, Fairfield): 23rd place out of 55 teams
  • Secondary Level: Team 112-02281, Double-00 Ninja Cats (Maple Valley Anthon Oto): 34th place tie out of 46 teams

Challenge B, The Solar Stage

  • Elementary Level: Team 112-49092, The Killa Zombie Cows (Maharishi School, Fairfield): 55th place out of 59 teams
  • Secondary Level: Team 112-24943, Hypothetically we have a Giant Mushroom (Maharishi School, Fairfield): 7th place out of 46 teams

Challenge C, Coming Attractions

  • Middle Level: Team 112-45803, The Team that survived 2012 (Maharishi School, Fairfield): 22nd place out of 37 teams

Challenge D, News to Me

  • Elementary Level: Team 112-68624, The Lucky Seven (Van Meter Community Schools, Van Meter): 32nd place tie out of 50 teams
  • Secondary Level: Team 112-13914, Dingbatz (West Des Moines): 21st place out of 46 teams
  • Secondary Level: Team 112-42484, Seductive Reasoning (Maharishi School, Fairfield): 18th place tie out of 46 teams

Challenge E, Hold It!

  • Middle Level: Team 112-34296, Don’t put dapt in your nachos (Maharishi School, Fairfield): 50th place tie out of 61 teams
  • Secondary Level: Team 112-34010, Deafened by the sneeze (Kuemper Catholic School, Carroll): 37th place out of 50 teams

projectOUTREACH®, The World Canvas

  • Middle Level: Team 112-69469, All for Fun and Fun for All (Tornado Learning Club, Storm Lake): 27th place tie out of 43 teams
  • Secondary Level: Team 112-56022, Hot Ashes (West Delaware High School, Manchester): 11th place out of 27 teams

Instant Challenge (special award)

  • Secondary Level: Team 112-13914, Dingbatz (West Des Moines): 1st place out of 46 teams

Closing Ceremonies at Thompson-Boling Arena, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

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State Tournament Results

 scholarships, tournament, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Apr 172012
 

Congratulations to all of our teams for sharing their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving efforts with us, and for entertaining each audience. We hope each team will hold a celebration soon to recognize students for their accomplishments, their strides in learning, and the experiences they gained. Sixteen first-place teams and one “Wild Card” team (Seductive Reasoning  from Fairfield, Team 112-42484) have earned the right to advance to Global Finals being held May 23-26, 2012 at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. You can follow all of the competitive and recreational activities at the Global Finals Web site.

Special recognition

Special recognition goes to several teams and individuals for their accomplishments.

Spirit of Discovery & Imagination Award

The TAG Team from Evans Middle School in Ottumwa, Team 112-16416, earned a Spirit of Discovery & Imagination Award in Team Challenge E, Hold It! “The team forgot their structure at home,” said the Appraisers. “They did not sulk or complain. They disassembled and reworked their delivery device to obtain materials. They developed a new design and built a new and working structure. The team maintained a very positive ‘get it done’ attitude throughout the episode. They maintained a great attitude.” Congratulations, The TAG Team! Such perseverance is truly the Spirit of DI! The Spirit of Discovery & Imagination Award is offered for exceptional Spirit, Teamwork, Volunteerism and Sportsmanship.

Renaissance Award

Also earning a special award was Hypothetically we have a Giant Mushroom from Maharishi School of Fairfield, Team 112-24943, which earned the Renaissance Award in Team Challenge B, The Solar Stage. “This team,” said the Appraisers,” did an excellent job researching and integrating unique scientific and theatrical components. They demonstrated advanced knowledge through communicating with experts and integrating solar energy within an ‘unearthly realm.’ They applied advanced lighting techniques to demonstrate their scientific components as well as their theme. Lighting created both mood and motion effectively. They built an infinity mirror completely from scratch that reflected light as if it had been professionally made and was very effective as a representative of a wormhole. Their dialog was well executed and explained the science behind their story very well. The theatrical lights were very thoughtful. Each theme had a different color. The whole story was smooth and integrated with the element choices. They demonstrated an extraordinary amount of effort and preparation with their solution and outstanding performance, engineering and design.” Congratulations to this team for an outstanding job all-around! The Renaissance Award is offered for exceptional skill in the areas of engineering, design, or performance.

Students for a Creative Iowa Student Scholarship

Congratulations are in order for Ethan Marshall Lloyd of Maple Valley Anthon Oto, a seven-year Destination ImagiNation® participant who was awarded the Students for a Creative Iowa Student Scholarship in the amount of $500, to be used at a post-secondary institution of his choice. “Destination ImagiNation has been a great learning experience for me,” wrote Ethan in his scholarship application. “This is an experience that is unlike any other I have experienced in school. DI is a place for me to think out of the box and try to solve problems in different ways . . . . I have learned that no idea is a bad idea and many great things may spring out of a totally off the wall or silly concept. The trick is to channel and focus these types of ideas and use them as a jumping off point and develop them into workable concepts.”

Kitch-Eilerts Memorial Scholarship

Ethan Marshall Lloyd was also awarded the Kitch-Eilerts Memorial Scholarship, which honors the memory of two former Destination ImagiNation® participants (Dayle Kitch and Aaron Eilerts), who lost their lives early in life but were great role models for community service. The $500 scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student who has participated at least 2 years in Destination ImagiNation®, and who has made an impact as a community volunteer. Ethan wrote about April 9th last year, the same day that the State Tournament took place, to explain one of his volunteer experiences. “It was April 9th and I had just a little stage fright. It was the night of the high school play, and just as the first act was ending, the sirens started to howl. We all took cover in the basement while a tornado struck our town. When we exited the school building, we were amazed at the devastation. The work had just begun. Over the next several weeks I volunteered every chance I got. I helped clear trees and clean up the community. I helped load tin that had blown off buildings and spent many hours cleaning insulation from the chain link fence at school.”

Besides participating in the clean-up effort necessary in the aftermath of a tornado, Ethan volunteers three days a week in a special education classroom by reading to the students. After participating at Boys State his junior year, he became an assistant counselor. When the communities near the Missouri River had flooding last year, Ethan and several of his classmates helped clean up the area around Brown’s Lake. “Volunteering has taught me how to work with others,” he says. “After the tornado hit, I worked with many different people, old and young, male and female, students from different schools and even people who were just passing through and wanted to help. We worked together to move big pieces of debris. I have learned that no matter how bad things may look, if we work together and help each other, we can rise above the situation.”

Ethan plans to study video game design and computer science at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota next fall.

cre8iowa Pin & T-Shirt DIsign Contest

Congratulations and thank you to the two Fairfield girls, Avery Travis and Leanna Miller from Maharishi School, who won the cre8iowa Pin & T-shirt DIsign Contest for the 2012 Legendary Creativity Iowa Affiliate pin and T-shirt that will be worn proudly by all Iowa Global Finals participants, as well as their supporters, at the international competition. The 2013 contest is currently underway. Please visit the contest rules page to learn about submission guidelines. The submission deadline is Monday, July 2, 2012.

Thanks for your support!

It takes many volunteer hours and donations to support the Destination ImagiNation® program in Iowa. Special thanks go to the following for their assistance this past season:

  • All Affiliate Board members
  • Bruce Antion, Tournament Director
  • Affiliate Webmasters
  • All Challenge Masters
  • Panera Bread for discounting the cost of Appraiser lunches at the Sub-state and State Tournaments
  • Terry Lowe and the folks from Chartwells who provided food service for our Tournaments
  • Mary Boothsby for volunteering at the Sales Table and for donations of sales inventory
  • Deanna Jens for donations of sales inventory
  • American Legion Foundation for its grant used for medals, plaques and training workshops
  • Iowa Energy Center for printing and free use of its facilities for Board meetings and the Advanced Team Manager Training Workshop
  • Kuemper Catholic School in Carroll for hosting our Western Appraiser training
  • Ames Middle School for hosting our Central Appraiser training and Tournaments, and free use of its facilities
  • BluTrack for donating race track and associated supplies for the Games Table
  • Hy-Vee, 555 South 51st Street in West Des Moines for donating Instant Challenge supplies for the State Tournament
  • Everyone who donated to the Students for a Creative Iowa Student Scholarship and the Kitch-Eilerts Memorial Scholarship Funds
  • All Appraisers, Tournament volunteers, Coordinators, workshop facilitators, Team Managers and parents who provide the Destination Imagination® experience to Iowa students

Competition results

Tournament results are available below:

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State Tournament Schedule & Reminders

 team support, tournament  Comments Off
Apr 052012
 

The State Tournament schedule is now available for viewing. Please note that the deadline for special schedule requests has passed. If a special situation arises between now and the State Tournament, you may contact another team and exchange places, as long as that team is competing in the same Challenge and Level. However, both teams must notify cre8iowa by emailing cre8iowa@gmail.com. If your team withdraws, please notify us immediately, as this affects the schedule.

Go to our Competition Schedule page to download the State Tournament schedule, as well as to locate driving directions to Ames Middle School. The download link for the schedule is AFTER the map, so make sure you scroll past the map.

You may find the following Tournament reminders helpful:

  • When you first arrive at the Tournament, visit the Registration table to check in your team. This is located in the Commons.
  • Parking:
    • Please note that buses should NOT park in front of the school. Those that have done so in the past get parked in until the end of the Tournament, and cannot get out until everyone else has left. Instead, park in the back of the school in the north lot.
    • Challenge A (Assembly Required) teams can drop off their props by going to the East parking lot. Look for the doors with a large letter “A” on them.
    • Do not park in the center turnaround. This is a Cy-Ride turnaround, and you will be towed away if you park here.
  • Schedule:
    • When you check your schedule, please note that there are 2 performance times: one for the Team Challenge, and one for Instant Challenge. Check-in is 20 minutes before any performance, so give yourself enough time to move from one location to the next.
    • Challenge E (Hold It!) teams have a structure weigh-in time, for a total of 4 scheduled times: Structure Check-in, Team Challenge Check-in, Team Challenge and Instant Challenge.
  • Prop Storage:
    • We are asking Team Managers and Coordinators for their assistance in monitoring Prop Storage. Prop Storage is NOT supervised, so do not leave your valuables unattended. Many teams choose to leave their solution in a vehicle until it is time to perform.
    • If you see something that shouldn’t be happening, please let the Prep Area Appraiser for that Challenge know, or talk to the Challenge Master (identified by a neon-colored safety vest).
  • Challenge B: Since lighting is controlled for this Challenge, once the doors have closed for this performance, no one may enter or exit the performance venue. If you plan to watch this performance, make sure you arrive on time!
  • Things to do during downtime:
    • There will be a photo station somewhere in the Commons, so bring your camera and take a team photo.
    • Your team is encouraged to watch other teams’ performances, since this is a great learning opportunity.
    • Got a restless team? There are games that teams can borrow to keep them occupied. The Games Table is located in the Commons Area. Also, check out the state team packet for some more ideas.
  • No dumping of any part of your solution is allowed. We appreciate being able to use the Ames Middle School facility, and want to insure that we are welcome in the future. Dumping of any part of your solution can be grounds for an Unsportsmanlike Conduct deduction, even after the Tournament is completed.
  • Paperwork: Make sure your team shows up with the appropriate completed paperwork. This is turned in to the Prep Area Appraiser. Team Managers can complete paperwork for elementary teams as long as they write the exact words the team dictates. Middle and high schoolers should complete their own paperwork. It is important that these forms be legible! To insure legibility, take advantage of the fillable forms found in the Resource Area. If you run out of space, type on the back, or attach a second sheet. Keep in mind, however, that Appraisers do not have time to read a novel!
    • All teams: Declaration of Independence (2 copies – one for the Prep Area Appraiser, and one for Instant Challenge Check-in)
    • All teams except projectOUTREACH® (see below) – 5 copies of Tournament Data Form (each Appraiser gets a copy)
    • projectOUTREACH® teams: 6 copies of marketing brochure and 6 copies of Tournament Data Form (each Appraiser gets a copy)
    • All teams – Medical Information Form for each team member (kept by the Team Manager in case of an emergency)
    • All teams except for Challenge D – Expense Report (make sure this is a photocopy, since it will not be returned to you). Also bring copies of receipts in case questions arise about Expense Report.
    • All teams – 5 photocopies of Team Clarifications (if your team asked for any)
  • Things to know:
    • All teams are required to familiarize themselves with Published Clarifications. These clarifications supercede all other rules and can be published ANYTIME.
    • Make sure you review the Tournament policies page. No weapons (real or facsimile) are allowed, and requests for the use of dry ice must be pre-approved by the Tournament Director. Students must be supervised by adults at all times.
  • If you have not already scheduled a dress rehearsal, now is a great time to do so. Please remind audience members that it is Interference for them to provide any kind of constructive feedback. Have your team practice set-up, entering from the left, entering from the right, and having something go wrong (such as having scenery fall down, or a prop being forgotten at home). Remind teams that their solution must fit through a standard doorway.
  • Now is a good time to have the team brainstorm a list of “what if” scenarios in case something goes wrong at the Tournament. Simultaneously, have the team brainstorm a list of items needed for an emergency repair kit.
  • Remind parents and supporters that they may not help students put on makeup and costumes, and that it is the team’s responsibility to make any repairs to their solution. It is the team’s solution!

As always, feel free to contact Judy Nolan, judynolan@aol.com, with your questions.

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Understanding your team’s scores

 team support, tournament  Comments Off
Mar 092012
 

The Sub-state Tournament is behind your team, and the State Tournament is ahead. So, what should your team do to prepare for the next Tournament?

The first order of business is an analysis of your team’s standings. Your team’s Tournament score is comprised of individual components detailing whether your team did an above average, average or fair job. To learn where your team needs to make changes, it’s important to examine your scores very carefully, and to compare them to the Reward Points section of your team’s Challenge.

Raw Score vs. Scaled Score

Let’s start by discussing what the 2 rows of numbers mean that comprise your team’s score. Although there are some exceptions that we’ll get to in a moment, in general the bottom row of numbers is the team’s Raw Scores, or the number of points Appraisers award the team for its performance in the Central Challenge, Team Choice Elements and Instant Challenge. It is important to note that these are preliminary scores. Together, these points add up to a maximum combined 400 points: 300 points for the Team Challenge (240 Central Challenge points + 60 Team Choice Elements points), and 100 points for Instant Challenge. If your team is doing Challenge D, the improvisational Challenge, you have no Team Choice Elements and therefore your Central Challenge alone accounts for three-fourths of your team’s score, or 300 points.

The top row of numbers is your team’s Scaled Scores. What this means is that the preliminary or Raw Scores are turned over to the Score Room, where they are stacked against other teams’ scores in your Challenge and Level, and curved on a scale, much as grades in a typical classroom are curved on a scale. If Team ABC’s Raw Score of 76.75 is the highest Instant Challenge score for its Challenge and Level, for example, then its Scaled Score is 100 points, and all other teams in that Challenge and Level are scored proportionately beneath it.

The significance of the Raw Scores versus the Scaled Scores is that between the two is a narrow time frame when your team can get some initial feedback. Thirty minutes after a team performs its Team Challenge, one Team Manager and one team member may pick up the team’s Raw Scores and discuss them with the Head Appraiser or Challenge Master. If your team has not been doing this, you have missed a great opportunity to learn more about the team’s performance. The official reviews areas of strength and areas where you team may need to improve, asking open-ended questions that the team should take to heart and discuss during a team meeting. The official will not suggest specific ways to improve scoring areas, of course, for this would be Interference. After this meeting, the Raw Scores go to the Score Room for final computerized calculations.

Breakdown of Reward Points

Where you will find your team’s Scaled and Raw Scores can be found in the bulleted list below. Note that the scores correspond directly with the Reward Points section of your team’s Challenge. It is critical that your team examine each column of its scores in relationship to (1) its own Total Scaled Score, and (2) other teams’ individual scoring elements, since this will help your team understand where it would be most impactful to make changes and/or focus additional effort. Point out to your team the pie charts that are in the side column of the Reward Points section of their Challenge. This will help them understand visually the impact of different scoring elements.

Challenge A:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Equipment Score (max. 80 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Scaled Product Design and Usage Score (max. 30 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 4: The top number is the Scaled Order Completion Score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 5: The top number is the Scaled Story Score (max. 30 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 6: The top number is the Scaled Team Choice Elements Score (max. 60 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 7: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Challenges B, C & projectOUTREACH®:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Central Challenge Score (max. 240 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Scaled Team Choice Elements Score (max. 60 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 4: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Challenge D:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Central Challenge Score (max. 300 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Challenge E:

  • Column 1: The top number is the Total Scaled Score (max. 400 points). Below it are deductions (if any).
  • Column 2: The top number is the Scaled Weight Held Ratio (max. 140 points). Below it is the Raw Score, based on the numbers in Column 3.
  • Column 3: The top number is the Total Weight Held by the Structure (in pounds). The bottom number is the Structure Weight (in grams). If you take the top number and divide it by the bottom number, this gives you the Raw Score for Column 2.
  • Column 4: The top number is the combined Scaled Score (max. 100 points) for Element 2 (Design and Creativity of the Golf Ball Delivery Device) and Element 3 (Story). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 5: The top number is the Scaled Team Choice Elements Score (max. 60 points). Below it is the Raw Score.
  • Column 6: The top number is the Scaled Instant Challenge score (max. 100 points). Below it is the Raw Score.

Types of Scores

Teams are awarded Subjective, Objective or Zero Scores for various scoring elements.

An objective score is awarded for fulfilling a specific requirement: If you do this, it is worth X number of points. If it is there, the points are awarded; if it is not, that scoring element receives a Zero Score. Make sure that your team is not losing easy points by missing required elements! Often, objective scores are awarded for problem-solving, i.e., solving a specific task.

Whenever you see a range of points awarded for a scoring element, this is a subjective score that is the result of the Appraisers’ opinions. Subjective scores are usually awarded for creativity, innovation, the Team Choice Elements, and Instant Challenge. Is your team getting the most out of its subjective scoring areas? Let’s examine these areas in more detail.

Creativity and Innovation

In general, anywhere that creativity is scored, the team needs to ask itself: Is our solution really original, innovative, unique, uncommon, or unexpected? Is the team making sure that every element is its OWN solution, rather than being produced by someone else? This could be an Interference issue and result in a deduction, especially at State, where scoring is stricter. In the case of Challenge C, where an Original Soundtrack is required, the team should ask itself: What is original about our Original Soundtrack?

Some Challenges (often the technical ones) call for an innovation score. Innovation is related to complexity of the solution. Ask your team what else it can do to elaborate, or add details. Is there something new the team can research that would result in a different, possibly more complex solution? Often (though not always), higher complexity results in a higher innovation score.

Team Choice Elements

Many teams do not score as highly as they can for their Team Choice Elements. Keep in mind, first of all, that Appraisers can only score what the team describes on its Tournament Data Form. If this information is not detailed enough, then the Appraisers will not have a clear understanding of what they should score. The Appraisers MUST use what the team describes on the Tournament Data Form. If the information is not there, the Appraisers cannot make assumptions about where the team wants them to award points.

Has the team selected the right Team Choice Element, or is there something else that would be a better choice? Make sure that the Team Choice Element is not something that is already being scored elsewhere. If your team’s costumes are a required part of the Challenge, for example, then you should not list them as a Team Choice Element. You may, however, single out one of the costumes because of its special properties; make sure you describe what is special on your Tournament Data Form!

A very important fact to keep in mind is that a Team Choice Element is awarded points in 3 areas, worth 10 points apiece: creativity and originality; quality, workmanship or effort that is evident, and integration into the Performance. Creativity and originality are often apparent when common materials are used in uncommon, unintended or unexpected ways. Quality, workmanship or effort become evident by the details invested in the outcome, by the amount of time it takes to develop the final product, and by the learning that takes place during the process. Integration into the Performance concerns how well the Team Choice Element fits into the story; would the story be the same if this Team Choice Element were not present?

Instant Challenge

A team’s Instant Challenge score is 25 percent of its final score, and often has a huge impact on the overall competitive outcome. Doing well in Instant Challenge is usually the result of practicing often and consistently, and of debriefing after every practice. A team should practice Instant Challenge at every team meeting. Ideally, a balance of different types of Instant Challenges should be included.

Instant Challenges are either task or performance-based, or a combination of the two. Task-based Challenges involve moving, guiding, controlling, building for weight, height and/or strength (or weakness!), modifying, narrowing down choices, or communicating. In contrast, performance-based Challenges require a performance involving a beginning, middle and ending. They may involve props and/or materials, or simply a team’s imagination. Any Instant Challenge may be non-verbal, in whole or in part.

Team Managers should feel free to modify practice Instant Challenges to address a perceived need that a team has. For example, a Team Manager can add or subtract time for a Challenge, remove or add steps, or substitute other materials that are smaller (or larger) in scale than the ones described in a published Instant Challenge. They can require a non-verbal solution, ask the team to split into two parts, remove or add materials, and so on. Have a team member or two sit out and make critical observations. Always debrief your team afterward, asking your team to evaluate itself: What do you think you did well? What could you do better? What would you change the next time around? Don’t be afraid to repeat the same Instant Challenge, requiring a completely different solution the second time around!

Swap out the roles that team members play; in business this is known as cross-training. Do the same with your team, making sure that different people act as facilitator, timekeeper, rules keeper, builder, planner, and so on. The ways in which your team members communicate with each other through these roles is an important part of their teamwork score. Most Instant Challenges have a planning component, when teamwork is evaluated. Keep in mind that a team that cannot be heard can also not be awarded points; do not whisper at any time during Instant Challenge!

A useful exercise is having your team write its own Instant Challenge, which makes them much more aware of the components of Instant Challenge, as well as the problem-solving process.

To best prepare for Instant Challenge, help your team build a library of experiences from which it can draw when faced with Instant Challenge in a competitive situation. At the very least, your team will feel more comfortable in dealing with the unexpected if it has practiced Instant Challenge often and regularly. Resources for Instant Challenge are found in cre8iowa’s Instant Challenge Library, as well as in the Destination ImagiNation Resource Area and at ShopDI. Next year, make sure your team attends cre8iowa’s annual Instant Challenger workshop.

Advancing to the Next Level

In moving from one Tournament level to the next, all teams are expected to evaluate how they did previously, set new goals and modify their solutions. The best teams often triple the level of complexity between the Sub-state and State Tournaments, and triple it again between State and Global Finals Tournaments. We are looking forward to seeing the results of that process!

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