Destination Imagination (DI) is a global educational nonprofit organization that fosters creativity, innovation, and teamwork in students. The STEAM-based challenges are open-ended and enable students to learn and experience the CREATIVE PROCESS while fostering their creativity, curiosity, and courage without adult help or input.
More than 100 teams representing four school districts (Humble, Aldine, Klein, and Tomball) at all grade levels, including 13 Humble ISD teams, competed for one of the top spots. The four advancing Humble ISD teams - from Centennial Elementary, Oaks Elementary, and Woodcreek Middle School - displayed exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork at the North Harris DI regional tournament. Their outstanding performances earned them first or second place in their respective categories, securing their spots in the upcoming Lone Star Finals.
The Humble ISD teams advancing to the Destination Imagination Lone Star Finals are:
DIno-mites - Centennial Elementary - First Place Scientific, led by Heathir Fosher
Create-mates - Centennial Elementary - Second Place Service Learning, led by Heathir Fosher
Soaring Owls - Oaks Elementary - First Place Engineering, led by Christina Michie and Nicole Nixon
WMS Lions - Woodcreek Middle - Second Place Engineering, led by Francisco Zamarripa
Two of these teams also took home special recognition at the February competition:
The DIno-mites from Centennial Elementary were awarded the prestigious Renaissance Award, which is presented to a team that demonstrates extraordinary creativity in their solution or outstanding skill in engineering, design, or performance. The DIno-mites were recognized for showing “outstanding skill in the area of designing their dinosaur casing and puppet. They also applied their research knowledge about carbon-14 dating throughout their presentation. The team was highly competent in being able to both explain and apply the process of nuclear decay and half-life to dating an ancient object.”
The Soaring Owls from Oaks Elementary were awarded the Spirit of DI award, which is given for exceptional Spirit, Teamwork, Volunteerism, and Sportsmanship- those who act as superior role models. “This team had amazing teamwork throughout the whole performance. Their launching integrated perfectly with the story. Each member knew exactly what to do and when to do it. They had fun and so did the appraisers!”
The Lone Star Finals competition will be held in Arlington, where teams from across Texas will compete for top honors and the opportunity to attend the Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri in May. The event will showcase the innovative solutions and creative talents of students as they tackle new challenges and present their solutions to a panel of judges.
The Destination Imagination Lone Star Finals will take place on April 12 and 13, at UT-Arlington in Arlington. For more information about Destination Imagination and the Lone Star Finals, please visit www.texasdi.org.