By: Alexandra Schoenherr, EfTA Communications Intern
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Twenty-one teams of remarkably driven student problem-solvers from Conroe ISD competed at the Destination Imagination Global Finals this year.
Teams were comprised of two to seven students representing 10 different schools within CISD including the Academy of Science and Technology, David Elementary, Collins Intermediate, Coulson Tough Elementary, Cox Intermediate, Galatas Elementary, Knox Jr. High, McCullough Jr. High, Mitchell Intermediate School, and The Woodlands High School.
Global Finals is a culminating tournament for the teams qualified in Destination Imagination’s Challenge Experience. The Challenge Experience is a program designed for Pre-K, K-12, and university students to solve STEAM challenge questions designed to enhance their creative and critical thinking skills.
“Our challenges are open-ended, allowing teams to express themselves creatively and take full ownership of their solutions,” said in a comment published on the Destination Imagination website. “Challenges are designed to teach the creative process–a system of learning that is at the root of innovation and a child’s ability to bring an idea to life.”
To qualify for the Global Finals, teams had to create a solution to one of the six fields of challenges (Technical, Scientific, Fine Arts, Improvisational, Engineering, Service Learning, or Early Learning), and rank at their affiliate tournament to receive the qualification required for accepting an invitation to the Global Finals. Teams are required to present their solution live at the tournament teaching participants the importance of perseverance and working together to navigate challenges.
“I have witnessed shy students find their voice, watched creative sparks ignite into innovative solutions, and seen young people learn to collaborate, persevere, and think beyond conventional boundaries,” said Christina Reichelt. “The skills our participants have developed–creative thinking, teamwork, resilience, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges–will serve them well throughout their lives.”
Out of the 21 teams who competed from CISD 13 teams placed in the top 10 in the world, three teams finished with the highest Instant Challenge scores, and two teams received special awards.