Seekonk Team Tops at Destination ImagiNation Regionals

A group of fifth-grade students from Aitken Elementary in Seekonk took first place in the Destination ImagiNation Challenge at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School on March 16. 

In only their second year as a team, they will be moving on to compete in the State Tournament in Worcester.  The group consists of Amelia Biggs, Henry Jordan, Eli Morrison, Gabe Ramos, and James Tenreiro, led by their Team Manager, Cristy Ramos. 

Destination Imagination is an educational program where student teams solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. In working to solve the challenges, teams learn important life skills like time management, collaboration, conflict resolution, and creative and critical thinking.

The challenges focus on a variety of areas including the arts, science, technology, engineering, and math.  The Seekonk team chose to compete in a challenge titled “Twist-O-Rama.”   The team had to build a structure made of glue, cardboard, tape and other materials from an official list.  The structure was then tested by holding increasing amounts of weight and being hit from the side to see if it could withstand the impact. 

The second part of the challenge involved writing and performing a short play.  Members had to write the script, create props, design costumes, and perform at the competition. 

Teams also had the added pressure of solving an instant challenge during the competition.  All challenges are completed by students independently, without help or prompting from parents or the team manager.  Teams are appraised on areas including results, teamwork, presentation, creativity and innovation.