A group of sixth-grade students from Hurley Middle School in Seekonk took first place in the Destination ImagiNation Challenge at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School on March 15th. This is the second year in a row that the team has come in first at regionals. The group will now be moving on to compete in the State Tournament in Worcester. The group consists of Amelia Biggs, Henry Jordan, Eli Morrison, Isabella Paterson, and James Tenreiro, led by their Team Managers, Cheryl Morrison and Amy Tenreiro.
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 “The Tension Builds.” The team had to build a structure made only of natural wood, glue, and fishing line. The structure was then tested by holding increasing amounts of weight. By the end, their 2-ounce structure held over 300 pounds.
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The second part of the challenge involved writing and performing an eight-minute 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 managers. Teams are appraised on areas including results, teamwork, presentation, creativity and innovation.
