Destination Imagination is a creative problem-solving program that is 100% student-driven, focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), fine arts, and service learning. Each season, teams are given new and engaging Team Challenges to encourage students to explore their passions, discover their unique talents and abilities, collaborate with their peers, and learn new skills.
The Destination Imagination CY Bison Team worked to solve the piece-by-piece technical challenge for this year’s competitions. This challenge requires students to create a ten-piece puzzle that must be assembled using equipment designed and built by the team during an eight-minute performance.
Incorporating their appreciation for Wyoming, the team centered the theme of their project around Yellowstone National Park and the iconic Bison. Choosing to create a puzzle replication of a Bison skeleton, the team utilized their skill sets in design and engineering to build their individual equipment pieces to assemble their project, including an electromagnetic crane with a hydraulic claw that picks up each portion of the skeleton and fits it into place on the set.
After excelling in the state competition, the team set its sights on Globals. “It’s just crazy and exciting to be going to Destination Imagination Globals, and I’m excited to get more experience. I love Destination Imagination because you just put a bunch of your imaginations together to create whatever you want for the challenge,” shared Nataleah, 7th-grade, CYMS student. As the excitement for the competition builds, team member Ethan is looking forward to building connections with other students from around the world, “It is a great opportunity to meet amazing people. There are people from all over the world; like last year, I got to have really great conversation with a man from Brazil, and it is just a really cool experience.”
CY Middle School is committed to educational excellence through focusing on school and district strategic plans, emphasizing high expectations for student learning; engaging students in 21st Century skills; celebrating achievement, and creating a safe and healthy environment.
Great work, Cyclones!