These were the Challenges in 2013-2014:
Technical: Dig In
Your team has searched high and low and it seems like there’s nowhere to go. Now it’s time to Dig In and get to the Object(ive). Are you in, or are you out?
Points of Interest
– Design and build equipment to detect objects in their hiding places.
– Use team designed and built equipment to take the objects out of their hiding places.
– Move objects across the finish line.
– Create and present a story about a technology that detects things a human cannot sense without help.
Dig In Challenge Clarifications
Scientific: Going To Extremes
Have you ever been inside a volcano? What about a hydrothermal vent? I hear the top of Mt. Everest is lovely this time of year! Quick, grab your gear because we are Going to Extremes.
Points of Interest
– Explore an Extreme Environment that exists in our universe.
– Present a Story about characters who adapt to survive in the Extreme Environment.
– Design and create Extreme Gear that is demonstrated by using Technical Methods.
– Design and create a depiction of the Extreme Environment.
Going to Extremes Challenge Clarifications
Structural: The Tension Builds
Two forces. One structure. Will your team rally to prevent destruction OR crumble under the pressure?
Points of Interest
– Build a structure that will be tested against two forces at the same time.
– Design a prop that will be assembled during your presentation. The prop’s parts must fit completely inside a measured space.
– Create a story in which tension is a threat to stability and is overcome in some way.
The Tension Builds Challenge Clarifications
Fine Arts: Laugh Art Loud
We all know Mona Lisa smiles, but can you make her giggle? Maybe, if you’re really good, you’ll even make her Laugh ART Loud.
Points of Interest
– Research works of art created by artists who were born in a nation other than the team’s own.
– Theatrically present a comic strip that is based on a work of art created by the artist from the nation.
– Create three live comic strip panels.
– Create an ARTifact that is inspired by the work of art.
– Design and create a Caption Contraption for one of the comic strip panels.
Laugh Art Loud Challenge Clarifications
Improvisational: Pandemonium
When the past meets the present, you’ve got to MAKE IT WORK. Why? It’s Pandemonium!
Points of Interest
– Create an original five-minute Improvisational Skit
– Develop the interaction between a character from the past and a contemporary character.
– Show how those characters work, using the time period, their occupations and skills, to deal with Pandemonium.
– Use stage makeup to create, develop, and/or enhance one skit character.
Pandemonium Challenge Clarifications
Service Learning: Pitch & Play
OKAY. Here are the rules of the game. Find a community need and put the pieces together. Will you pass or will you play?
Points of Interest
– Use the creative process to identify and select at least one real community need.
– Design and carry out a Project that addresses the real community need.
– Use Play to meet the goal(s) of the Project.
– Use a team-created Elevator Pitch to enlist at least one Community Partner.
– The team will create a live Presentation that features the Project.
Pitch & Play Challenge Clarifications
Early Learning
The circus is coming! The circus is coming! Under the direction of your team’s Ringmaster, you’ll need to find your balance and act it out.
Points of Interest
– Use the creative process to identify and select at least one real community need.
– Design and carry out a Project that addresses the real community need.
– Use Play to meet the goal(s) of the Project.
– Use a team-created Elevator Pitch to enlist at least one Community Partner.
– The team will create a live Presentation that features the Project.