Each year, five new Team Challenges are written by a board of writers for the program, known as challenge DIvelopers . Generally, there is a challenge that relates to each of the following areas:
Each challenge includes aspects of each of these. The Team Challenge requires that the team write a skit of up to eight minutes in length (or six minutes for improvisational or nonverbal challenges) that creatively presents the solution to a problem presented in the challenge explanation. The goal of the challenge is that the team develops a solution that is integrally tied into the creative skit. Points are awarded not only for completing the challenge's requirements, but also for creativity, teamwork, and performance. Only registered team members can help with the challenge.
For most team challenges, up to 240 points (over half of the total score) are based on the Team Challenge, and another 60 points are given for two team-chosen stylistic elements (called side trips) of the presentation (e.g. costumes, props, music, etc).
Improv Challenges vary from the norm somewhat, requiring team members to select skit elements (some pre-researched, some not) and create a skit in 30 minutes of "StuDIo" time. They then present their skit, which is limited to 8 minutes in length. This type of challenge diverges from the traditional script writing and acting to focus on quick thinking and team work. This segment is worth 300 points and does not feature side trips.
The following links are extremely helpful when preparing for and completing the Team Challenge portion of Destination Imagination:
Tech Advice
We strongly encourage any teams participating in a technical challenge (or any challenge with a technical aspect) to go through the information included in this Powerpoint presentation
HowStuffWorks
This website answers questions about how just about anything works and can be very helpful when using a technical or scientific concept to solve any aspect of your team challenge.
More links and additional advice to be added later!