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Destination ImagiNation in Arizona
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Destination ImagiNation is a worldwide organization that teaches our students to be creative, problem solve and to work as a team. These are qualities that are needed for our world to be innovative in the approach of problem solving and the creation of future success for our world. DI takes our students beyond the traditional linear thinking. This program in a little over 10 years has programs across the United States and in more than 30 countries. DI was all 50 states expect six states and Arizona was of those six states. We are so excited that this opportunity is available to our students here in Arizona.
Destination ImagiNation coming to Arizona is an excellent opportunity for our students to gain the skills offered by this organization. Creative Problem Solving changes the way our students will think. They will no longer hold fast to the simple linear thinking. This thing will not allow them to be creative; it only creates limits and constraints.
Destination ImagiNation creates “hands-on” and “minds-on” experiences for the students. The academics are based on national educational standards. The focus of the student teams are:
• Technical/Mechanical Design
• Scientific Exploration
• Theatrical/Literacy/Fine Arts
• Improvisation
• Structural/Architectural Design
• Service Learning/Youth Empowerment
The team’s areas vary so there is an area for every student’s interest. This variety encourages our students’ personal development. This program allows our students to develop practical skills for education as well as life long learning.
We had the opportunity to speak with Arizona’s State Leader of Destination ImagiNation Kathleen Bethel. She stated “Destination ImagiNation is just what our children here in Arizona need. With the increased attention on testing, meeting the standards, and school labels, our children our no longer being provided with enough opportunities to actually solve problems in a creative manner and work as a team. These are the very 21 Century Skills that their future employers not only desire – but require! Destination ImagiNation incorporates all parts of the brain and blends students’ talents from a variety of areas such as Structural Engineering, Science, Fine Arts, Community Service Projects, Technology and Theater Arts. DI Challenges allow a child to not only develop skills in an area that they have never explored before but also shine in the areas that they already love. It is a perfect blend.”
The current corporate sponsors are 3M Corporation, the National Dairy Council, SyFy, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The past sponsors are Federal Express, Best Buy, Velcro USA, and Bank America.
The skills that our students will gain in Destination ImagiNation are life changing. The state tournament and will be held here in Arizona at the University of Arizona on April 10th 2010. Then the first place winners will go to the Global Finals in Tennessee in May.
This is a great opportunity for our students to learn here is the link to start your team http://www.IDODI.org.
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