Hollister Elementary Students Finish First in Tournament Showcasing Creativity, Innovation | School Zone – Noozhawk.com

Two teams from Hollister Elementary placed first in their challenges in the Destination Imagination Central Coast Regional Tournament held Feb. 22. at Arroyo Grande High School.

Team Recycling Bins placed first in improv. Team ¼ + ⅘ placed first in the engineering challenge. In finishing first, each team qualified to attend Destination Imagination (DI) California State Tournament in April in Riverside.

The Destination Imagination Regional Tournament is an innovative event in which students from area schools present their creative solutions to a number of mind-bending STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) challenges.

Team Recycling Bins improvised an entertaining skit about a randomly provided conundrum, a super villain power and underwhelming superhero power. Team ¼ + ⅘ created a bridge over an obstacle using playing cards and duct tape.

The students impressed the judges with a sturdy structure and integrated the engineering challenge with a cohesive and humorous drama around how tinies and giants interact with each other.

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For several months the teams met weekly with their coach Mike Estrella to prepare and practice for their challenges and additional contests called Instant Challenges that went into their total score.

“[I am] proud and fortunate to work with such a smart and talented group of good natured kids” Estrella said.

“It was super fun and I’m proud of both of our teams.” said team member Malina Murray.

“The best part about DI is learning different ways to solve challenges with my friends.” said team member Ollie Estrella.

Founded in 1982, Destination Imagination, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. DI is a leader in project-based learning experiences, where students work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM and service learning challenges and then present their solutions at tournaments.

To learn more, visit http://destinationimagination.org.