There are 6 new STEAM Challenges to choose from each year. Teams pick a challenge and spend the months of September-March prepping a solution. Their solution is worth 75% of their total score. Challenges fall under the following categories:
- Technical Challenge
- Engineering Challenge
- Scientific Challenge
- Fine Arts Challenge
- Service Learning Challenge
- Improvisational Challenge
On the day of the competition, team members must think under pressure and apply appropriate skills to produce a solution to an unknown challenge in 8 minutes or less. Instant Challenges may be task-based (building or creating something), performance-based (acting out something), or a combination of the two. Instant Challenges are kept secret until the day of the tournament and are worth 25% of the team’s overall score.
What’s the commitment for being a member of the team? Interested students must:
- attend weekly meetings after school until 5:00 and at one Saturday each month (dates TBD based on team member availability). As the competition nears, teams may need to meet more frequently
- remain eligible. Eligibility will be checked weekly. In order to be considered eligible, students must meet the requirements as outlined in the BAMS Student Handbook
- demonstrate consistent adherence to the schoolwide rules and be a good role model for peers.
- have a strong record of school attendance
- be able to travel to the state competition in March and travel to Kansas City, Missouri in May for Global Finals (should their team win at states)
Interested in joining DI? Look for an announcement during the first few weeks of school. Depending on advisor availability, participation may need to be limited. If you’re an adult interested in STEAM and would like more information about managing a team, send Mrs. Wynkoop an email at jwynkoop@basd.net.
