DeKALB – A total of 120 teams of problem-solving young minds from across the state will compete Saturday at the Illinois Destination Imagination Affiliate Tournament at Northern Illinois University’s Wirtz Hall.
The competition will allow elementary, junior high and high school students to take part in creative, hands-on challenges related to science, technology, engineering and math, and fine arts. Winning teams will advance to the Global Finals in May at the University of Tennessee.
Amy Jo Clemens, assistant director of NIU’s Center for P-20 Engagement, said in a news release that student competitions in academic areas are as valuable for children as athletics.
“When students start competing against other teams and move into an organized program like Destination Imagination, they are building their skills beyond the classroom, meeting other students with like interests and meeting professionals who will help support and grow them into their career area,” Clemens said.
The tournament starts at 8 a.m. with check-in at Wirtz Hall. Volunteers will be on hand to guide participants and spectators to the various challenges.
In addition to the competitions, Destination Imagination participants and their families will have the opportunity to explore the NIU campus and witness some of the STEM opportunities at the university. Tours of the NIU Engineering Building will begin at 1 p.m., and a STEM demonstration show will take place at 5 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center.
The tournament is free and open to the public. For information, visit www.destinationimagination.org.