Challenges
Pick Your Challenge
Every DI season, teams choose one of seven open-ended STEAM challenges. They have the entire season to develop a solution — with no outside interference.
What is a Team Challenge?
Each year, Destination Imagination releases a new set of Team Challenges across seven categories. Nebraska teams select one challenge and spend the season building, creating, writing, engineering, or performing their solution. At tournaments, they present their solution to trained appraisers — and face an Instant Challenge they've never seen before.
Technical Challenge
Teams design, build, and test a technical device or structure that solves a specific engineering problem. Creativity and innovation are rewarded alongside technical execution.
Scientific Challenge
Teams explore a scientific concept and create a presentation that combines research, experimentation, and creative storytelling to communicate their findings.
Fine Arts Challenge
Teams create and perform an original theatrical production that incorporates visual art, music, or other fine arts elements into their solution.
Improvisational Challenge
Teams create and perform an original, humorous skit that incorporates surprise elements revealed at the tournament. Quick thinking and teamwork are essential.
Engineering Challenge
Teams design and build a structure or device that must meet specific performance requirements, balancing strength, weight, and creative design.
Service Learning Challenge
Teams identify a community need and develop a creative, sustainable solution that makes a real difference — then present their impact at competition.
Early Learning Challenge
Designed for Pre-K through Grade 2, this noncompetitive challenge introduces young learners to the DI Creative Process through play, exploration, and imagination.
Instant Challenge
At every Nebraska DI tournament, teams also face an Instant Challenge — a surprise task they must complete on the spot with no preparation. Instant Challenges test quick thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving under pressure. They're a core part of every team's score.
Performance-based
Teams act out a scene, create a story, or perform a task on the spot.
Task-based
Teams build something using limited materials in a short time window.
Combination
A mix of performance and task elements — the most common type at tournaments.
Ready to Choose Your Challenge?
Registration is open for the 2026–2027 season. Teams have until their Regional Tournament to develop and present their solution.