These are synopses of the 2009/2010 Challenges.  Please DO NOT attempt to solve the Challenges based on the synopses.  Full copies of the Challenges will be released beginning on September 1, 2009 to schools or teams who have a paid membership.

Challenge A: unidentified moving object – technical

•    Design and build Equipment to move various Materials to and from towering heights
•    Start and end the Presentation with the Equipment contained in a Storage Box
•    Create and present a Sales Promotion highlighting the features of the Equipment
•    Complete all of the above with no AC electrical power

Challenge B: spinning a tale – scientific

•    Research Energy Cycles in the Natural and/or Physical World
•    Develop and present an original three-act Circular Story that demonstrates knowledge about one Energy Cycle of the team’s choice
•    Create a DIcycler that changes as the Story progresses and the acts change
•    Create a Finale that uses your DIcycler to signal the end of your Presentation

Challenge C: triple take road show – fine arts

•    Use three different Storytelling Methods to tell the same story to three team-chosen Pretend Audiences
•    Portray the Travel Methods used to move your Traveling Road Show between different Pretend Audiences
•    Integrate a team-created Technical Spectacle into one presentation to a Pretend Audience

Challenge D: mythology mission – improvisational

•    Create a five-minute Improvisational Skit about a Mission involving a Mythical Creature. This must be done in a five-minute Preparation Time prior to your Presentation at the Tournament.
•    Incorporate research about a Culture from a country
•    Incorporate three Souvenirs randomly selected from the list of items and combine them to create one Master Prop
•    Incorporate an Unexpected Problem that is discovered on stage

Challenge E: verses! foiled again – structural

•    Design and build a Structure made only of Aluminum Foil, Wood and Glue
•    Test how much weight the Structure will hold
•    Present a Story about a character that is Foiled
•    Integrate team-written Verse and published Verse into your Story

Rising Stars: big bug’s bad day – noncompetitive

Calling our youngest creative problem solvers! Your team will:

•    Learn about bugs and how they work with other living things
•    Create a play that tells about Big Bug’s bad day
•    Explore how Big Bug’s friends try to make the day better

Project OutReach: dynamic networks – service-learning

Make a difference in your community! This Challenge has two distinct portions:
•    First, your team will design and carry out a Project to address a real community need and integrate a social network
•    Second, at the Tournament, your team will showcase your Project with an Album and a Presentation, as well as complete an Instant Challenge