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Action Figure Challenge
Summary
This challenge invites you to explore creativity through design and storytelling while learning about Ivy Tech Bloomington. You’ll visit our campus (in person or virtually), create a computer-aided design (CAD) of an articulated action figure inspired by our mascot, and bring your creation to life as the hero of a short graphic novel.
Eligibility
■ Participants must be in 11th or 12th grade and may attend a recognized school or be homeschooled
■ Participants must reside in one of the following Indiana Counties: Brown, Clay, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, Owen, or Vigo
■ This is an individual challenge, so participants must each complete their own unique plan.
The Challenge
Step 1: Visit Ivy Tech Bloomington
Goal: Gain insight into Ivy Tech’s programs, campus culture, and learning environment so your later designs and story accurately reflect the spirit of the Bloomington campus.
What to Do:
1. Visit in person (preferred) or take a virtual tour at ivytech.edu.
2. During your visit, explore academic programs, student spaces, and campus features that stand out to you.
3. Bonus Points: You’ll receive extra credit on your scoring rubric for visiting in person.
4. To schedule your visit, reach out to April Bledsoe at abledsoe29@ivytech.edu.
5. Take notes and photos to use as inspiration for your action figure and graphic novel.
Step 2: Design an Articulated Action Figure
Goal: Demonstrate your ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce a creative, functional, and technically sound design that reflects Ivy Tech’s identity.
What to Do:
1. Design an articulated action figure inspired by the Ivy Tech Bloomington bee mascot (see below).
2. Your design must be created using CAD software.
3. At minimum, arms and legs must move independently from the torso.
4. The figure must be 3D-printable as a single unit—the arms and legs cannot be printed separately and then attached.
5. Think creatively about how your design captures the energy, mission, or personality of Ivy Tech Bloomington.
Step 3: Create a Graphic Novel
Goal: Showcase your creativity, storytelling ability, and understanding of Ivy Tech Bloomington by crafting a story that highlights the campus culture and opportunities.
What to Do:
1. Write and illustrate a short graphic novel featuring your action figure as the main character.
2. Include a scene or sequence set on the Ivy Tech Bloomington campus.
3. Use your story to reflect the spirit, diversity, and innovation of the campus community.
4. You may use digital tools or hand-drawn illustrations, as long as your final work is clear and visually engaging.
Final Product you will submit:
· The following items must be combined into a folder and zipped to submit:
o CAD files of your action figure design.
o Your graphic novel, in PDF or another readable digital format.
o A short biography paragraph and picture of yourself to be used if you are selected as a winner
o The signed waiver (note: if you are under 18, your legal guardian must also sign)
o (Optional Bonus Points): Documentation of your campus visit, including:
§ Date of your visit
§ Photos
§ Name of the person you coordinated with
HOW TO SUBMIT
Due Date: Friday, March 6
Format: Submissions must be made using a gmail account. Please submit your zip file here
Please complete the Use of Image waiver as part of your submission - if you are a minor your parent/guardian must also sign.
If you experience trouble with your submission - please reach out to Sarah Nagy snagy6@ivytech.edu
WINNERS
Winners will be selected by committee and will be announced in April 2026
· First Place: $200 gift card
· 1st through 10th place: A 3D print of your action figure
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