WELCOME

What is Odyssey of the Mind

• OM is not a destination; it is a JOURNEY• Teaches divergent, independent thinking• Uses classroom skills to solve complex

problems• Iowa Core Curriculum & 21st Century

Skills Friendly• Encourages STEM thinking• Team developed and

directed

21st Century Skills• employability skills• financial literacy • technology literacy • civic literacy• critical thinking • problem solving • collaboration • leadership • agility and adaptability • effective oral and written communication• accessing and analyzing information• curiosity and imagination

STEM Oriented

Odyssey of the Mind—A World Language (partial list of countries)

• Argentina• Australia• Belarus• Canada• China• Czech Republic• DoDDs Europe• Germany• Greece• India

• Hong Kong• Hungary• Japan• Kazakhstan• Lithuania• Mexico• Moldova• Philippines• Poland• Russia

• Singapore• Slovakia• South Korea• United Kingdom• United States• Uzbekistan

Become part of the World Odyssey

World FinalsNearly 8000 teams at 2012 World Finals

Buddy TeamsHome Stays Following World Finals Available whether or not you

compete at World Finals3-5 daysApply Early

European Festivals

The Odyssey Process

• Teams of students under the guidance of a coach, pool their diverse talents to find innovative solutions

Problems may involve:--building mechanical devices such as robots or balsa wood structure that hold weight or spring driven cars or --giving the teams own portrayal of classical literature or civilizationsor--inventing a whole new world

Who runs Odyssey of the Mind?

• Presented by Creative Competition Inc throughout the World.

• Volunteer-driven programWorld Finals will have 400-500 volunteersIowa uses 100 to 200 volunteers a year

• Everyone gives of their time – NO ONE in Iowa is paid. – 100% of $ goes back into program.

How do children participate?• Memberships from schools, civic non-profit

organizations and home school associations

• Memberships no more than $135.00– $51.00 rebated back to states

• Up to 15 teams/membership depending on school

• State Tournament Fees and Judge– $50.00/team for State Tournament– Teams provide a trained

judge AND a volunteer

Competition is within Divisions

Based on the team member in the highest grade

• Division 1-every team member 5th grade or less• Division 2-at least one team member 6th through

8th grade• Division 3-at least one team member 9th

through 12th grade• Division 4-all team members high

school grads and taking at

least one post high school course

Primary—(non-competitive) K-grade 2

Memberships and TeamsA membership may send one team in each long-term problem

per division in their school to State FinalsK-5 School up to 5 division 1 teams + unlimited primary teams

K-8 School up to 5 division 1 + 5 division 2 teams + unlimited primary teams

5-8 School up to 5 division 1 and 5 division 2 teams

K-12 School up to 5 division 1, 5 div 2 and 5 div 3 teams + unlimited primary

9-12 Schools up to 5 division 3 teams

Memberships and Teams

Community non-profit memberships can field one team per problem per division

The purchase of additional (2nd, 3rd, ….)membership allows more teams to participate in the same problemand same division (Team A, Team B, etc.).

Teams Compete in Three Areas

Long term problem solvingSpontaneous problem solvingStyle

Long Term Problem Solving

Vehicular

Technical

Classical

Structure

Performance

Primary (non-competitive)

Spontaneous Problem Solving

• Day of Tournament

• Limited Solution Time

• Each competing team given the same problem

Style• Part of Long Term Problem Solution• Costumes, props, music, art and other creative

performance elements• Long term is the “how” - Style is the “Wow”• Provides the Pizzazz!

Long Term Problem

• Costs Limits $125.00--$145.00– Cannot buy solution– Only materials used in actual presentation count– Misc, basement, Goodwill, dumpster=garage sale $– Some items exempt from cost (see program guide)Generally several months work

• May start over more than once• Don’t start solving the problem too soon• The solution is only as good as the initial idea!• Don’t hesitate to write for clarifications• IN GENERAL… if it doesn’t say you can’t do it…

YOU CAN!

Prob. 1: Pet Project

• The team’s problem is to design, build and run three vehicles from different areas and through obstacles to deliver

• parts that will be assembled into a pet animal. Each vehicle will be propelled differently and will make at least three

• trips to deliver parts into an Assembly Area. The team will develop signals to let the audience know which vehicle will

• run next. Once assembly is completed, the pet animal will perform a trick or be part of a trick. The team will create a

• theme for the presentation that includes the delivery of the parts and the animal.” situation will cause the vehicle to travel in reverse.

Problem No. 2: The Email Must Go Through

• The problem is to create and present an original performance that includes a tangible representation of messages

• sent by email. A Sender character will create and send three emails to one or more Receiver characters. Each of the

• messages will pass through an email network server and be sorted in a SPAM filter before being transported to its

• final destination. One email message will require a return receipt from the Receiver, one will include a work of art as

• an attachment, and one will be diverted to an offbeat location.

Prob. 3: Classics...ARTchitecture: The Musical

• The problem is to create and present an original performance that includes a replica of a classic architectural structure

• that was built between 1000 AD and 1600 AD. The performance will include three works of art that “disappear”

• and two characters that go on a quest to find them. When the works of art are found, they will be incorporated into the

• replica. The performance must also include two songs that are accompanied by choreographed movement.

Problem No. 4: Tumble Wood• The team’s problem is to design and build a single structure,

with all components connected, using only balsa wood• and glue. The structure will be featured in a team-created

commercial and tested by being released down a ramp so it• drops onto the floor and travels partially across it, and is

then transported to the tester without the team touching it.• Once the structure is resting in place on the tester, the team

will test it by balancing and supporting as much weight• as possible on it. The structure will be scored for traveling

across a scoring line and for how much weight it holds. The• placement of the weights onto the structure will be

integrated into the team’s performance

Problem No. 5: It’s How You Look At It

The problem is to create and present an original humorous performance that includes two main characters with differentodd behaviors. One scene will establish the “normal” behavior of one character that, at a different time, finds itselfamong others who think the behavior is odd. The second character’s behavior also appears in a scene where itsbehavior is considered odd, but this character will end up in a situation where the same behavior is considered normal.The performance will also include a meter that indicates the degree of odd and normal behavior and a creativescene change.

INTRODUCTION

THE PROBLEM

LIMITATIONS

SITE, SETUPCOMPETITION

SCORING

PENALTIES

STYLE

TOURNAMENTDIRECTOR

WILL PROVIDE

TEAM WILLPROVIDE

The Parts of a Long-Term ProblemThe Parts of a Long-Term Problem

How is Odyssey of the Mind Scored?

Long Term Problem up to 200 points calculated

Spontaneous up to 100 points calculated

Style up to 50 points calculated

Long Term Score + Spontaneous Score + Style Score=Champion for the Division of the Problem

Individual Scores Mean LITTLE

High Scores or low scores don’t indicate much

A team can finish below 1st Place and still win

Raw Calc Raw Calc Raw Calc Total

Team A

133 200 38 42 95 42.2 284.2 3rd Tie

Team B

126 189 40 43 195 86.7 328.7 1st

Team C

115 173 45 50 160 71.1 294.0 2nd

Team D

95 143 38 42 225 100 285.0 3rd Tie

Long Term Style Spontaneous

Scoring Examples

Spontaneous Problems

Spontaneous problems come in three types:

• Verbal – requires verbal responses

• Hands on – requires manipulation of materials Scored on solving the problem and many times how well they work

as a team in solving the problem

• Verbal/Hands on (Hybrid) – combines verbal

and hands on components

Spontaneous Problems

PRACTICE…PRACTICE…PRACTICE

Spontaneous Problems (cont)

• Practice lots of different types.• Do at least two spontaneous problems each time the

team meets.– Start your meetings with them

• Critique the team’s spontaneous process • There is NO OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE IN SPONTANEOUS• Have each team member specialize in something.• Fall back plans ….• Brainstorm ways to get “unstuck”• Involve parents

Spontaneous Problems (cont)Let’s look at a Verbal Problem

Style !Elaboration of the Long-Term Problem Shows what team is particularly excited or proud ofPresented during Long-Term presentationWhat makes the presentation really shine? Place for the team to showcase strengths & talents. - artistic design, music, songs, choreography, construction,

creative use of materials, humor, rhymeAlways scored Subjectively2 Mandatory Items (all teams in a problem)2 Team Selected Items Overall effect of the other 4

BE VERY SPECIFIC

Do it with Style !

Style Form• four copies for Staging Judge

• adds to the Long-term problem

• relates to the theme of solution

• showcase of team’s strengths

• can not be items already scored as part of Long-Term

• Categories -2 Specific Scoring Elements

- 2 Free Choice Elements- Overall Effect

• be very specific

Style Form

Visual effectiveness of Hamlet’s conscience character

Creativity of how the required information is displayed on the membership sign

Unique Features

• Cost limit for solution

• Outside assistance is PROHIBITED

• Coaches facilitate, but MAY NOT help solve the problem

• Requires the use of skills learned in the formal classroom setting

• Stretches the mind• Problems can be solved successfully on several

levels• Teaches teamwork• Teaches respect for others and their opinions• Sponsored by NASA

Outside Assistance

• Teams MUST conceive, design, construct and present their solution

• External help is termed OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE• The solution is the TEAM’S design, their work, their

presentation and their score• Team is responsible – NOT the Coach• Adults MAY teach skills—NOT Solutions• Hands on for kids-HANDS OFF FOR ADULTS

– Make parents aware of this rule

SCENARIO For a Division I team: A parent plugs in a power tool for one of the students as it is a rule in their house that no children are allowed to plug in any appliance.QUESTION: Is it outside assistance (OA) for any non-team member to plug in a power tool that the team uses to complete their solution to the problem?ANSWER: No, the only prohibition against this would be if it were done during the timed competition period. The parent may not use the power tool to work on the problem solution at anytime.

SCENARIO: A team decided they will revolve their skit around a CELL theme. The coach gives them a homework assignment to come up with all of the words they could with CELL in them like CELLophane, CELLular Phone, etc.QUESTION: Is it OA for a coach to give a homework assignment that gets the kids to think morecreatively about an initial idea that they came up with? ANSWER: Although the coach should not give any examples, the assignment is one of the types of things the coach should do.

SCENEREO: A team is competing and the coach is sitting in the audience.

QUESTION: Is it OA if the coach gets involved in the solution and signals (either intentionally or unintentionally) for a team member to speak louder or to move further to one side of the stage?

ANSWER: This is definitely OA. Regardless if the coach meant to give signs or not, any communications between the coach (or other audience member) is considered OA. If a coach or parent can not sit still during the performance they should either sit on their hands or leave the competition site.

So What is the Coaches Role?• Enjoy and be amazed at what your team does• Schedule• Facilitate• Teach• Ask Questions• Assist teams to develop timelines• Spontaneous Practice• Forms• Go-fer• Snack Organizer• Friend and Mentor

What Parents and “Others” Can & Cannot Do

Can Do:Transport the team to buy thingsTransport and haul propsTeach Skills

Sewing…Woodworking…Art…Calligraphy…Electronics…Welding…Principals of simple machine

Provide snacksHelp with SpontaneousOpen garages, attics, etc for “things”EncouragementPlace to meet/store propsApplaud A LOT and help get props offstage after the team is done.Ask questions

Cannot Do:Suggest what to buySuggest what skills they need to useGive the team ANY ideas for their solutionsDo anything to contribute to the team’s

problem solution Analyze why something failedExpect perfection from the solutionSuggest what materials you might have in

the attic/basementFix anything that breaksCriticize any part of the solutionPut emphasis on scores instead of funCriticize the ways the judges scoreShow poor sportsmanship

What is needed to Help Solve their Problem

2012-2013 Program Guide

The Problem

Clarifications

Clarifications

CLICK

www.odysseyofthemind.com

PENALTIESPenalties prevent teams from bending or breaking the rules, creating a safety hazard, interfering with other teams, delaying competition, or misbehaving.Judges DO NOT Look for PenaltiesSpirit of the Problem – To prevent teams from circumventing the rules (-1 to -100 Points).Unsportsmanlike Conduct - Impairing another team’s solution, disruptive behavior, inappropriate language, damage to facilities (-1 to -100 points).Outside Assistance – Help from anyone including the audience. Teams should not encourage audience participation (-1 to 200 points).Incorrect/Missing Membership Sign – -1 to -15 points.Over Cost Limit – Materials over cost limit (-1 to -100 points)Over Time Limit – For each 10 seconds or fraction thereof (-5 points). Problems 3 & 5 ONLY.

Penalties

HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Step 1. Read the Problem (read at every meeting) Go through each section of the problem carefully. Make sure each participant understands what is required & understands each word. Understand how each of the parts interact. Figure out the requirements and scoring for the problem. Where are the points?

Step 2. Brain-Storm Possible Solutions Generate lots of ideas (keep track of them on paper, chalkboard, or whiteboard) Don’t evaluate ideas yet… just list them Don’t worry about the details Encourage wild, creative solutions….hitchhiking is always good

Step 3. Refine and Evaluate Ideas (Meetings 4-6) Which ideas does the team like best? Discuss and evaluate ideas, but don’t criticize.

How many trees do you plant? Modify ideas to make them better. Select a preliminary solution.

How to Solve the Problem

HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM (cont.)

Step 4. Determine Tasks & Timeline What types of tasks, skills, props, contraptions are needed? Who and how will you do these things? Determine a basic time-line for completing the solution. Continue to evaluate the solution and refine/revise as needed. Do the items decided upon fit the problem specifications? READ THE PROBLEM!

Step 5. Begin Construction (probably not before meetings 6 ) Start building things and writing a script. Evaluate new ideas as they arise. Test the solution. Does it work? Can it be made to work better? Revise/refine (continuously) and as necessary. READ THE PROBLEM!

How to Solve the Problem…

Your Final Result is ONLY as good as the initial IdeaDON’T HURRY IDEAS

HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM (cont.)

Step 6. Put it Together (At least one month before State) As props and tasks near completion, or are completed, test them out. Continue to refine/revise. Does it work? Is there a better way? Does the proposed solution still fit the problem? What things need to be fixed or added? READ THE PROBLEM!

Step 7. Finish it Up and Practice Celebrate major accomplishments as they happen. Test things out… do they work? Can they work better? Practice the whole presentation. Timing. Can they explain how they did it? Look for problem spots. What happens if something goes wrong? Develop a contingency plan. READ THE PROBLEM!

First Meeting Meet with team (and parents) to explain program and set team goals. Discuss the process, give dates. Go over the time commitment and responsibility of being on the team. Stress regular attendance at meetings. Explain outside assistance. Review behavioral expectations. Talk about difference between “winning” and “succeeding.” Set a meeting schedule – check for family conflicts. Find out Parental Talents and desires to participate

Second Meeting Incorporate team-building activity. Discuss working as a group. All ideas are valid. Review brainstorming rules (no put-downs)! Explain spontaneous. Practice several at every meeting. Read the long-term problem synopses if you haven’t picked a problem. Talk about skills and interests of team members and group. Do you need people? Decide who will do what. Develop team rules.

First Five Odyssey of the Mind Meetings

(adjust to age and experience of students)

Schedule for the First Five OOTM Meetings

First Five Meetings (continued)

Third Meeting Incorporate team-building activity Brainstorm how group can be a successful team Practice spontaneous Have team decide on Long-term problem – debate - build consensus Distribute 2 copies of problem and read the problem Brainstorm on possible solutions to long term problem

Number of team members is set when you start talking solutions

Fourth Meeting Incorporate team-building activity Practice spontaneous Read the problem Brainstorm long term problem solutions and skills needed to solve problem

Fifth Meeting Continue team-building Continue spontaneous practice Read the problem Brainstorm list of tasks to accomplish and timeline Assign tasks and discuss team member responsibility

First Five Meetings Continued …

Material Value (Cost) Form

• one copy for Staging Judge

• includes everything used during the LT & Style PRESENTATION

• doesn’t include items not used during actual presentation

• garage sale value for used items

• combine value of small items

• exemptions (see Program Guide)

• be “creative” in acquiring materials, the art of scavenging

• cardboard & duct-tape

• even “donations” have value

Materials Value Form

Outside Assistance Form• one copy for Staging Judge

• only 7 members can contribute

to problem solution

• coaches are facilitators

• coaches can assist Division I teams in filling out forms, but must use team’s own words

• if OA did occur, list on form, may result in a penalty

• penalty is proportional to amount and type of help given

Outside Assistance Form

Tournaments

Odyssey of the Mind tournaments are held in the spring of each year around the world at various levels• Local • Regional • State / Provincial / Country • World Finals

These tournaments provide an opportunity for teams to presenttheir creative solutions and to be judged against the problem criteria. Although the event is a competition, it is also meantto be a time for the teams to be rewarded and to have FUN!

Tournaments

Complete Team Registration and send in $50.00 before Feb 24

Find a Judge and a volunteerJudge Available all day—will probably not get to see your teamVolunteer Available for 1-3 hours—will probably get to see team

• At State Final (Scheman Bldg. Iowa State University)• Check in team at Registration Desk—First Floor• Long Term and Spontaneous Competition

Staging AreaTime Keeper/AnnouncerSignal End of PresentationPick Up Scores (approx 30 minutes after Long Term)

• Closing and Awards Ceremonies 4:30 to 5:00 pm• World Finals Meeting

What Happens before and at the State Tournament?

What Happens at a Tournament?

Pick up your registration package AND look through it

Get your team to the staging area at least 15 minutesbefore your scheduled long term competition time.

Bring your team to the spontaneous holding area 15 minutesprior to their scheduled spontaneous competition time.

Parents and other supporters do not accompany the team to spontaneous.

Take lots of deep breaths…

Enjoy other performances…

Enjoy your team…

Enjoy the day…

Start planning for next year…☺

What Should Coaches Do on Tournament Day ?

What Coaches Should Do on Tournament Day

Odyssey of the Mind Recognition

OMER’s AwardIn recognition of a team or individual who demonstrates outstanding

sportsmanship, exemplary behavior, or exceptional talent

Ranatra FuscaPresented to a team or individual who exhibit exceptional creativity,

either through some aspect of their problem solution, or an extraordinary idea beyond the problem solution. Solution can be

successful or not. Can be in Long Term or SpontaneousWorld Finals Invitation

Tournament Placementdetermined by total score

1st, 2nd and 3rd team in each problem, each division

OOTM Recognition

Read and understand the Problem and Program Guide (especially Chapter 5)

then re-read the problem, then re-read the problem, then re-read the problem, then re-read the problem, then re-read the problem,

then re-read the problem…

Dates You Need to Know• State Tournament: SATURDAY, April 6, 2013

– Iowa State University• Spontaneous Saturday: Sat, Feb 2 (optional)

– Sacred Heart Catholic School, West Des MoinesDON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

• World Finals: May 22-May 25, 2013– Michigan State University, East Lansing

• Judges TrainingDates to be determined (March) Must provide a Judge and if possible a Volunteer

for each teamJudge must attend training. Volunteer does NOT.