NJ ODYSSEY O

F THE MIND

P R O G R A M I NF O S

E S S I ON

WHAT IS ODYSSEY OF THE MINDInternational Problem-Solving Competition

founded in 1978 in Glassboro, NJ

Program Premises… Creativity is a learned skill Focus on divergent (rather than convergent) thinking Team based (students from K-college) “Friendly” competitive environment

It’s FUN!!!

COMPONENTS OF THE COMPETITIONThere are 3 components to a team’s score at

a tournament: Long Term Problems Style Spontaneous

In NJ, there are two levels of competition: 2 Regional Tournaments (March) State Finals Tournament (April)

Teams placing 1st or 2nd at State Finals advance to the World Finals

tournament!

LONG TERM & STYLELong Term Problem: the challenge on which

teams base their solutions Contains objectives, limitations, and requirements Outlines scoring categories Team preparation for several months prior to a competition Team presents solution in an 8-minute skit

5 competitive Long Term Problems each year:

Vehicle – Technical – Classics – Structure – Performance

Non-competitive Primary program for students in K-2nd grade.

Style is the elaboration of the Long Term Solution – a way for teams to show off the skills and talents that make their solution unique.

SPONTANEOUSTeams are given a problem to solve on the

spot in a short period of time.

3 types of Spontaneous Problems Verbal Hands-on Verbal/Hands-on

It’s TOP SECRET!!!

OUTSIDE ASSISTANCEOne of the most important parts of Odyssey

of the Mind is that the team MUST conceive, design, construct and perform their own ideas. Help from anyone not on the team is considered Outside Assistance.

OotM is a Hands-On Program for Kids, but a Hands-Off

Program for Adults!

STARTING A TEAMTo start a team, you must first purchase a

Membership ($135). Memberships can be sponsored by a school or recognized

community group. Memberships must be renewed each year.

With a Membership, you receive: The 5 competitive problems for the current year 1 non-competitive Primary problem for younger students The ability to participate in NJ Odyssey of the Mind Tournaments

(NJ also charges a small tournament fee for each team that comes to a tournament.)

STARTING A TEAMTeams are typically composed of 5-7 students. There is no minimum number of team members

required, but teams with fewer than 5 may have a disadvantage at Spontaneous.

Once a team is formed and begins working on a problem, team members may leave but cannot be replaced.

Most teams start working at the beginning of the school year. Many Memberships will have “info sessions” at the

beginning of the program to get parents involved.

NJ ODYSSEY TIMELINEJuly – September: Schools organizations

purchase their Memberships and begin forming teams

October – November: NJ OotM holds Coaches’ Trainings; Tournament Registration opens

January: Tournament Registration ClosesFebruary: NJ OotM holds Officials’ TrainingMarch: NJ Regional TournamentsApril: NJ State Finals TournamentMay: World Finals Tournament

If you have any questions at the Odyssey of the Mind program in NJ, please contact Stefanie Johnsen at

njootm.associationdirector@gmail.com or visit www.njootm.org.