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Odyssey of the MindOdyssey of the Mind

……What is it?What is it?

This version of the PowerPoint has notes at the bottom of each slide to further explain the basics of Odyssey of the Mind.

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The Odyssey of the The Odyssey of the

Mind teaches students Mind teaches students

to learn to learn creative creative

problemproblem--solvingsolving

methods while having methods while having

fun in the process.fun in the process.

O.M. is a student-based, student-dependent competition that requires creativity, internal motivation, teamwork, and dedication!

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Teams and skillsTeams and skills

Teams of 5 to 7Teams of 5 to 7

Elementary through college teamsElementary through college teams

Categorized by school level and Categorized by school level and problemproblemthe team chooses to tacklethe team chooses to tackle

At least one coach per teamAt least one coach per team…… parentsparents? ?

- Students develop team-building skills by working in groups of as many as seven students per team. - Students learn to examine problems and to identify the real challengewithout limiting the possible solutions and their potential success.- The creative-thinking process is nurtured and developed as a problem-solving tool.- Students of all types will find something that will appeal to them.- The fun of participation leads to an elevated interest in regular classroom curricula.- Teachers have a program to further provide students with a well-rounded education. -We are Division III -- Grades 9-12 (U.S.): Oldest team member does not qualify for Divisions I or II and is attending regular school--not a college or university or anything similar (Other International).

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Teams choose Teams choose problemsproblems to solve:to solve:

5 types of problems:5 types of problems:–– Vehicle/MechanicalVehicle/Mechanical–– Technical performanceTechnical performance–– PerformancePerformance–– ClassicsClassics–– StructureStructure

(Balsa Wood)(Balsa Wood)

•Each year, five new competitive problems are presented for the teams to solve. These long-term problems are solved over weeks and months. •Some of the problems are more technical in nature, while others are artistic or performance based. Each long-term problem rewards "Style" in the solution. This helps teach students that they should not simply try to solve problems but take the next step of enhancing their solutions.

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VehicleVehicle

•Teams design, build and operate vehicles of various size and with various power sources. Sometimes they drive the vehicles, and sometimes the vehicles perform tasks, such as overcoming obstacles or visiting other "countries" to retrieve artifacts.

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Technical PerformanceTechnical Performance

Teams make innovative contraptions and incorporate artistic elements into their solutions. They might be asked to write an original musical score to play on a "new" type of instrument, or to build a robot with human characteristics, or to perform tasks using a chain reaction of snapping mousetraps.

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Performance/ComedyPerformance/Comedy

In this problem, teams present performances that revolve around a specific theme and incorporate required elements. Past themes include "morphing" objects, animals that express human emotions, and originating folktales.

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ClassicsClassics

The theme of this problem is based on the classical -- from literature to architecture to art. Whether it's writing an additional chapter to Moby Dick or bringing paintings to life, it's always a terrific learning experience. Discovered Treasures – 2009-20102010-2011•original performance - classical character acts as a Tour Guide. •The tour will make three stops including one that will be a team-created location. •During the tour –

•an inanimate object will show signs of life, •the Tour Guide will give the wrong explanation about something, and •will give a creative explanation about why it is important to guardand secure a worthless item. •$125 limit

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Balsa WoodBalsa Wood

Teams design and build structures, using only balsa wood and glue. They test them by supporting and holding as much weight as possible -- sometimes more than a thousand pounds! Teams usually present a skit as part of the Style presentation.

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Skills GainedSkills Gained

•All constructs, costumes, sets, scripts, and creative elements are created by the team alone.•Students learn/practice new skills like paper machete; painting; building with glue, staples, nails; to sew and dye clothing; resourcefulness – using household objects in new ways, recycling almost anything; to work within a budget!•Of course, that all comes along with teamwork, sharing ideas, delegating, sharing responsibility, and the pride of independence on a complete product/production.

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Part 2: Spontaneous ProblemsPart 2: Spontaneous ProblemsStudents are given only moments to Students are given only moments to consider a spontaneous problem:consider a spontaneous problem:–– A verbal problemA verbal problem…… respond creativelyrespond creatively

–– A handsA hands--on problemon problem…… create a structure create a structure

–– A verbal/handsA verbal/hands--on problemon problem……create and respond imaginatively create and respond imaginatively

Example of a hands-on spontaneous problem: 1. You are to build a structure of toothpicks and clay that will sit on a table

behind a boundary line. 2. The structure will cantilever, or stick out, as far as possible beyond the

boundary line without touching the table surface.3. You may work anywhere you wish. You may also talk. 4. You may break the toothpicks into smaller pieces if you wish. 5. If your structure touches the table surface, you must break it off until it is

cantilevered. 6. The structure will be measured after the 10 minute construction period. The

distance cantilevered will determine your score. 7. You will be given 50 toothpicks and a piece of clay. The clay will be used to

make the joints for your structure. 8. The team must rest the structure on the table behind the boundary line.

You may not press down so that the clay adheres to the table to support the cantilever.

9. Scoring will be as follows: You will score one point for each 1/4" the structure extends beyond the boundary line without touching the surface. The end of the cantilever must be above the yardstick when the judge takes the final measurement.

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More Information Online:More Information Online:•LNHS O.M. info:http://iss.schoolwires.com/lnhigh/site/default.asp

•Please direct questions about our LNHS teams to the Parent/Community blog, just under the “Odyssey of the Mind” left-column link

•The Official O.M. site: http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/

•The North Carolina O.M. site: http://www.ncom.org/

•The N.C. Northern Region site: http://northern.ncom.org/