What is Odyssey of the Mind?

An international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics.

Each year, five new competitive problems are presented to solve. Some of the problems are more technical in nature, while others are artistic or performance based.

The teams are invited to participate in competition.

Why Odyssey of the Mind is Good for Kids

The combination of long-term problem-solving, style, and spontaneous problem-solving produces a confident, able student.

By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems -- great and small -- for a lifetime.

Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. While conventional thinking has an important place in a well-rounded education, students need to learn how to think creatively and productively.

Age Divisions

Teams are formed by division and compete against teams in the same division and problem

Division I -- Grades K-5 (U.S.): Less than 12 years of age on May 1, 2015

Division II -- Grades 6-8 (U.S.): Less than 15 years of age on May 1, 2015

Odyssey of the Mind Problems

Primary K-2

5 Long –term problems

Mechanical/Vehicle

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.

Classics

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.

Performance

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.

Structure

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.

Technical 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.

Forming Teams

Different methods of grouping students include: Problem interest Individual characteristics Letting students choose their teammates Past Odyssey experience Dates and times when team members can get

together Geographic location Coach input

Overview of Coaching Responsibilities

Find a time and place for the team to meet; supervise ALL meetings and ensure safety of team members

Help the team learn how to read and understand the Long-Term problem, and brainstorm solutions

Teach the team how to solve spontaneous problems; teach strategies for doing spontaneous

Avoid giving "outside assistance" for Long-Term & Style solutions; help keep parents from doing so

Keep the team on task

Teach the team skills they need, or help find someone who can teach them; help them obtain materials

Be certain that forms are filled out by the team, and meet registration is sent in on time

Help find officials for the tournament

Encourage the team to work together; encourage them to meet their goalsHelp get the team to the tournament, with props, supporters, and self-confidence in their solution

Upcoming Dates

Coaches Training—November 8, 2014 in Clifton

Spontaneous Workshop—January 24, 2015 in Clifton

Judges Training (Tentative)—February 28, 2015 in Centreville

Region 12 Tournament—March 21, 2015 in Nokesville

VA State Tournament—April 18, 2015 in LORTON

Odyssey World Tournament—May 20, 2015 in East Lansing