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If you need more information about Odyssey of the Mind before you proceed, here's a summary of our program:

Odyssey of the Mind™ promotes creativity, problem solving, teamwork, and more. It is a creative problem-solving competition that gives kids the confidence to think for themselves and to create solutions to any challenge. Independent study, original ideas, and critical thinking skills are rewarded over getting the “one right answer” thanks to our unique open-ended problems that are backed by educators and experts in STE(A)M fields. Performance, art & cultural studies are also incorporated, creating a well-rounded program that has impacted lives for over 40 years. OM benefits all types of students as they learn to think beyond the box!

OUR VALUES

Science

Earth, space, chemistry, and physics. OM teams are allowed to tap into any scientific field.

Creativity

Teams learn to think Beyond the Box™ and find the most creative solutions to our long-term problems.

Technology

Teams explore methods, systems, and devices to incorporate into or aid with construction of their solution.

Time Management

Teams learn to prioritize, delegate, set goals as a team and individuals, and determine their own deadlines to complete tasks.

Arts

Teams explore contemporary art disciplines, artistic vehicles, and artistic genres. The arts have no limitations in an OM solution.

Communication

Team members learn to share their ideas, thoughts, strengths and skills, with their peers.

Engineering

Teams apply mathematical, artistic, technological and scientific principles to understand and build their solutions.

Critical Thinking

Teams learn to analyze and evaluate the long-term problems and skills and determine how they will effectively form a solution.

Mathematics

Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve the long-term problems.

Teamwork

Team members work together, combining their skills and ideas, to create a solution to an OM Long-Term Problem.

OUR PROBLEMS

Problem 1: Vehicle

Teams design, build and operate either a ride-on or self-contained powered vehicle with various
energy sources.

Problem 4: Structure

Teams design and build a balsa wood and glue structure then test it to see how much weight it can balance and hold.

Problem 2: Technology

Teams create innovative contraptions and devices while incorporating artistic elements into their solutions.

Problem 5: Performance

Teams present a performance that revolves around a specific theme and incorporate required humorous elements.

Problem 3: Classics..

Teams research, interpret and present a performance of a classic - literature to architecture to art to mythology.

Primary

Grades K-2: Teams are introduced to Odyssey of the Mind with an age appropriate problem similar to a competitive one.

Spontaneous

Creative opportunities often present themselves unexpectedly, so the ability to think on your feet is one of the most important skills a person can acquire. Our Spontaneous problems offer a way to hone that skill.
At competition, every team solves a Spontaneous problem. Teams are presented with a problem that is verbal, hands-on, or a combination of both. On average, they have 10 minutes to read the problem and solve it.

DIVISIONS

Primary

Non-competitive but may showcase at a tournament for feedback. Grades K-2 (U.S.). Less than 8 years of age on May 1 of the program year. (Other International.)

Division I

Grades K-5 (U.S.): Less than 12 years of age on May 1, of the program year (Other International).

Division II

Grades 6-8 (U.S.): Less than 15 years of age on May 1, of the program year (Other International).

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).

Division IV

Collegiate for ALL TEAMS. All teams must have a majority of members who are high school graduates and registered for at least one class at a college, university, accredited technical school, or member of the military. Team members do not have to attend the same institution.

Become a member now!

Are you ready to take the next step on your odyssey of creativity and problem solving? Then join below!

Select your membership type below to proceed

Membership

Volunteer

Membership Types

Standard
Individual Schools/ Multiple schools sharing a principal (use school district name) Homeschools Community Groups College/Accredited Technical School/Military.

Additional
More than one team wants to compete in the same problem and division- add an additional membership at a discounted rate. (Can purchase any time!)

District Gold
6 -10 individual schools. Schools must join at the same time.

District Platinum
11 or more schools. Schools must join at the same time.

Odyssey Inclusive™

Odyssey Inclusive™ is a Program within Odyssey of the Mind that offers neurodiverse students and students with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their creativity, diversity, and teamwork through the creative and performing arts.

Officials
All Odyssey of the Mind Officials and volunteers.

AD, RD, TD and IPC

(856) 256-2797
info@odysseyofthemind.com
406 Ganttown Road, Sewell, NJ 08080