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!
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
Coming Soon!
Officials All Odyssey of the Mind Officials and volunteers.