What is Odyssey of the Mind?

You may have heard of OM from a friend or neighbor. You might know that Eastvalley has sent an OM team to World Finals for the past 3 years. But, you may still be unclear about what Odyssey of the Mind actually is. If so, this is for you.

OM is a worldwide creative problem-solving program, involving kids from kindergarten through college. Working in teams of 7, the kids have 2 tasks to prepare for the regional competition, held in the spring. First, they must put together an 8-minute skit, which fits certain specific requirements. This is called the long-term problem, because they will start work at the beginning of the school year, and continue until February or March (regional competition time). There are 5 new long-term problems for elementary students each year. In solving their problem, the team must brainstorm a concept, write a script, make props, costumes, and scenery, and possibly create songs or dances. All of this work is strictly hands-off for adults. The children are responsible for all phases of the solution, while adult coaches provide scheduling, explanations, motivation, and teaching (how to use hot glue, tools, sewing, etc.).
Click here to see the problems for 2002-2003

The second task the team faces at regional competition is spontaneous problem solving. The team will be given a problem to solve which they do not know in advance. It can be verbal or hands-on. It’s an open-ended question, giving the kids a chance to show their creativity, teamwork, and ability to think on their feet. Sample verbal problems include: 
1. Name as many bears as you can. (Examples of common answers: teddy bear, polar bear, panda bear. Creative answers: bear hug, grin & bear it, barefoot, the 3 bears.) 
2. List jobs for a dragon. (Be creative! You’re on your own for this one)

Sample hands-on problems include: 
1.Build a bridge between 2 desks given dry pasta, mailing labels, string, and paper clips. 
2.Improvise with a paper plate (what else could it be… a hat, a tortilla, a giant earring)

At regional competition, the teams perform their long-term problem solution and do spontaneous, and are scored against other elementary school teams doing the same problem. Primary teams are not scored; they participate for the experience only. Depending on the number of teams competing, 1-4 elementary school teams on each problem will advance to state finals. At that point, the top teams may advance to world finals.

OM teams need kids with a variety of skills, including building, negotiating, painting, writing, acting, singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, and more. OM also needs parents to coach teams (training provided). Practices are held once a week until January, when they usually increase to twice a week. Scheduling is at the coaches’ discretion.

Questions? Contact Liz Platner (look for the phone number in the PTA directory), or go to http://www.odysseyofthemind.com or http://www.georgiaodyssey.org