Students in second grade form teams of 5-7 participants to solve a single problem in a non-competitive environment. For either age range, the coach is a team member’s parent, volunteering his/her time. Each team is also required to provide two volunteers to assist with the tournament.
IDEAS
COME TO LIFE
THROUGH
IMAGINATION
TEAMWORK
CREATIVITY
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life in an exciting, productive environment.
Odyssey Academy
Students in grades 3-5 form teams of up to seven participants to solve a problem they select, competing against teams of 3-5 graders from other elementary schools, with the winners moving on the state tournament. Teams pick one of 5 problems, first come-first serve
Odyssey of the Mind FAQ’s
What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind, abbreviated OM or OOTM, is a creative problem-solving program involving students from kindergarten through college. Team members work together at length to solve a predefined long-term problem and present their solution to the problem at a competition. They must also participate in the spontaneous portion of the competition by generating solutions to a problem they have not seen before. While the long-term problem solution often takes many months to complete and involves various elements of theatrical performance, construction and design, the spontaneous portion occurs on the day of the competition. More here:
Who can participate?
All students K-5th. K-2 does not officially compete but receives valuable feedback for their coming years of competition which begins in 3rd-5th for elementary age.
Why do Odyssey of the Mind?
Think of it as every extracurricular rolled into one. Students do all of the work. It develops team working skills and important life skills while gaining self confidence. Your child will learn how to be more creative, how to brainstorm new ideas, how to write a skit, how to be funny on stage, how to select and solve a problem, turn ideas into reality, and can compete.
Where do I sign up if interested?
If you are a interested in participating in OOTM but do not have a team? Complete this form and we’ll be in touch.
Have a group of 5-7 students and are ready to create a team? Complete this form and we’ll be in touch with next steps.
How many students are on a team?
5-7 members. 5 is the minimum and 7 is the maximum.
Who coaches?
Parents or teachers. You may have a coach and co-coach
What is the role of the coach?
There is more on this in the program guide. The simple version is to be the scheduler, facilitator, create timeline for projects, create Spontaneous Problem practice, complete necessary forms, organize snacks for practice, mentor, resolve conflict resolution, and most importantly enjoy watching the students grow, work together, bond, and have fun! You may also have a co-coach