What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is a non-profit, international creative problem-solving program
for students, Kindergarten through College! The philosophy behind the
Odyssey of the Mind program is that creativity can be learned. Problems
cover many disciplines such as classics, performance, vehicle, structure,
and technical. All solutions are done entirely by team members and outside
assistance is not allowed! Students learn lifelong skills such as teamwork,
project management and divergent thinking. Students learn to examine problems
and identify the real challenge without limiting the possible solutions
and their potential success. In Odyssey of the Mind there are no wrong
answers!
History of Odyssey of the Mind
The Odyssey of the Mind has its roots in the Industrial Design classes of Dr. Sam
Micklus, Odyssey of the Mind founder. As a professor at Rowan University in New
Jersey (formerly Glassboro State College) Dr. Micklus challenged his students
to create vehicles without wheels, mechanical pie throwers and flotation
devices that would take them across a course on a lake. He evaluated them
not on the success of their solutions, but on the ingenuity applied and
the risk involved in trying something new and different. Students had
fun. Word spread and the students' activities attracted attention from
the local media. Soon, people on the outside wanted a part of the action.
This public interest led to the development of a creative problem-solving
competition for school children. The Odyssey of the Mind was on its way.
Word of the challenges spread to local schools which then began to participate
and grow into the Odyssey of the Mind Program today.Since then, Dr. Micklus's
life has been happily consumed with developing problems for other people
to solve. His rewards are in the joy and pride of the millions of participants
who rise to the challenge of solving those problems.
Wisconsin Odyssey of
the Mind held its first state competition in 1982 at the University
of Wisconsin Green Bay with 84 team competing! Currently Wisconsin
Odyssey of the Mind has teams throughout the state primarily in the Southeast,
Mid-state, and East.
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Odyssey of the Mind Mission
The Odyssey of the Mind Pledge
Odyssey of the Mind is in the air,
in my heart and everywhere.
My team and I will reach together
to find solutions now and forever.
We are the Odyssey of the Mind.
Getting Started
There is no one way to organize an Odyssey of the Mind program and
can vary depending on the school and/or group. A member can be a school,
a recognized community group, or a college or university. Each school
or group must purchase a membership, which allows one team per problem
per division .National Registration
(Multiple memberships may be purchased.) Next each team of up to seven
students must have an adult coach. (More than one coach is possible!)
In addition each team must provide one trained judge for the
day of competition.
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Participation
Students of all ages are eligible to participate. The team's
division is determined by the team member
in the highest grade.
Division I: Grades K-5.
Division II: Grades 6-8.
Division III: Grades 9-12.
Division IV: Collegiate.
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Competition
Teams of up to seven students work together to create a solution to one of
the five problems that are released each year. Competition is divided into
three supporting elements: Long-term Problem, Style, and Spontaneous for
total of 350 points. Top scoring teams in each problem and division will
advance to represent Wisconsin Odyssey of the Mind at the annual World
Finals!
Long-term Problem: Team solution to their selected long-term problem.
(Maximum of 200pts.)
Style: Elements of the performance that enhance the team's long-term solution.
(Maximum of 50pts.)
Spontaneous: Problem given to the team the day of the competition to solve
within a specified amount of time. May be a verbal, hands-on/verbal, or hands-on problem.
(Maximum of 100pts.)
*All seven team members may participate in their long-term solution presentation.
Team will designate five members of the seven total team members to complete
the spontaneous problem (the remaining two may observe).
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Training
Trainings are provided for both coaches and judges each year.
Wisconsin Odyssey of the Mind will provides
trainings in various locations around the state.
Coaches: All coaches are encouraged to attend a training session. Coaches trainings
will vary depending on the presenters, but all will cover: coaching techniques,
program rules and regulations, specifics of this year's problems,
and competition rules and procedures. Novice coaches will be able to learn
from experienced coaches who have been through it and know!
Judges: All teams must provide one judge for the competition! Judges must attend a training
session in order to appropriately evaluate teams. Judges trainings
will cover: Odyssey of the Mind rules and regulations, judging techniques,
specific problem assignments, and rules and procedures. All judges will
receive a Training Certification Card.
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Membership
The national membership fee of $135 allows one team per problem per division.
There are discounts for purchases of more than one membership for the
same school or community group. In addition, there is a state fee of $20
per team to help finance the Wisconsin Odyssey of the Mind tournament.
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Other Involvment
Wisconsin Odyssey of the Mind is administered 100% by volunteers. This program
cannot function without their help and support! We are always looking for
people to volunteer! Become a competition judge or volunteer to help in
various other ways on the day of the competition. We need monitors, door
keepers, score rooom officials, and sales personnel. Offer to support
the organization in your area of expertise.
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Alumni
Alumni can get involved in many ways! Past participants have the right experience
needed to be great judges and coaches, team/school mentors, competition
or organizational volunteers! Currently Wisconsin has Alumni volunteering
as judges, Problem Captains, and coaches! Wisconsin Odyssey of the Mind
Promotional pieces have been created by Odyssey of the Mind Alumnus! Do
you have a specific area of expertise and want to help? Drop us a line
and we'll get you involved!
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