With the large number of after school activities available to students today, scheduling those precious hours between school and bedtime can be exhausting and confusing for parents and children alike. But Odyssey of the Mind is one after-school activity that belongs at the top of the list. Odyssey emphasizes creative expression while encouraging outside-the-box thinking and originality in a way that appeals to children of all ages.
Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving program available to students around the world from Kindergarten through college/university. As a professor at Rowan University in New Jersey, founder Dr. Sam Micklus decided to challenge his Industrial Design students with unique problems and evaluated their projects based on ingenuity rather than success. As more and more students favored this style of learning, the idea of teaching and rewarding creativity grew into an international program comprising of millions of students.
Odyssey Teams Focus on Creativity
To participate in Odyssey of the Mind, teams of up to seven students of similar ages begin brainstorming when the new problems are announced each fall. The youngest students (Kindergarten through 2nd grade) are in the Primary Division and are given one problem to solve. Students in 3rd grade through college are divided into four Divisions and given a choice of five Long Term Problems. Then teams meet weekly to develop solutions to their Long Term Problem, as well as practice Spontaneous Problems.
For an Odyssey team to be successful, the students must go beyond their usual style of answering questions in a classroom setting. They must think freely and work together to design an eight-minute play that showcases their creative talents. From singing and dancing to building, engineering, painting and costume design, all interests and types of expression enhance the team’s performance.
Recycling is another component of Odyssey of the Mind. Used cardboard boxes, wrapping paper tubes, empty soda cans and even dryer lint can be incorporated into a performance. Teams are encouraged to use ordinary household items in extraordinary ways.
Two Types of Odyssey of the Mind Problems
There are five new Long Term Problems each year, designed to appeal to students with varied interests and abilities. The Long Term Problem categories are:
- Mechanical/Vehicle – design and operate a vehicle that overcomes obstacles
- Technical Performance – develop a performance based on an original creation
- Classics – develop a performance based on classical literature, art or architecture
- Structure – design and build a structure with balsa wood and glue that can support as much weight as possible
- Performance – present a theme-based play focused on creative expression
In addition to the Long Term Problems, there are three types of Spontaneous Problems used to help students learn to think quickly on their feet. The Spontaneous Problems fall into three categories:
- Verbal – a word problem with a time limit
- Verbal/Hands On – a problem with props to use when answering
- Hands On – a problem requiring teamwork using specific materials
Odyssey of the Mind Competitions
For Odyssey teams, the hard work pays off when they perform at a Regional or State Tournament. Those teams that are given top creativity and ingenuity honors advance to the ultimate Odyssey Competition – the World Finals, which are held at the end of May in the United States. Odyssey teams from around the world are given the chance to compete at an international level.
Primary teams are unique in that they have the opportunity to present their solutions to judges at the Regional Tournament, but they do not compete for points or ranking. The youngest teams are given small tokens of achievement, such as feedback forms with stickers and small pins or medals, to reward their accomplishments and encourage future participation.
How to Participate in Odyssey of the Mind
Many school districts have Odyssey of the Mind organizations. Team registrations are usually held in the fall, and the Regional Competitions begin in February and March. Detailed information on starting a new team can be found on the official Odyssey of the Mind website.
Odyssey of the Mind is a rewarding after school activity that challenges children and allows them take creative leaps. When teams work together, all of the strengths of each individual member combine making each solution a unique experience. For students and parents looking for a program that teaches and encourages creativity, Odyssey of the Mind is a perfect match.
Reference:
Why Odyssey of the Mind is Good for Kids
Alison Hess - I am an aspiring novelist, screenwriter and blogger. My topics of interest include parenting, technology, education, literature, movies, ...
