Transcript Slide 1

WELCOME
What is Odyssey of the Mind
• OM is not a destination; it is a JOURNEY
• Teaches divergent, independent thinking
• Uses classroom skills to solve complex
problems
• Iowa Core Curriculum & 21st Century
Skills Friendly
• Encourages STEM thinking
• Team developed and
directed
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Century Skills
employability skills
financial literacy
technology literacy
civic literacy
critical thinking
STEM Oriented
problem solving
collaboration
leadership
agility and adaptability
effective oral and written communication
accessing and analyzing information
curiosity and imagination
Odyssey of the Mind—A World
Language (partial list of countries)
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Argentina
Australia
Belarus
Canada
China
Czech Republic
DoDDs Europe
Germany
Greece
India
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Hong Kong
Hungary
Japan
Kazakhstan
Lithuania
Mexico
Moldova
Philippines
Poland
Russia
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Singapore
Slovakia
South Korea
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Become part of the
World Odyssey
World Finals
Nearly 8000 teams at 2012 World Finals
Buddy Teams
Home Stays
Following World Finals
Available whether or not you
compete at World Finals
3-5 days
Apply Early
European Festivals
The Odyssey Process
• Teams of students
under the guidance
of a coach, pool
their diverse talents
to find innovative
solutions
Problems may involve:
--building mechanical devices such as
robots or balsa wood structure that
hold weight or spring driven cars
or
--giving the teams own portrayal of
classical literature or civilizations
or
--inventing a whole new world
Who runs Odyssey of the Mind?
• Presented by Creative Competition Inc
throughout the World.
• Volunteer-driven program
World Finals will have 400-500 volunteers
Iowa uses 100 to 200 volunteers a year
• Everyone gives of their time
– NO ONE in Iowa is paid.
– 100% of $ goes back into program.
How do children participate?
• Memberships from schools, civic non-profit
organizations and home school associations
• Memberships no more than $135.00
– $51.00 rebated back to states
• Up to 15 teams/membership depending on
school
• State Tournament Fees and Judge
– $50.00/team for State Tournament
– Teams provide a trained
judge AND a volunteer
Competition is within Divisions
Based on the team member in the highest grade
• Division 1-every team member 5th grade or less
• Division 2-at least one team member 6th through
8th grade
• Division 3-at least one team member 9th
through 12th grade
• Division 4-all team members high
school grads and taking at
least one post high school course
Primary—(non-competitive) K-grade 2
Memberships and Teams
A membership may send one team in each long-term problem
per division in their school to State Finals
K-5 School
up to 5 division 1 teams + unlimited primary teams
K-8 School
up to 5 division 1 + 5 division 2 teams + unlimited primary teams
5-8 School
up to 5 division 1 and 5 division 2 teams
K-12 School
up to 5 division 1, 5 div 2 and 5 div 3 teams + unlimited primary
9-12 Schools
up to 5 division 3 teams
Memberships and Teams
Community non-profit memberships can field one
team per problem per division
The purchase of additional (2nd, 3rd, ….)
membership allows more teams to
participate in the same problem
and same division
(Team A, Team B, etc.).
Teams Compete in Three Areas
Long term problem solving
Spontaneous problem solving
Style
Long Term Problem Solving
Vehicular
Structure
Technical
Performance
Classical
Primary
(noncompetitive)
Spontaneous Problem Solving
• Day of Tournament
• Limited Solution Time
• Each competing team
given the same problem
Style
• Part of Long Term Problem Solution
• Costumes, props, music, art and other creative
performance elements
• Long term is the “how” - Style is the “Wow”
• Provides the Pizzazz!
Long Term Problem
• Costs Limits $125.00--$145.00
– Cannot buy solution
– Only materials used in actual presentation count
– Misc, basement, Goodwill, dumpster=garage sale $
– Some items exempt from cost (see program guide)
Generally several months work
• May start over more than once
• Don’t start solving the problem too soon
• The solution is only as good as the initial idea!
• Don’t hesitate to write for clarifications
• IN GENERAL… if it doesn’t say you can’t do it…
YOU CAN!
Prob. 1: Pet Project
• The team’s problem is to design, build and run three
vehicles from different areas and through obstacles to
deliver
• parts that will be assembled into a pet animal. Each vehicle
will be propelled differently and will make at least three
• trips to deliver parts into an Assembly Area. The team will
develop signals to let the audience know which vehicle will
• run next. Once assembly is completed, the pet animal will
perform a trick or be part of a trick. The team will create a
• theme for the presentation that includes the delivery of the
parts and the animal.” situation will cause the vehicle to
travel in reverse.
Problem No. 2: The Email Must Go Through
• The problem is to create and present an original performance
that includes a tangible representation of messages
• sent by email. A Sender character will create and send three
emails to one or more Receiver characters. Each of the
• messages will pass through an email network server and be
sorted in a SPAM filter before being transported to its
• final destination. One email message will require a return
receipt from the Receiver, one will include a work of art as
• an attachment, and one will be diverted to an offbeat location.
Prob. 3: Classics...
ARTchitecture: The Musical
• The problem is to create and present an original
performance that includes a replica of a classic
architectural structure
• that was built between 1000 AD and 1600 AD. The
performance will include three works of art that “disappear”
• and two characters that go on a quest to find them. When
the works of art are found, they will be incorporated into the
• replica. The performance must also include two songs that
are accompanied by choreographed movement.
Problem No. 4: Tumble Wood
• The team’s problem is to design and build a single structure,
with all components connected, using only balsa wood
• and glue. The structure will be featured in a team-created
commercial and tested by being released down a ramp so it
• drops onto the floor and travels partially across it, and is
then transported to the tester without the team touching it.
• Once the structure is resting in place on the tester, the team
will test it by balancing and supporting as much weight
• as possible on it. The structure will be scored for traveling
across a scoring line and for how much weight it holds. The
• placement of the weights onto the structure will be
integrated into the team’s performance
Problem No. 5: It’s How You Look At It
The problem is to create and present an original humorous
performance that includes two main characters with different
odd behaviors. One scene will establish the “normal”
behavior of one character that, at a different time, finds itself
among others who think the behavior is odd. The second
character’s behavior also appears in a scene where its
behavior is considered odd, but this character will end up in
a situation where the same behavior is considered normal.
The performance will also include a meter that indicates the
degree of odd and normal behavior and a creative
scene change.
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The Parts of a Long-Term Problem
INTRODUCTION
THE PROBLEM
LIMITATIONS
PENALTIES
SITE, SETUP
COMPETITION
SCORING
STYLE
TOURNAMENT
DIRECTOR
WILL PROVIDE
TEAM WILL
PROVIDE
How is Odyssey of the Mind Scored?
Long Term Problem
up to 200 points calculated
Spontaneous
up to 100 points calculated
Style
up to 50 points calculated
Long Term Score + Spontaneous Score + Style Score=
Champion for the Division of the Problem
Individual Scores Mean LITTLE
High Scores or low scores don’t indicate much
A team can finish below 1st Place and still win
Scoring Examples
Long Term
Raw
Team
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Team
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Team
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Team
D
Calc
Style
Raw
Calc
Spontaneous
Raw
Calc
Total
133 200 38 42
95
126 189 40 43
195 86.7 328.7
3rd
Tie
1st
115 173 45 50
160 71.1 294.0
2nd
95
225 100 285.0
3rd
Tie
143 38 42
42.2 284.2
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Spontaneous Problems
Spontaneous problems come in three types:
• Verbal – requires verbal responses
•Hands on – requires manipulation of materials
Scored on solving the problem and many times how well they work
as a team in solving the problem
•Verbal/Hands on (Hybrid) – combines verbal
and hands on components
PRACTICE…PRACTICE…PRACTICE
Spontaneous Problems (cont)
• Practice lots of different types.
• Do at least two spontaneous problems each time the
team meets.
– Start your meetings with them
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Critique the team’s spontaneous process
There is NO OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE IN SPONTANEOUS
Have each team member specialize in something.
Fall back plans ….
Brainstorm ways to get “unstuck”
Involve parents
Spontaneous Problems (cont)
Let’s look at a Verbal Problem
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Style !
Elaboration of the Long-Term Problem
Shows what team is particularly excited or proud of
Presented during Long-Term presentation
What makes the presentation really shine?
Place for the team to showcase strengths & talents.
- artistic design, music, songs, choreography, construction,
creative use of materials, humor, rhyme
Always scored Subjectively
2 Mandatory Items (all teams in a problem)
2 Team Selected Items
Overall effect of the other 4
BE VERY SPECIFIC
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Style Form
• four copies for Staging Judge
• adds to the Long-term problem
• relates to the theme of solution
Visual effectiveness of Hamlet’s conscience character
Creativity of how the required information is displayed
on the membership sign
• showcase of team’s strengths
• can not be items already scored
as part of Long-Term
• Categories
-2 Specific Scoring Elements
- 2 Free Choice Elements
- Overall Effect
• be very specific
Unique Features
• Cost limit for solution
• Outside assistance is
PROHIBITED
• Coaches facilitate, but
MAY NOT help solve the
problem
• Requires the use of skills learned in the formal
classroom setting
• Stretches the mind
• Problems can be solved successfully on
several levels
• Teaches teamwork
• Teaches respect for others and their opinions
• Sponsored by NASA
Outside Assistance
• Teams MUST conceive, design, construct and present
their solution
• External help is termed OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
• The solution is the TEAM’S design, their work, their
presentation and their score
• Team is responsible – NOT the Coach
• Adults MAY teach skills—NOT Solutions
• Hands on for kids-HANDS OFF FOR ADULTS
– Make parents aware of this rule
SCENARIO For a Division I team: A parent plugs in a
power tool for one of the students as it is a rule in
their house that no children are allowed to plug in
any appliance.
QUESTION: Is it outside assistance (OA) for any nonteam member to plug in a power tool that the team
uses to complete their solution to the problem?
ANSWER: No, the only prohibition against this would
be if it were done during the timed competition
period. The parent may not use the power tool to
work on the problem solution at anytime.
SCENARIO: A team decided they will revolve their
skit around a CELL theme. The coach gives them a
homework assignment to come up with all of the
words they could with CELL in them like CELLophane,
CELLular Phone, etc.
QUESTION: Is it OA for a coach to give a homework
assignment that gets the kids to think more
creatively about an initial idea that they came up
with?
ANSWER: Although the coach should not give any
examples, the assignment is one of the types of
things the coach should do.
SCENEREO: A team is competing and the coach is sitting
in the audience.
QUESTION: Is it OA if the coach gets involved in the solution
and signals (either intentionally or unintentionally)
for a team member to speak louder or to move further
to one side of the stage?
ANSWER: This is definitely OA. Regardless if the coach
meant to give signs or not, any communications between
the coach (or other audience member) is considered OA.
If a coach or parent can not sit still during the performance
they should either sit on their hands or leave the
competition site.
So What is the Coaches Role?
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Enjoy and be amazed at what your team does
Schedule
Facilitate
Teach
Ask Questions
Assist teams to develop timelines
Spontaneous Practice
Forms
Go-fer
Snack Organizer
Friend and Mentor
What Parents and “Others” Can & Cannot Do
Can Do:
Transport the team to buy things
Transport and haul props
Teach Skills
Sewing…Woodworking…Art…
Calligraphy…Electronics…
Welding…Principals of simple
machine
Provide snacks
Help with Spontaneous
Open garages, attics, etc for “things”
Encouragement
Place to meet/store props
Applaud A LOT and help get props
offstage after the team is done.
Ask questions
Cannot Do:
Suggest what to buy
Suggest what skills they need to use
Give the team ANY ideas for their solutions
Do anything to contribute to the team’s
problem solution
Analyze why something failed
Expect perfection from the solution
Suggest what materials you might have in
the attic/basement
Fix anything that breaks
Criticize any part of the solution
Put emphasis on scores instead of fun
Criticize the ways the judges score
Show poor sportsmanship
What is needed to Help Solve their Problem
2012-2013 Program Guide
The Problem
Clarifications
Clarifications
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PENALTIES
Penalties prevent teams from bending or breaking
the rules, creating a safety hazard, interfering with
other teams, delaying competition, or misbehaving.
Judges DO NOT Look for Penalties
Spirit of the Problem – To prevent teams from circumventing the
rules (-1 to -100 Points).
Unsportsmanlike Conduct - Impairing another team’s solution,
disruptive behavior, inappropriate language, damage to
facilities (-1 to -100 points).
Outside Assistance – Help from anyone including the audience.
Teams should not encourage audience participation (-1 to
200 points).
Incorrect/Missing Membership Sign – -1 to -15 points.
Over Cost Limit – Materials over cost limit (-1 to -100 points)
Over Time Limit – For each 10 seconds or fraction thereof (-5
points). Problems 3 & 5 ONLY.
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HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
Step 1. Read the Problem (read at every meeting)
Go through each section of the problem carefully.
Make sure each participant understands what is required & understands each word.
Understand how each of the parts interact.
Figure out the requirements and scoring for the problem. Where are the points?
Step 2. Brain-Storm Possible Solutions
Generate lots of ideas (keep track of them on paper, chalkboard, or whiteboard)
Don’t evaluate ideas yet… just list them
Don’t worry about the details
Encourage wild, creative solutions….hitchhiking is always good
Step 3. Refine and Evaluate Ideas (Meetings 4-6)
Which ideas does the team like best?
Discuss and evaluate ideas, but don’t criticize.
How many trees do you plant?
Modify ideas to make them better.
Select a preliminary solution.
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HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM (cont.)
Step 4. Determine Tasks & Timeline
What types of tasks, skills, props, contraptions are needed?
Who and how will you do these things?
Determine a basic time-line for completing the solution.
Continue to evaluate the solution and refine/revise as needed.
Do the items decided upon fit the problem specifications?
READ THE PROBLEM!
Step 5. Begin Construction (probably not before meetings 6 )
Start building things and writing a script.
Evaluate new ideas as they arise.
Test the solution. Does it work? Can it be made to work better?
Revise/refine (continuously) and as necessary.
READ THE PROBLEM!
Your Final Result is ONLY as good as the initial Idea
DON’T HURRY IDEAS
HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM (cont.)
Step 6. Put it Together (At least one month before State)
As props and tasks near completion, or are completed, test them out.
Continue to refine/revise. Does it work? Is there a better way?
Does the proposed solution still fit the problem?
What things need to be fixed or added?
READ THE PROBLEM!
Step 7. Finish it Up and Practice
Celebrate major accomplishments as they happen.
Test things out… do they work? Can they work better?
Practice the whole presentation. Timing. Can they explain how they did it?
Look for problem spots.
What happens if something goes wrong? Develop a contingency plan.
READ THE PROBLEM!
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First Five Odyssey of the Mind Meetings
(adjust to age and experience of students)
First Meeting
Meet with team (and parents) to explain program and set team goals.
Discuss the process, give dates.
Go over the time commitment and responsibility of being on the team.
Stress regular attendance at meetings.
Explain outside assistance.
Review behavioral expectations.
Talk about difference between “winning” and “succeeding.”
Set a meeting schedule – check for family conflicts.
Find out Parental Talents and desires to participate
Second Meeting
Incorporate team-building activity.
Discuss working as a group. All ideas are valid.
Review brainstorming rules (no put-downs)!
Explain spontaneous. Practice several at every meeting.
Read the long-term problem synopses if you haven’t picked a problem.
Talk about skills and interests of team members and group. Do you need people?
Decide who will do what.
Develop team rules.
First Five Meetings (continued)
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Third Meeting
Incorporate team-building activity
Brainstorm how group can be a successful team
Practice spontaneous
Have team decide on Long-term problem – debate - build consensus
Distribute 2 copies of problem and read the problem
Brainstorm on possible solutions to long term problem
Number of team members is set when you start talking solutions
Fourth Meeting
Incorporate team-building activity
Practice spontaneous
Read the problem
Brainstorm long term problem solutions and skills needed to solve problem
Fifth Meeting
Continue team-building
Continue spontaneous practice
Read the problem
Brainstorm list of tasks to accomplish and timeline
Assign tasks and discuss team member responsibility
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Material Value
(Cost) Form
• one copy for Staging Judge
• includes everything used during
the LT & Style PRESENTATION
• doesn’t include items not used
during actual presentation
• garage sale value for used items
• combine value of small items
• exemptions (see Program Guide)
• be “creative” in acquiring
materials, the art of scavenging
• cardboard & duct-tape
• even “donations” have value
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Outside Assistance Form
• one copy for Staging Judge
• only 7 members can contribute
to problem solution
• coaches are facilitators
• coaches can assist Division I teams
in filling out forms, but must use
team’s own words
• if OA did occur, list on form,
may result in a penalty
• penalty is proportional to amount
and type of help given
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Tournaments
Odyssey of the Mind tournaments are held in the spring of
each year around the world at various levels
• Local • Regional • State / Provincial / Country • World Finals
These tournaments provide an opportunity for teams to present
their creative solutions and to be judged against the problem
criteria. Although the event is a competition, it is also meant
to be a time for the teams to be rewarded and to have FUN!
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What Happens before and at the State Tournament?
Complete Team Registration and send in $50.00 before Feb 24
Find a Judge and a volunteer
Judge Available all day—will probably not get to see your team
Volunteer Available for 1-3 hours—will probably get to see team
•At State Final (Scheman Bldg. Iowa State University)
• Check in team at Registration Desk—First Floor
• Long Term and Spontaneous Competition
Staging Area
Time Keeper/Announcer
Signal End of Presentation
Pick Up Scores (approx 30 minutes after Long Term)
• Closing and Awards Ceremonies 4:30 to 5:00 pm
• World Finals Meeting
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What Should Coaches Do on Tournament Day ?
Pick up your registration package AND look through it
Get your team to the staging area at least 15 minutes
before your scheduled long term competition time.
Bring your team to the spontaneous holding area 15 minutes
prior to their scheduled spontaneous competition time.
Parents and other supporters do not accompany
the team to spontaneous.
Take lots of deep breaths…
Enjoy other performances…
Enjoy your team…
Enjoy the day…
Start planning for next year…☺
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Odyssey of the Mind Recognition
OMER’s Award
In recognition of a team or individual who demonstrates outstanding
sportsmanship, exemplary behavior, or exceptional talent
Ranatra Fusca
Presented to a team or individual who exhibit exceptional creativity,
either through some aspect of their problem solution, or an
extraordinary idea beyond the problem solution. Solution can be
successful or not. Can be in Long Term or Spontaneous
World Finals Invitation
Tournament Placement
determined by total score
1st, 2nd and 3rd team in each problem, each division
Read and understand the Problem and
Program Guide (especially Chapter 5)
then re-read the problem,
then re-read the problem,
then re-read the problem,
then re-read the problem,
then re-read the problem,
then re-read the problem…
Dates You Need to Know
• State Tournament: SATURDAY, April 6, 2013
– Iowa State University
• Spontaneous Saturday: Sat, Feb 2 (optional)
– Sacred Heart Catholic School, West Des Moines
DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!
• World Finals: May 22-May 25, 2013
– Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Judges Training
Dates to be determined (March)
Must provide a Judge and if possible a Volunteer
for each team
Judge must attend training. Volunteer does NOT.