Odyssey of the Mind …an international educational program whose mission is to provide Creative Problem-Solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

Odyssey of the Mind Waiver Any student who is placed on a team must have a signed waiver returned to Mr. Anderson before they will be allowed to participate in Odyssey of the Mind activities.

Long Term Problem Categories Mechanical/Vehicle Teams design, build and operate vehicles of various size and with various power sources. Sometimes they drive the vehicles, and sometimes the vehicles perform tasks, such as overcoming obstacles or visiting other "countries" to retrieve artifacts.

Long Term Problem Categories Technical Performance Teams make innovative contraptions and incorporate artistic elements into their solutions. They might be asked to write an original musical score to play on a "new" type of instrument, or to build a robot with human characteristics, or to perform tasks using a chain reaction of snapping mousetraps.

Long Term Problem Categories Classics The theme of this problem is based on the classical -- from literature to architecture to art. Whether it's writing an additional chapter to Moby Dick or bringing paintings to life, it's always a terrific learning experience.

Long Term Problem Categories Structure Teams design and build structures, using only balsa wood and glue. They test them by supporting and holding as much weight as possible -- sometimes more than a thousand pounds! Teams present a skit as part of the Style presentation.

Long Term Problem Categories Performance In this problem, teams present performances that revolve around a specific theme and incorporate required elements. Past themes include "morphing" objects, animals that express human emotions, and originating folktales.

Costs School Membership: $135 for first membership, $100 each additional membership Student participants will cover membership costs up to $10 PTO covering school membership costs above $10 for each child

Costs Competition Day Registration: $225 per team Distributed equally among participants of all teams

Costs Team Responsibilities: Materials costs Approximately $125-$145 per team, depending on the problem category $18-$21 per team member for a 7 person team No child excluded for financial hardship. Contact Mrs. Falber or Mr. Doak

Costs Team Responsibilities: World Finals: If a team qualifies: 2015 OM World Finals team spent in the range of $1,300-$1400 per person. World Finals costs are not covered by the school.

How are teams formed? Factors: Student Interest & Availability Coach Availability Special consideration only for those students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) coach a team Expressing interest does not guarantee placement on a team

How are teams formed? Special Consideration: Students whose parent/guardian volunteers to coach Students who participated for the full season in the previous year Students who expressed interest in the previous year, but were not placed on a team

Important Dates for All September 21st Final due date for student interest and coaching forms All forms must be received by this date for possible team placement. Remember, submitting a form does not guarantee team placement.

Location – Southern CT State University Important Team Dates November 11, 2017 (optional) Odyssey Day - FREE Time: 9:00am to 12:15pm Location – Southern CT State University

Important Team Dates March 17, 2018 37th Annual CT State Tournament Time – 8AM start (early, long day) Location – Southern CT State University Possible semi-finals will depend on the number of registered teams. This will be determined in mid-January 2018.

Location: Iowa State University Important Team Dates May 23rd-26th (if necessary) World Finals Location: Iowa State University

Important Coaching Dates ½ Day Coach Training *Mandatory* October 28, 2017 Or January 6, 2018 Location: Southern CT State University

Important Coaching Dates Coaching World Finals Meeting (if necessary) *Mandatory* Saturday, March 24, 2018 Time, & Location: TBD

Coaches 2 per team (ideally) Needs Coaches 2 per team (ideally)

Coaching Responsibilities District Screening/Background Check Attend coaches training Guidance, Encouragement, & Teach Skills Handle team $ Logistics – Team Meetings, Reserve space at WIS or WMS, Competition Paperwork for Odyssey Recruit 1 Judge and 1 Volunteer (coach & parents)

www.ctom.org www.odysseyofthemind.org More Information www.ctom.org www.odysseyofthemind.org

ruddanderson@westonps.org OM in the subject line My E-mail ruddanderson@westonps.org OM in the subject line