NC Odyssey of the Mind Awareness Session

International Creative Problem-Solving Program NCOM Eastern Region Mission To Provide Creative Problem-Solving Opportunities for everyone and To Foster Original and Divergent Thinking Teams, Coaches, Practices, Meets

History of Odyssey of the Mind The program was started by a NJ College Educator, Dr. C. Samuel Micklus (Dr. Sam) Dr. Sam challenged students in his courses to solve assignments in unusual and creative ways. At the end of the semester, students presented their solutions in a competition In , the Odyssey of the Mind program began. Originally it was called Olympics of the Mind North Carolina was one of the 1 st States outside NJ to participate and compete in an OOTM World Finals (we’re currently in our 21st year). Non-profit organizations in individual states/countries operate the program in their area Creative Competitions, Inc. (the international organization) was formed to develop the problems and administer the program at the national, and later, the international level

 OOTM develops real-life communication and brainstorming skills, and rewards creativity and “calculated” risk-taking in the solution of complex problems  Focus is to develop divergent, independent-thinking skills(thinking outside the box, taking the path less traveled) through a challenging, AND FUN, learning process

What do we mean by divergent-thinking? Convergent Problem Solving - for every problem, there is just one correct answer Divergent Problem Solving - for every problem, there may be many correct answers Odyssey of the Mind encourages young people to explore many possible answers and to be creative in finding a solution Odyssey of the Mind allows kids to use their imaginations to interpret and solve complex problems in a FUN way!

Odyssey of the Mind Involves… The Most Creative and Original Solution Possible

Memberships & Team Structure Memberships are from: schools, clubs, churches, libraries, community groups and home schools Teams of up to 7 members P-DI-DII-DIII-DIV Primary (K-2) Div I (all under age 12 by May 1 st, 2003) (or every team member in 5 th grade or less) Div II (under age 15 by May 1 st, 2003) (or every team member in 6 th -8 th grade) Div III (under age 19 by May 1 st, 2003) Div IV (full-time enrollment in College) (based upon age of oldest team member)

Solutions to the problems are ENTIRELY that of the team. No OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE is allowed OUTSIDEASSISTANCE Questions – YES Answers - NO

Long-Term The Three Components of OOTM 200 Points 200 Points Specific Rules Specific Rules Open-Ended Open-Ended Solution Presented in Skit Form (8-min) Solution Presented in Skit Form (8-min) 100 Points 100 Points On the Spot Anything Goes 3 Types - Verbal - Hands on - Hybrid 50 Points Elaboration of LT Elaboration of LT Pizzaz, Sparkle, Polish Pizzaz, Sparkle, Polish Team Chosen Elements Team Chosen Elements Long-Term + Style + Spontaneous = Total Score Style Spontaneous Total 350 Points

There are six new problems released each year (Aug -Sept) 200 Points Vehicle –Problem 1 “Envirover” Technical– Problem 2 “Strategy Sphere” * Classics – Problem 3 “Fantastic Art” Structure – Problem 4 “Balancing Act” Theatrical– Problem 5 “Featured Creature!” Primary – Demonstration Only “Rewind With Humor” Not all problems are offered in all age Divisions* The Long-Term Problems

There is a cost limit to each problem ($ ) - only the materials used in competition included in the cost - duct tape & cardboard, lawn-sale value, scavenging - some items are exempt from cost, these are listed in the Odyssey of the Mind™ Program Guide Time Limit: 8 minutes

What do OMER’s Need?

Participation requires a commitment by: - Team members and Coaches Teams generally work on their LT Problems from Oct-Feb. Meeting times vary by age and team. In general, teams meet twice a week. This is a very large commitment and not all teams make it to their regional tournament therefore: EVERY TEAM PRESENTING A SOLUTION IS A WINNER ! EVERY TEAM PRESENTING A SOLUTION IS A WINNER ! One team is awarded 1 st Place for each LT Problem and Division One team is awarded 1 st Place for each LT Problem and Division In NC 1 st and 2 nd Place Teams are invited to attend the State Tournament.Commitment

Coaches All Volunteers Regional Training Support: Books, Videos, Web pages, Telephone

Training Tournament Temperament 2 – 4 hours No training Pre-tournament or at tournament

Expenses Membership in Odyssey of the Mind International $135 per school or org. NCOM Regional/State Registration $100 per Team $65 per team Early Bird before Dec 13, 2002 Coaches Training $12 per Coach Team Support: Snacks Supplies R & D Travel to Tournaments Judge Volunteer

Timeline Late August – Mid December Purchase international membership November 1, 2003 Eastern Region Coaches Training December 19, 2003 Early Bird Registration Deadline February 21, 2004 Eastern Region Judges Training (Snow date Feb 28, 2004) March 13, 2004 Eastern Region Tournament

NCOM State Tournament April 17, 2004 Appalachian State University - Boone, NC

World Finals May 29 – June 1 University of Maryland, College Park Maryland An International Extravaganza The Odyssey of the Mind is truly a worldwide competition. Participants include teams from Australia, Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Siberia, Singapore, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, West Africa, and practically every state in the U.S. The annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is an event to behold. It embodies the international spirit of creativity!

North Carolina Odyssey of the Mind Dick Raley, State Director Regional Directors: Central Jeff Newell Coastal Betsy Adams Eastern Patti Adams Northern David Asher Western Barbara Parris