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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

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

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

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

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

21. 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)

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

23. ruddanderson@westonps.org OM in the subject lineMy
OM in the subject line