1.
Coaches Training

2. WELCOME
New and
Experienced
Coaches
and Parents

3. 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

4. 21st Century Skills STEM Oriented employability skills
financial literacy
technology literacy
civic literacy
critical thinking
problem solving
collaboration
leadership
agility and adaptability
effective oral and written communication
accessing and analyzing information
curiosity and imagination
STEM Oriented

5. Odyssey of the Mind—A World Language (partial list of countries)
Argentina
Australia
Belarus
Canada
China
Czech Republic
DoDDs Europe
Germany
Greece
India
Hong Kong
Hungary
Japan
Kazakhstan
Lithuania
Mexico
Moldova
Philippines
Poland
Russia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Korea
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan

6. 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

7. The Odyssey Process
Teams of students under the guidance of a coach, pool their diverse talents to find innovative solutions

8. 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
--inventing a whole new world

9. Who runs Odyssey of the Mind?
Presented by Creative Competition Inc throughout the World.
Volunteer-driven program
World Finals will have 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. Memberships and Teams K-5 School
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 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

13. 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.).

14. Teams Compete in Three Areas
Long term problem solving
Spontaneous problem solving
Style

15. Long Term Problem Solving
Vehicular
Structure
Technical
Performance
Classical
Primary (non-competitive)

16. Spontaneous Problem Solving
Day of Tournament
Limited Solution Time
Each competing team given the same problem

17. 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!

18. 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!

19. 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.

20. 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 . A Sender character will create and send three s to one or more Receiver characters. Each of the
messages will pass through an network server and be sorted in a SPAM filter before being transported to its
final destination. One 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.

21. 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.

22. 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

23. 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.

24. The Parts of a Long-Term Problem
INTRODUCTION
THE PROBLEM
LIMITATIONS
PENALTIES
SITE, SETUP COMPETITION
STYLE
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR WILL PROVIDE
SCORING
TEAM WILL PROVIDE

25. 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

26. Individual Scores Mean LITTLE
High Scores or low scores don’t indicate much
A team can finish below 1st Place and still win

27. Scoring Examples Team A 133 200 38 42 95 42.2 284.2 3rd Tie Team B 126
Long Term Style Spontaneous
Raw
Calc
Total
Team A
133
200 38 42 95
42.2
284.2
3rd Tie
Team B
126
189 40 43
195
86.7
328.7
1st
Team C
115
173 45 50
160
71.1
294.0
2nd
Team D
143
225
100
285.0

28. PRACTICE…PRACTICE…PRACTICE
Spontaneous Problems
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

29. Spontaneous Problems (cont)
Practice lots of different types.
Do at least two spontaneous problems each time the team meets.
Start your meetings with them
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

30. Spontaneous Problems (cont)
Let’s look at a Verbal Problem

31. Style ! Elaboration of the Long-Term Problem
Do it with 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

32. Style Form four copies for Staging Judge adds to the Long-term problem
relates to the theme of solution
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
Visual effectiveness of Hamlet’s conscience character
Creativity of how the required information is displayed
on the membership sign

33. Unique Features Cost limit for solution
Outside assistance is PROHIBITED
Coaches facilitate, but MAY NOT help solve the problem

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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 non-team 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. So What is the Coaches Role?
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

40. 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

41. What is needed to Help Solve their Problem
Program Guide
The Problem
Clarifications

42. Clarifications
CLICK

45. 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.
Penalties

46. 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.
How to Solve the Problem

47. How to Solve the Problem…
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.
How to Solve the Problem…
Your Final Result is ONLY as good as the initial Idea
DON’T HURRY IDEAS

48. 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.

49. Schedule for the First Five OOTM Meetings
First Five Odyssey of the Mind Meetings
(adjust to age and experience of students)
Schedule for the First Five OOTM Meetings
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.

50. First Five Meetings Continued …
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
Read the problem
Brainstorm long term problem solutions and skills needed to solve problem
Fifth Meeting
Continue team-building
Continue spontaneous practice
Brainstorm list of tasks to accomplish and timeline
Assign tasks and discuss team member responsibility

51. Material Value (Cost) Form
Materials Value Form
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

52. 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

53. Tournaments
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!

54. What Happens at a Tournament?
What Happens before and at the State Tournament?
What Happens at a 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

55. What Coaches Should Do on Tournament Day
What Should Coaches Do on Tournament Day ?
What Coaches Should 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…☺

56. 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
OOTM Recognition

57. 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…

58. 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.