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. Odyssey Participation Fee: $100 per team member
Costs
Odyssey Participation Fee:
$100 per team member

9. Costs Odyssey Participation Fee Covers: School Membership
$135 for first membership, $100 each additional membership
Competition Day Registration:
$225 per team
Team Materials:
$125 or $145, depending on team problem

10. 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.

11. How are teams formed? Factors: Student Interest & Availability
Coach Availability
Priority given in the following order:
Child of a coach
Student who participated in the previous full season
New student to Odyssey
Expressing interest does not guarantee placement on a team

12. Important Dates for All
September 26th
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.

13. Important Team Dates November 10, 2018 (optional) Odyssey Day - FREE
Time: 9:00am to 12:15pm
Location - TBD

14. 37th Annual CT State Tournament Time – 8AM start (early, long day)
Important Team Dates
March 16, 2019
37th Annual CT State Tournament
Time – 8AM start (early, long day)
Location – TBD
Possible semi-finals will depend on the number of registered teams. This will be determined in mid-January 2019.

15. Location: Michigan State University*, *according to past experience
Important Team Dates
May th– th
(if necessary)
World Finals
Location: Michigan State University*,
*according to past experience

16. Important Coaching Dates
Coach Training
*Strongly Suggested*
October 27, 2018 or
January 12, 2019
Location: TBD

17. Important Coaching Dates
Coaching World Finals Meeting
(if necessary)
*Mandatory*
May 23, 2019
Time, & Location: TBD

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

19. Coaching Responsibilities
District Screening
Attend coaches training
Guidance, Encouragement, & Teach Skills
Handle team $
Logistics – Team Meetings, Reserve space at WIS, Competition
Paperwork
Recruit 1 Judge and 1 Volunteer (coach & parents)

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

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