1. NC Odyssey of the Mind Awareness Session

2. NCOM Eastern Region To Provide Creative Problem-Solving
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

3. 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 1st 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

4. 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

5. 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!

6. Odyssey of the Mind Involves…
HARD WORK
FUN
New Challenges
The Most
Creative
and
Original
Solution Possible
Presentation Skills
Group Dynamics
Planning
Analysis
Trial and Error
Applied Education
DOING YOUR BEST

7. 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 1st, 2005) (or every team member in 5th grade or less)
Div II (under age 15 by May 1st, 2005) (or every team member in 6th-8th grade)
Div III (every team member in 9th-12th grade on May 1st, 2005)
Div IV (enrollment in College)
(based upon age of oldest team member)

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

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

10. The Long-Term Problems
There are six new problems released each year (Aug -Sept)
200 Points
Vehicle – Problem 1 “Stunt Mobiles”
Technical – Problem 2 “In Your Dreams” *
Classics – Problem 3 “Get the Message?”
Structure – Problem 4 “Crazy Columns”
Theatrical – Problem 5 “Laugh-a-thon”
Primary – Demonstration Only “Fable-us!”
Not all problems are offered in all age Divisions*

11. Time Limit: 8 minutes There is a cost limit to each problem ($50-140)
- 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

12. What do OMER’s Need? Imagination Perspiration Creativity Travel Time
Coach
Judge
Volunteer

13. Commitment 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 !
One team is awarded 1st Place for each LT Problem and Division
In NC 1st and 2nd Place Teams are invited to attend the State
Tournament.

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

15. Pre-tournament or at tournament
Judge
Training
Tournament
Temperament
Volunteer
2 – 4 hours
No training
Pre-tournament or at tournament

16. 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 (date TBA)
Coaches Training $12 per Coach
Team Support:
Snacks
Supplies
R & D
Travel to Tournaments
Judge
Volunteer

17. Timeline Late August – Mid December November 13, 2004 Date TBA
Purchase international membership
November 13, 2004
Eastern Region Coaches Training
Date TBA
Early Bird Registration Deadline
Eastern Region Judges Training
Date TBA
March 12, 2005
Eastern Region Tournament (tentative date)

18. Appalachian State University - Boone, NC
NCOM State Tournament
April 9, 2005
Appalachian State University - Boone, NC

19. World Finals May 21 – May 25 University of Colorado - Boulder, Colorado
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!

20. North Carolina Odyssey of the Mind
Betsy Adams, State Director -
Regional Directors:
Central
Dick Raley - & Jeff Newell -
Coastal
Betsy Adams - & Carolyn Braly -
Eastern
Tom Hansen -
Northern
David Asher -
Western
Barbara Parris -