What is Odyssey of the Mind?

Odyssey of the Mind is a team-oriented, creative problem-solving program for students who are in kindergarten through college. It provides teams with the opportunity to learn creative problem solving, teamwork, brainstorming, self-reliance, and respect for individual strengths -- unique, unforgettable experiences that will serve them in every aspect of their lives now and in the future.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competitive program, but it's nothing like your typical sporting event. It's all about creativity, an often overlooked element in the growth and development of many students. Kids are rewarded more for how they apply their knowledge, skills and talents, and not for coming up with the right answer.

Each team that participates is comprised of five to seven students who are required to develop solutions to one of six Long Term Problems over several months, while practicing for a Spontaneous Problem. Each team is placed into a division that is based on the age group and the long term problem the team selected. (Primary, I, II, III, IV).

For the Long Term Problem the kids apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and world level. Thousands of teams from states throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program. It should be noted that the primary division problem is a demonstration problem that is not judged competitively and only participates at the local competition.

Helpful Links

PENNSBURY SCHOOLS

OM HOMEPAGE

PA OM HOMEPAGE

SOUTHEAST PA OM