ODYSSEY OF THE MIND, or OM, is an international creative problem-solving program open to students in K-12, as well as those attending college. It provides opportunities for students to “think outside of the box” while learning teamwork, brainstorming, and respect for individuals. SPACE COAST ODYSSEY OF THE MIND has had a long history of success in Florida since the 1989-1990 school year. Many public, private, and home schools as well as community groups participate in the program each year.
Teams of 5-7 students select a problem from one of the five (plus primary) released each year. They meet weekly to create a unique solution to the problem. Along the way the team also creates props, a skit, costumes, and other elements needed in their solution while adhering to cost limits as well as an 8 minute time limit. Teams are evaluated in three areas: the long term solution (the how), style (the wow), and spontaneous (thinking on their feet).
Teams of 5-7 students select a problem from one of the five (plus primary) released each year. They meet weekly to create a unique solution to the problem. Along the way the team also creates props, a skit, costumes, and other elements needed in their solution while adhering to cost limits as well as an 8 minute time limit. Teams are evaluated in three areas: the long term solution (the how), style (the wow), and spontaneous (thinking on their feet).
The five types of problems and the primary problem are:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 usually present a skit as part of the Style presentation.
- 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.
- Primary Teams Each program member receives a non-competitive primary problem, whose intent is to introduce younger children to the creative problem-solving process. To prepare students for Odyssey of the Mind competitions, the format of the primary problem is very similar to that of the competitive long-term problems — complete with examples of scoring and Style categories. There is no competition at the primary level but in Space Coast we invite one team each year to go on to the state competition by drawing a team name from all the teams willing to go.
