What’s It All About??

Introductions

• Julia Inman-Ryan, Presenter and Smart’s Mill

8th Grader

• Ken Ryan, Coordinator

• Mr. Will Waldman, Smart’s Mill Principal and

Odyssey Supporter

What is Odyssey of the Mind?

The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process.

• It provides open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests.

• Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems.

• Odyssey rewards thinking “Outside the Box”.

• Students work together toward the goal of presenting their solution to their problem at competition.

Who Participates?

• Students kindergarten through college.

• Any student willing to make the commitment can participate: No special skills, grades, or criteria beyond willingness to stretch yourself and work together.

• Throughout the U.S. and the World.

We Are:

• Division II -- Grades 6-8

• We are in region 14, which is part of Loudoun County.

– Region 16 is the other part of Loudoun.

– Regions 14 & 16 share administration.

Structure and Approach

• Students are challenged to solve problems in two totally different formats. This gives them an opportunity to both highlight their strengths and explore in new directions.

• Long-term problem: A problem they design and build a solution over several months.

• Spontaneous problems: Short, on-the-spot challenges solved with no preparation.

• Both types are part of the competition.

The Long-Term Problem

• Each team choses a long-term problem to creatively solve and present at competition.

• They include a diverse range of components, including technical design, construction, scripting and performance. And, of course, teamwork!!!

• All work is done by the student team members.

• Entire cost must fit within a fixed budget.

• The long-term problems change every year.

• They fall into five general categories:– Mechanical/Vehicle

– Technical Performance

– Classics

– Structure

– Performance

2015-2016 Long-term Problems

• Mechanical/Vehicle: No-Cycle Recycle

• Technical Performance: Something Fishy

• Classics: Aesop Gone Viral

• Structure: Stack Attack!

• Performance: Furs, Fins, Feathers & Friends

http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/materials/2016problems.php

Spontaneous Problems

• These are short problems that the team solves with no advance preparation.

• They can be a building (“hands-on”) problem, a spoken-answer (“verbal”) problem or a combination (“hands-on verbal”).

• They are usually challenging and can get kind of wacky.

• Generally teams practice one or two of these each meeting.

• In the competitions, the spontaneous problems are done by five of the team members, but during meetings everyone participates.

• These problems really allow your creativity to shine!!

Teams and Meetings

• Five to seven students

• At least one coach (more are better)

• At the meetings, they work on the Long-Term Problem and practice doing Spontaneous Problems.

• The teams meet at least once a week.– Generally go to two meetings a week as competition nears.

– It is up to the teams if they wish to form sub-groups to work on specific aspects of their long-term problem. This can allow for more flexibility in scheduling.

• Meetings can be after school, in evenings or on weekends depending on what works for everyone (including the coaches).

Parent/Adult Involvement

• Coaches and Assistant Coaches– Critical to formation of a team!

– Provide guidance and oversight. Lead spontaneous problem practices.

– Coaches training is November 21. (An alternate date is often available in a neighboring district.) Spontaneous problem training is December 12.

– Teachers who coach get continuing education credits.

• Competition Judges– Every team must provide a judge for the competition.

• Competition Volunteer– Every team must provide an adult volunteer to work a couple of

hours at the competition.

Parent/Adult Involvement (Cont.)

• Fundraising coordinator– Supplies are needed beyond the basic problem budget (including for

spontaneous problem practices).

– Help funding going to the advanced competitions if team does well.

• Meeting host– Provide a location to hold meetings (especially on weekends).

– Great if the host can also store the team’s constructions and supplies.

• General assistance– Coaches can always use help with spontaneous problem practice,

including finding problems and gathering supplies.

– Most coaches appreciate having parents come to meetings and help out.

– Organizational and administrivia assistance can help free up coaches for other tasks.

– Help with anything else that needs doing.

The Competitions

• You compete against Division II (Grades 6-8) teams solving the same long-term problem.

• Regional– We are in region 14, which is part of Loudoun County.

– Winners (1st place) of regional go to the State competition.

• State– 1st and 2nd place winners of State go to World competition.

• World!!– Teams from around the world come to the U.S. to

compete; “An International Extravaganza”

– (This is where the pin trading occurs.)

Competition Judges

• Every team must provide a judge in order to be able to attend the competition.

• Judges can be any adult – they do not have to have any direct association with the team.

• Judges are trained for their role in a specific long-term problem.

• Judging is not meant to be an adversarial process in Odyssey – the judges try to lighten it up for the kids by wearing funny hats, using humor in their introductions, and so forth.

• Judges must commit to attend training (February 6) and the whole day of the competition (March 12th).

• There may also be an opportunity to judge at the state competition (April 16). Teams generally try to reimburse judges costs for state.

• Judging provides a great opportunity to see some great projects and performances.

• Teachers who judge get continuing education credits.

• Many judges have such a good time they volunteer year after year.

What Do You Get Out of It?

Learning and New Experiences

In Odyssey of the Mind, you will learn many different things and do things you never have before.

And, of course, you will have fun!

• Thinking on your feet

• How to present solutions and answers in a large group setting

• New skills, which can include construction, design, sewing, script writing, …

• Resume building – great for applications! Odyssey is something that can set you apart and demonstrate you have drive and motivation.

• The competitions themselves are great experiences.

Creativity

One of the primary goals of Odyssey is to teach how to seek out-of-the-box solutions.

• The long-term problems are defined by a set of tasks and requirements, but it is totally up to the team to determine how to approach it.

• Spontaneous problems provide a wide range of tasks to experiment with and explore (building, storytelling, word association, etc.).

• Giving unusual and creative answers to problems is rewarded. The more outrageous the better!

• Many of the spontaneous problems are open-ended without a specific solution to allow as much creativity as possible.

Problem Solving

Odyssey revolves around problem solving. Not only how to solve the long-term and spontaneous problems effectively, but how to get there.

• You learn how to effectively brainstorm.

• You learn how to identify the real challenge (often through trial and error).

• The long-term problem covers a wide variety of areas, requiring many different kinds of problem solving.

• You learn about planning a project – supplies, schedule, budget, etc.

• You learn about setting small goals to work toward large goals.

• The spontaneous problems teach how not to get bogged down in a problem.

• You will try things that don’t work, learn from the mistakes and shortcomings, and then move on and forward!

Teamwork

You will learn team-building skills by working in groups.

• Everyone contributes all the time.

• As you learn that everybody has skills and ideas to offer, you will learn respect for others.

• You will work on your negotiation skills. You will not always agree on what to do or how to do it, but you will learn how to reach compromises everyone can live with.

• In the beginning, team members are often all trying to talk over one another with their ideas, or some kids would rather sit back and not talk at all. With their coach's help, they learn to take turns and listen while everyone contributes ideas. There is a huge change by the end of the year!

Self-Confidence

Odyssey can be a big confidence booster, especially for kids who might be shy or who might normally not speak up in a

very large group like a classroom.

• The long-term problems all have a performance aspect. (For some of us, just surviving that boosts confidence.)

• Achieving goals (like getting everything done and in good order for the competition) builds self-confidence.

• Making contributions and having your teammates listen to your ideas helps with self-esteem.

• Students learn how to “open up” and express themselves.

• Besides teamwork, you can learn how to work independently (and that you can).

• You learn how to fail and try again.

Fun!!!

Along with all the hard work, you will have fun!

• Make new friends!

• Get to know existing friends and classmates better.

• Get to work with a range of materials – you get input on what! (Although if you are going to be making a mess your coaches will probably ask you to do it outside.)

• Being outrageous and silly is practically required in your long term performance. Many spontaneous problems allow your wacky side to shine!

Commitment

Your team is counting on you, so once you join a

team you must plan on participating “all-in”.

• Attend (and participate in!) meetings

regularly.

• Complete any tasks you take on.

• Reserve the competition date (all day), March

12th.

Important Dates

Event Date Location

Coaches Training November 21, 2015 Freedom HS, South Riding

Spontaneous Coaches’ Workshop December 12, 2015 Park View HS, Sterling

Team Spontaneous Practice TBD Harper Park MS, Leesburg

Judges Training February 6, 2016 Park View HS, Sterling

Region 14 Tournament March 12, 2016 Tuscarora HS, Leesburg

Tournament Snow Day March 19, 2016 Park View HS, Sterling

State Tournament April 16, 2016Menchville HS, Newport

News

World Competition May 25-28, 2015 Iowa State University

See http://nwvoices.org/ for these and other important dates.

Dues

• ~$70 - $80 (TBD)

• Pay to coach at first meeting.

• Covers:– Long-term problem supplies, (>$150 even with no waste)

– Spontaneous problem practice materials

– Team member dues

– Spontaneous Practice Registration

– Competition registration

– Coaches training

– SMMS Odyssey T-shirts

– End-of-year team party (hopefully)

• Fund raising or sources of funding may be needed.

2015-2016

Long-term Problem Synopses

Problem 1: No-Cycle Recycle

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.

Teams will build, ride on, and drive a no-cycle, recycling vehicle. It will pick up discarded items, adapt them in some way, and then deliver them to places to be re-used. The vehicle must travel without pedaling for propulsion. In addition, the driver will have an assistant worker riding on the vehicle that will help process the trash items being repurposed. They will make an unplanned stop along the way to perform a random act of kindness.

Problem 2: Something Fishy

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.

Teams will design and operate a technical solution that simulates multiple styles of fishing. A Fisher Character will work from a designated area to "catch" three different objects that are outside of that area. The catch will be on the move and will include something expected, something unexpected, and a new discovery. The performance will also include a change of weather and a humorous character that portrays a potential catch and avoids being caught by the Fisher.

Problem 3: Aesop Gone Viral

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.

Teams will create and present an original performance about a fable gone "viral." The problem will include a list of fables attributed to Aesop. Teams will select one and portray it, and its moral, as going viral - that is, being shared throughout the community and beyond. The performance will be set in a past era and include a narrator character, an artistic representation of the fable's moral, and a character that makes a wrong conclusion about the moral and is corrected.

Problem 4: Stack Attack!

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.

This problem requires teams to design, build, and test a structure, made only of balsa wood and glue that will balance and support as much weight as possible--twice. During weight-placement, teams can "Attack the Stack" where they will remove all of the weights except for the bottom one and the crusher board. Teams will also receive score for removing weights! After Attacking the Stack, the weight placement process can be repeated to add to the total weight held. Teams will incorporate weight-placement, repetition, and Attacking a Stack into the theme of the performance.

Problem 5: Furs, Fins, Feathers &

Friends

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.

The team's problem is to create and present a humorous performance depicting problem solving from the perspective of three different animals. The animals will help a stranger, help each other, and solve a problem that threatens the survival of all animals. During the performance, the animals will sing and dance. They will also show curiosity, sympathy, frustration, and joy.

What’s Next?

• Turn in sign-up form.

– Due Friday, October 16.

– Available at the interest meeting, from Julia, or

from the coordinator at SMMS-OOTM@leesburg-

geeks.org.

• Recruit fellow team members and coaches.

• Look at the long term problems and

brainstorm concepts.

Parents and Guardians:Parents and Guardians:Parents and Guardians:Parents and Guardians:We Need Your HelpWe Need Your HelpWe Need Your HelpWe Need Your Help!!!!!!!!!!!!

Odyssey of the Mind is run entirely by

parent volunteers. Priority will be given to

students who have a parent or guardian

willing to help with the program. We need

places to hold the meetings, judges and

volunteers for the competition, and don’t

forget, we need coaches!!

Questions?

• Ken Ryan, SMMS CoordinatorSMMS-OOTM@leesburg-geeks.org

• Julia Inman-Ryan, Presentervia her parents at SMMS-OOTM@leesburg-geeks.org

• Northwest Voices Regional Odyssey of the Mind Websitehttp://www.nwvoices.org/

• Odyssey of the Mind Websitehttp://www.odysseyofthemind.com/

• Search “Odyssey of the Mind” on YouTube for previous years’ performances.

Spontaneous Problem Examples

Source:

http://www.nwvoices.org/download.html

Verbal Example

• Name things that are “red”

• Student should think of all of the definitions of “red,” i.e.:– an apple

– a newspaper

– Ready at the Switch

– bread and butter

– red skies at night

– A map

– blood

– ready, set, go

– Gingerbread

– Giant redwoods

– Readiness

Verbal Hands-On Example

• Team is given any number of group of materials/things:

PIECE OF STRING, 2 PENCILS, COFFEE FILTER, MEAT BASTER, 6 PAPER CLIPS,2 MARBLES, PAPER CUP, PAPER PLATE, 12" SQUARE OF ALUMINUM FOIL,24" PIECE OF YARN, RULER OR YARDSTICK, NAPKIN (PAPER OR CLOTH),2 RUBBER BANDS, BUSINESS-SIZE ENVELOPE, 6 MARSHMALLOWS, SHEET OFPAPER, 3 COTTON BALLS, PLASTIC SPOON, BALLOON, TENNIS BALL, TOOTHBRUSH, COIN, PLASTIC BAG, HAT, SURGICAL MASK, CLOTHES PIN, ERASER ETC.

• Each member chooses three items• Team is told items are clues uncovered from a

previously unknown civilization• Each must describe how those objects may have

been used in that civilization’s way of life.– Example: Meat baster may have been used to water

plants in a greenhouse.

Hands-On Example

• Usually the most difficult

• Each team is given 40 pieces of spaghetti, 15

pieces of elbow macaroni, 25 miniature

marshmallows, 10 toothpicks, 4 straws, and 5

adhesive mailing labels, 5 pounds of penny

nails and a pint size plastic container.

• Team has 7 minutes to make a structure and 2

minutes to test it. They may talk during build.

Hands-On Example (Cont.)

• Structure is scored on height and strength.

– Must rest on the surface of the table and may not lean against a wall or be supported by anything else.

• After completed team must place the container on top of structure.

• Judges will measure height from the surface of the table to the top of the container.

– Must be at least 8 inches high to receive score.

Hands-On Example (Cont.)

• Once measured team must begin placing

weights in container, one at a time.– Weight must be held for 3 seconds to count for score.

• Problem is finished when structure breaks, when all the weights have been used, or when time ends.