Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a creative problem-solving competition that challenges students to work together to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Team members use skills in engineering, design, writing, construction, research, critical thinking, and teamwork to create and present their solution at competition.

Our team will meet during the weekly 1.5 hour meetings; however, this alone will not provide enough preparation time for competition. Students should expect to attend additional practices, especially as competition approaches.

Regional competition will most likely be held in Newport News, Virginia. Parents will be responsible for providing transportation to and from the competition. If our team advances to the Virginia State Finals, additional practices will be required, and fundraising opportunities may be needed to help offset travel and competition expenses.

What Students Do

Each year, teams choose one long-term problem to solve. These problems typically involve a combination of:

Creative problem-solving
Engineering and building
Artistic design
Writing and storytelling
Research and innovation
Teamwork and collaboration
Presentation skills

Acting is only one possible component of Odyssey of the Mind and may play a larger or smaller role depending on the problem selected. Not every team member is required to have a speaking or acting role.

Examples of Recent Problem Types

Recent Odyssey of the Mind problems have included:

Designing and building a vehicle that completes a specific challenge.
Creating an original performance based on a historical figure or event.
Building a structure from balsa wood that supports significant weight.
Developing a technical device that solves a problem in a creative way.
Presenting an original story that incorporates required engineering elements and special effects.

Spontaneous Competition

In addition to the long-term problem, teams compete in a "Spontaneous" challenge on competition day. Students will not know the challenge beforehand. They must work together under time pressure to solve either a verbal, hands-on, or combination problem. These challenges test creativity, teamwork, communication, and quick thinking.

What Competition Day Looks Like

A typical competition day includes:

Team check-in and registration.
Presenting the team's long-term solution before a panel of judges.
Completing the spontaneous challenge in a separate judging room.
Viewing other teams' performances and projects.
Waiting for scores and attending the awards ceremony.

Competition days often last most of the day and require students to be prepared, flexible, and ready to represent Kalamoo with excellence and good sportsmanship.

Odyssey of the Mind is a significant commitment, but it offers students an exciting opportunity to develop creativity, leadership, problem-solving skills, and lasting friendships while competing with teams from across Virginia.