Odyssey of the Mind: Creative Problem-Solving Program

1. NC Odysseyof theMindAwareness Session

2. 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 CollegeEducator, Dr. C. Samuel Micklus (Dr. Sam) Dr. Sam challenged students in his courses to solve assignments in unusual and creativeways. At the end of the semester, students presented their solutions in a competition In 1978-1979, 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 36th 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: Grades K-5 Div II: Grades 6 – 8 Div III Grades 9 - 12 Div IV: Enrollment in College (based upon highest grade team member)

8. 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- Combo/Hybrid • 200 Points • Specific Rules • Open-Ended • Solution Presented in Skit Form (8-min) Style • 50 Points • Elaboration of LT • Pizzazz, Sparkle, Polish • Team Chosen Elements Total 350 Points Long-Term + Style + Spontaneous = Total Score

10. The Long-Term Problems • There are six new problems each year • (Aug -Sept) • 200 Points • P1 Vehicle – “Triathlon Travels” • P2 Technical – “Emoji, Speak for Yourself” • P3 Classics – “Mockumentary! Seriously?” • P4 Structure – “Animal House” • P5 Theatrical – “A Stellar Hangout” • Primary–Demo Only “We’re Cooking Now”* • *Not all problems are offered in all age Divisions

11. Performance Time Limit: 8 minutes There is a Cost Limit to each problem ($125-145) - Only the materials used in competition are 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. Perspiration Judge Time Creativity Volunteer Imagination Coach Travel What do OMER’s Need?

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 2ndPlace Teams are invited to attend the State Tournament.

14. Coaches All Volunteers Regional Training Support: Books, Videos, Web pages, Telephone. www.odysseyofthemind.org www.ncom.org www.ncome.org regional-director@ncome.org

15. Judge Volunteer • Training • Tournament • Temperament • 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 $135 per team. $100 per team Early Bird before (December 23) • Coaches’ Training per Coach $20 ($15 if pre-registered) Team Support • Snacks & Supplies • R & D • Judge • Volunteer • Travel to Tournaments

17. Timeline Late August – Mid December Purchase international membership October 28, 2017 Coaches Training – Wake Tech, Raleigh November 11, 2017 Technology Fair – Hope Valley Elementary, Durham December 23, 2017 Early Bird Registration Deadline January 27, 2018 Spontaneous Fair – Morris Grove Elementary, Chapel Hill Judges Training & Primary Tournament – Wake Tech Comm. College, Raleigh February 17, 2018 March 3, 2018 Eastern Region Tournament Wake Tech Comm. College, Raleigh

18. NCOM State Tournament March 24, 2018 Central Region Wingate University, Wingate, NC

19. World Finals - 2018May 24 - 27Iowa State University - Ames, Iowa • 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, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Siberia, Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland, 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. www.odysseyofthemind.com

21. www.ncom.org

22. www.ncome.org