Odyssey of the mind

1. Odyssey of the mind 2012-2013 Parent Information Session

2. What the heck is odyssey of the mind? • Team-based creative problem solving • The 7 person team will work together over the course of the year to work on a long-term problem of their choice. • They will present at a regional competition in March of 2013. • Teams who do well can place into a state or world competition. • Here’s a little sample!

3. Long-Term and Spontaneous Problems • Long-term: one large problem for which the 7 minds work on a creative solution which they present at competition. • There are 5 kinds of problems – synopses. • Spontaneous: once at competition, 5 minds will be asked to perform a spontaneous solution that is either a verbal problem, a hands-on, or a combo of the two. • We will practice MANY spontaneous problems, but only one long-term problem.

5. What will my kid be doing? • The team will be meeting on a schedule of their choosing (Wednesday afternoons) • Once a student begins working with the team, it is important that they continue to attend. • The team will make a deadline schedule, set goals for themselves, do their own record keeping, and run their own meetings and practices. • They will build everything, write the script, perform all the parts, in other words…they do it ALL! • As we get closer to performance time, we may have additional practices or weekend practices.

6. What can I expect for myself? • You should expect to transport any non-driving age students to practices. - organizing a carpool is a great idea! • Sharing your own expertise, time, tools, old junk, or space. • Volunteering at competition. • Helping with skills training or helping to locate resources and reference materials. • Helping to procure materials, snacks, etc. • Being a supportive and caring ear to your OMer!

7. How much money will this cost? • Dues are set at $60 per participant. • That covers: • Our team membership ($135) • Our competition fee ($85) • A team t-shirt ($15) • Basic materials to get us started • Additional costs (materials, transportation) will be thoroughly documented and distributed fairly. • We are capped at a $150 budget for the project itself.

8. Cost Explanation • All of the materials the kids take on stage with them must be accounted for on the cost form. • Newly purchased items must be listed at actual cost. • Old/donated items are “yard sale” priced. • “Trash” is free (cardboard, cans, scrap wood, etc.) • Paint, tape, nails, staples, etc. may be accounted for based on amount used. • We don’t have to account for shoes, tables, power cords, or batteries. • Items like laptops or musical instruments have an assigned value.

9. Outside Assistance: A short primer • The kids are supposed to do it all themselves. • We are allowed to: teach them skills, techniques, new approaches, or to draw their attention to things they are forgetting about, or that aren’t working. • Raising questions = ok, Do it this way = not ok • We can’t touch or help with any part of what they take with them on stage – including their costumes, props, make-up, signs, etc.

10. Resources • Ellington’s Website – link to the Odyssey of the Mind Resource page • Program Guide – contains answers to everything, a thorough and important read, encourage the kiddos to read it too!