Odyssey of the Mind

2015-16

It’s Odyssey of the Mind Time Again!

Here are this year’s Odyssey of the Mind problems!

Problem 1: No-Cycle Recycle
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.

Problem 2: Something Fishy
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.

Problem 3: Classics... Aesop Gone Viral
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.

Problem 4: Stack Attack!
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.

Problem 5: Fins, Furs, Feathers & Friends
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


Students in grades 4, 5, & 6 are gearing up for our 15th year of Odyssey of the Mind, a national problem solving contest that challenges kids to work together to solve a long term problem. Permission slips have been handed out in classrooms and interested students should return them to me at school by Tuesday, September 15. We are now looking for coaches to work with teams of up to 7 students each. Teams generally meet once a week after school throughout the year to work on one of the long term problems listed above. In March there is a state competition where solutions to the problems are presented and judged. We will provide training & support for coaches. We’d love to have you join us as a parent volunteer or a student team member. Call Ellen Koier at school or visit Odyssey of the Mind’s website at www.odysseyofthemind.com if you’d like to learn more.