Odyssey of the Mind
WHAT IS OM?
OM stands for Odyssey of the Mind; OK-OM, Oklahoma Odyssey of the Mind. It is a creative, problem-solving competition involving teams of 5 to 7 students. The students select a problem from among five different problems to solve. The problems are designed for working in the arts, creative writing, physical science, technology, the humanities and more. As a team, students plan and work toward a solution to present within 8 minutes at competition. At competition, teams also compete in a spontaneous problem, not known to the students or coaches ahead of time. This spontaneous problem is designed to challenge teams to "think on their feet."
What are the major benefits of the OM program? OM fosters group and individual creative problem-solving which involves vital challenges and learning experiences such as developing trust, leadership, initiative, cooperation and communication skills. The members are encouraged to be supportive of each other as they take risks offering unique ideas to solve the problem at hand.
Whether or not the final products are successful, we are very proud of the students. We believe every participant is a winner in that they have applied creativity talent and diligence to a complex problem. The experience and growth in creativity are two intangible yet invaluable by-products of OM.
WHAT IS OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE?
It is important for you to know that solving an OM problem is the team's responsibility. That means as a parent or a coach we are not allowed to give outside assistance.Non-team members, including coaches and parents, are not allowed to help solve the problem. No one should help the team get the idea for its solution or help with the actual development and construction of the solution. For example, if the team is working on a performance problem, a drama teacher could teach some general acting techniques. However, the drama teacher may not help write or be the director of the play. One or more of the team members must do this. If the team is working on the construction of a solution, costume or prop, they may ask someone to teach them how to use particular tool; however, the teacher cannot demonstrate by making the part for them. The team members must make it themselves. If they cannot make the solution they want to use, then they have to get the needed skills or use another solution.
A good general rule for how much help a team may receive, without penalty, is: If with good research, the team members could get the information from a book, video, etc., they may also get the information from a person.
Teams members may use ready-made parts to complete their designs unless a problem specifically prohibits this.
Example #1: A team uses a pair of jeans, boots, a shirt, vest and handkerchief for a costume. It does not have to make these parts, but the parts have to produce the overall look designed by the team.
Example #2: For a vehicle, a team uses a wagon bed, wheels from a tricycle, and an automobile steering wheel. The team does not have to make individual parts but must put them together according to its own design.
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND PROGRAM GOALS
- Develop creative thinking abilities
- Increase student ability to apply known principles and facts to"hands-on" situations.
- Improve communication skills.
- Learn how to use the creative problem-solving process.>
- Develop and utilize skills of all team members.
- Develop and use local resources.
- Develop and use research skills.
- Exercise and use the higher-order thinking and critical thinking skills, especially analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
- Have fun while learning all of these very important skills.
