Odyssey problems have challenged students to design mechanical dinosaurs, invent new factory machinery, build working vehicles, write a new chapter to Moby Dick, put a twist on classic artworks, turn Pandora’s Box into a video game, and so much more.
Since 1978, OotM problems have challenged students to go beyond conventional thinking and incorporate creative problem solving in learning. Creative Problem Solving is a skill that needs to be nurtured and developed. While a conventional education is important, learning to solve problems creatively and confidently gives them an important edge in their education and career goals. There is creativity inside each of us and OotM teaches how to tap into it so it can be applied to real-world problems.
Odyssey of the Mind begins at the local level. Schools join and form teams that are coached by an adult. The teams select their long-term problem, develop a solution entirely on their own, and practice spontaneous problem solving. Local associations then organize and operate training sessions and tournaments where teams will present their long-term solutions in competition.
