1. NC Odyssey of the Mind Awareness 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 College Educator, Dr. C. Samuel Micklus (Dr. Sam) Dr. Sam challenged students in his courses to solve assignments in unusual and creative ways. 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 1 st States outside NJ to participate and compete in an OOTM World Finals (we’re currently in our 21st 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… The Most Creative and Original Solution Possible

7. Memberships & Team Structure Memberships are from: schools, clubs, churches, libraries, community groups and home schools Teams of 5-7 P-DI-DII-DIII-DIV Primary (K-2) Div I (all under age 12 by May 1 st, 2003) (or every team member in 5 th grade or less) Div II (under age 15 by May 1 st, 2003) (or every team member in 6 th -8 th grade) Div III (under age 19 by May 1 st, 2003) Div IV (full-time enrollment in College) (based upon age of oldest team member)

8. Long-Term The Three Components of OOTM 200 Points 200 Points Specific Rules Specific Rules Open-Ended Open-Ended Solution Presented in Skit Form (8-min) Solution Presented in Skit Form (8-min) 100 Points 100 Points On the Spot Anything Goes 3 Types - Verbal - Hands on - Hybrid 50 Points Elaboration of LT Elaboration of LT Pizzaz, Sparkle, Polish Pizzaz, Sparkle, Polish Team Chosen Elements Team Chosen Elements Long-Term + Style + Spontaneous = Total Score Style Spontaneous Total 350 Points

9. There are six new problems released each year (Aug -Sept) Vehicle –Problem 1 “A Scene From Above” Technical– Problem 2 “The Know-It-All” * Classics – Problem 3 “Put a Spin On It” Structure – Problem 4 “Odd Pod Structure” Theatrical– Problem 5 “Fooled Ya!” Primary – Demonstration Only “Music Lessons” Not all problems are offered in all age Divisions* The Long-Term Problems

10. There is a cost limit to each problem ($100-135) - therefore solutions cannot be “bought” - only the materials used in competition 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

11. Solutions to the problems are ENTIRELY that of the team. No OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE is allowed OUTSIDEASSISTANCE Questions – YES Answers - NO

12. What do OMER’s Need?

13. Coaches All Volunteers Regional Training Support: Books, Videos, Web pages, Telephone. www.odysseyofthemind.org www.ncom.org http://ncom-e.wayfarer.org wp_adams@bellsouth.net

14. Training Tournament Temperament 2 – 4 hours No training Pre-tournament or at tournament

15. Expenses Membership in Odyssey of the Mind International $135 per school or org. NCOM Regional/State Registration $100 per Team $65 per team Early Bird before Dec 13, 2002 Coaches Training $12 per Coach Team Support: Snacks Supplies R & D Travel to Tournaments Judge Volunteer

16. Timeline Late August – Mid December Purchase international membership November 2, 2002 Eastern Region Coaches Training December 13, 2002 Early Bird Registration Deadline February 8, 2003 Eastern Region Judges Training (Snow date Feb 15, 2003) March 8, 2003 Eastern Region Tournament April 5, 2003 NCOM State Tournament May 28 – 31, 2003 Odyssey of the Mind International Tournament

17. North Carolina Odyssey of the Mind Dick Raley, State Director rraley@bellsouth.net Regional Directors: Central Jeff Newell jwnewell@duke-energy.com Coastal Betsy Adams adamsbets@hotmail.com Eastern Patti Adams wp_adams@bellsouth.net Northern David Asher dasher@triad.rr.com Western Barbara Parris Bparris@wcu.edu International Headquarters: Odyssey of the Mind c/o Creative Competitions, Inc. 1325 Route 130 South, Suite F Gloucester City, NJ 08030 (856) 456-7776 (856) 456-7008 (fax) email to: info@odysseyofthemind.com info@odysseyofthemind.com Contact Information Check out our Website for up to date information http://www.ncom.org http://www.odysseyofthemind.com