1. NJ ODYSSEY OF THE MIND PROGRAM INFO SESSION

2. WHAT IS ODYSSEY OF THE MIND International Problem-Solving Competition founded in 1978 in Glassboro, NJ Program Premises…  Creativity is a learned skill  Focus on divergent (rather than convergent) thinking  Team based (students from K-college)  “Friendly” competitive environment It’s FUN!!!

3. COMPONENTS OF THE COMPETITION There are 3 components to a team’s score at a tournament:  Long Term Problems  Style  Spontaneous In NJ, there are two levels of competition:  2 Regional Tournaments (March)  State Finals Tournament (April) Teams placing 1 st or 2 nd at State Finals advance to the World Finals tournament!

4. LONG TERM & STYLE Long Term Problem: the challenge on which teams base their solutions  Contains objectives, limitations, and requirements  Outlines scoring categories  Team preparation for several months prior to a competition  Team presents solution in an 8-minute skit 5 competitive Long Term Problems each year: Vehicle – Technical – Classics – Structure – Performance Non-competitive Primary program for students in K-2 nd grade. Style is the elaboration of the Long Term Solution – a way for teams to show off the skills and talents that make their solution unique.

5. SPONTANEOUS Teams are given a problem to solve on the spot in a short period of time. 3 types of Spontaneous Problems  Verbal  Hands-on  Verbal/Hands-on It’s TOP SECRET!!!

6. OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE One of the most important parts of Odyssey of the Mind is that the team MUST conceive, design, construct and perform their own ideas. Help from anyone not on the team is considered Outside Assistance.

7. STARTING A TEAM To start a team, you must first purchase a Membership ($135).  Memberships can be sponsored by a school or recognized community group.  Memberships must be renewed each year. With a Membership, you receive:  The 5 competitive problems for the current year  1 non-competitive Primary problem for younger students  The ability to participate in NJ Odyssey of the Mind Tournaments (NJ also charges a small tournament fee for each team that comes to a tournament.)

8. STARTING A TEAM Teams are typically composed of 5-7 students.  There is no minimum number of team members required, but teams with fewer than 5 may have a disadvantage at Spontaneous.  Once a team is formed and begins working on a problem, team members may leave but cannot be replaced. Most teams start working at the beginning of the school year.  Many Memberships will have “info sessions” at the beginning of the program to get parents involved.

9. NJ ODYSSEY TIMELINE July – September: Schools organizations purchase their Memberships and begin forming teams October – November: NJ OotM holds Coaches’ Trainings; Tournament Registration opens January: Tournament Registration Closes February: NJ OotM holds Officials’ Training March: NJ Regional Tournaments April: NJ State Finals Tournament May: World Finals Tournament If you have any questions at the Odyssey of the Mind program in NJ, please contact Stefanie Johnsen at njootm.associationdirector@gmail.com or visit www.njootm.org.njootm.associationdirector@gmail.com