1. NC Odyssey of the Mind Awareness Session

2. NCOM Eastern Region To Provide Creative Problem-Solving
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 , the Odyssey of the Mind program began. Originally it was called Olympics of the Mind
North Carolina was one of the 1st States outside NJ to participate and compete in an OotM World Finals (we’re currently in our 33rd 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…
HARD WORK
FUN
New Challenges
The Most
Creative
and
Original
Solution Possible
Presentation Skills
Group Dynamics
Planning
Analysis
Trial and Error
Applied Education
DOING YOUR BEST

7. Memberships & Team Structure
Memberships are from: schools, clubs, churches, libraries, community groups and home schools
Teams of up to 7 members
P-DI-DII-DIII-DIV
Primary: K-2
Div I: Grades K-5 Div II: Grades 6 – 8
Div III Grades
Div IV: Enrollment in College
(based upon highest grade team member)

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

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

10. The Long-Term Problems
There are six new problems each year
(Aug -Sept)
200 Points
P1 Vehicle – “No-Cycle Recycle”
P2 Technical – “Something Fishy”
P3 Classics – “Aesop Gone Viral”
P4 Structure – “Stack Attack!”
P5 Theatrical – “Fins, Furs, Feathers & Friends”
Primary – Demo Only “Stir the Pot”*
*Not all problems are offered in all age Divisions

11. Performance Time Limit: 8 minutes
There is a Cost Limit to each problem ($ )
- Only the materials used in competition are
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

12. What do OMER’s Need? Imagination Perspiration Creativity Travel Time
Coach
Judge
Volunteer

13. Commitment Participation requires a commitment by
Team members and Coaches
Teams generally work on their LT Problems from Oct-Feb.
Meeting times vary by age and team. In general, teams meet twice a week.
This is a very large commitment and not all teams make it to
their regional tournament therefore:
EVERY TEAM PRESENTING A SOLUTION IS A WINNER !
One team is awarded 1st Place for each LT Problem and Division
In NC 1st and 2nd Place Teams are invited to attend the State
Tournament.

14. Support: Books, Videos, Web pages, Telephone.
Coaches
All Volunteers
Regional Training
Support: Books, Videos, Web pages, Telephone.

15. Pre-tournament or at tournament
Judge
Training
Tournament
Temperament
Volunteer
2 – 4 hours
No training
Pre-tournament or at tournament

16. Expenses
Membership in Odyssey of the Mind International $135 per school or org.
NCOM Regional & State Registration $105 per team. $85 per team Early Bird before (December 19)
Coaches’ Training per Coach $20 ($15 if pre-registered)
Team Support
Snacks & Supplies
R & D
Judge
Volunteer
Travel to Tournaments

17. Timeline Late August – Mid December October 24, 2015 November 7, 2015
Purchase international membership
October 24, 2015
Coaches Training – Wake Tech, Raleigh
November 7, 2015
Technology Fair – Location TBA
December 19, 2015
Early Bird Registration Deadline
January 23, 2016
Spontaneous Fair – Location TBA
February 20, 2016
Judges Training & Primary Tournament – Wake Tech, Raleigh
March 5, 2016
Eastern Region Tournament
Wake Tech Comm. College, Raleigh

18. NCOM State Tournament
April 2016
Western Region
Location TBA

19. World Finals - 2016 May 25 - 28 Iowa State University - Ames, Iowa
An International Extravaganza
The Odyssey of the Mind is truly a worldwide competition. Participants include teams from Australia, Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Siberia, Singapore, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, West Africa, and practically every state in the U.S. The annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is an event to behold. It embodies the international spirit of creativity!