1. Odyssey of the Mind …an international educational program whose mission is to provide Creative Problem-Solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

2. Odyssey of the Mind Waiver Any student who is placed on a team must have a signed waiver returned to Mr. Anderson before they will be allowed to participate in Odyssey of the Mind activities.

3. Long Term Problem Categories Mechanical/Vehicle Teams design, build and operate vehicles of various size and with various power sources. Sometimes they drive the vehicles, and sometimes the vehicles perform tasks, such as overcoming obstacles or visiting other "countries" to retrieve artifacts.

4. Long Term Problem Categories Technical Performance Teams make innovative contraptions and incorporate artistic elements into their solutions. They might be asked to write an original musical score to play on a "new" type of instrument, or to build a robot with human characteristics, or to perform tasks using a chain reaction of snapping mousetraps.

5. Long Term Problem Categories Classics The theme of this problem is based on the classical -- from literature to architecture to art. Whether it's writing an additional chapter to Moby Dick or bringing paintings to life, it's always a terrific learning experience.

6. Long Term Problem Categories Structure Teams design and build structures, using only balsa wood and glue. They test them by supporting and holding as much weight as possible -- sometimes more than a thousand pounds! Teams present a skit as part of the Style presentation.

7. Long Term Problem Categories Performance In this problem, teams present performances that revolve around a specific theme and incorporate required elements. Past themes include "morphing" objects, animals that express human emotions, and originating folktales.

8. Costs WIS covering: School Membership $135 for first membership, $100 each additional membership

9. Costs Team Responisibilities: Competition Day Registration: $225 per team $32.14 per team member for a 7 member team

10. Costs Team Responsibilities: Materials costs Approximately $125-$145 per team, depending on the problem category $18-$21 per team member for a 7 person team

11. Costs Team Responsibilities: Total Costs: Approx. $50.14 - $53.14 per team member for a 7-member team Competition Registration + Team Materials, etc. No child excluded for financial hardship. Contact Mrs. Falber.

12. Costs Team Responsibilities: World Finals: If a team qualifies: 2015 OM World Finals team spent in the range of $1,300-$1400 per person. World Finals costs are not covered by the school.

13. How are teams formed? Factors: Student Interest & Availability Coach Availability Special consideration only for those students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) coach a team Expressing interest does not guarantee placement on a team

14. Important Dates for All September 18 th Final due date for student interest and coaching forms All forms must be received by this date for possible team placement. Remember, submitting a form does not guarantee team placement.

15. Important Team Dates DATE TBD (optional) Odyssey Day - FREE Time: 9:00am to 12:15pm Location - TBD

16. Important Team Dates March 19 th or April 2 nd (TBD) 36 th Annual CT State Tournament Time – 8AM start (early, long day) Location - TBD

17. Important Team Dates May 25 th –28 th (if necessary) World Finals Location: Iowa State University

18. Important Coaching Dates Coach Training *Mandatory* November or January Returning coaches only need to attend the afternoon session. Dates & Locations: TBD

19. Important Coaching Dates Coaching World Finals Meeting (if necessary) *Mandatory* Date, Time, & Location: TBD

20. Needs Coaches 2 per team (ideally)

21. Coaching Responsibilities District Screening Attend coaches training Guidance, Encouragement, & Teach Skills Handle team $ Logistics – Team Meetings, Reserve space at WIS, Competition Paperwork Recruit 1 Judge and 1 Volunteer (coach & parents)

22. More Information www.ctom.org www.odysseyofthemind.org

23. My E-mail ruddanderson@westonps.org OM in the subject line