Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. Imagine being faced with a problem that requires an original solution. It can be frightening. Now imagine not being afraid to solve that problem – that is what OM team members learn. This skill along with self-confidence will carry over to all areas of their lives. OM brings the classroom to life as students apply what they learn and combine it with their interests and passions to solve our unique open-ended problems. OM also emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and so much more. This international program is designed to help students at all learning levels grow as individual learners, grow as team members, and to reach their full potential. An Odyssey of the Mind team chooses one of the six Long Term Problems to solve each year. Visit the Get Started & Join Today page or click on the red button at the top right of the any page.
Your Creative Problem Solving Odyssey Starts Here
1 program - 6 different types of problems to appeal to a wide range of interests
Vehicle
Technical
Classics
Structure
Performance
Primary
Our Story
Odyssey of the Mind was started by Dr. C. Samuel Micklus in 1978 and he is kindly known as Dr. Sam. He challenged students to solve assignments in unusual and creative ways, then the teams presented their solutions in a competition. The program expanded to NJ High Schools and in 1978-1979 and was originally called Olympics of the Mind. Creative Competitions Inc was formed to develop the problems and administer the program at the national, and later, at the international level. Colorado became an affiliated Association in 1983.
Odyssey of the Mind is an extra-curricular school activity in creative problem-solving. Modeled on interscholastic sports, Odyssey of the Mind’s creative competitions combines the excitement of athletic competition with fun-filled often zany mental gymnastics. Teams match wits & abilities at local, state, and world competition.
A creative problem solving program for kids K-College, Odyssey of the Mind teams choose one of 5 competitive problems or K-2nd grade can choose a Primary Problem to solve. In the process of solving their problem, children learn to think outside the box, work together to develop creative solutions to broadly defined problems, and present their solution in an 8 minute performance. In addition, teams are rewarded for not just solving the problem, but for enhancing their solution with style. Teams also compete in an on-the-spot spontaneous problem as part of the competition.