Your Creative Problem Solving Odyssey Starts Here
1 program - 6 different types of problems to appeal to a wide range of interests
All for 1 program registration fee
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.
Vehicle
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.
Technical
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.
Classics
Teams design and build structures, using only balsa wood and glue. They test them by supporting and holding as much weight as possible – often hundreds of pounds! Teams usually incorporate the testing of their structure into the theme of their performance.
Structure
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.
Performance
This problem is designed to introduce young children in grades K-2 to Odyssey of the Mind. Each year the problem mimics one of the competitive problems to encourage the development of creative problem solving skills while having fun. It is non competitive and primary teams participate at the regional level only.
Primary
Colorado Odyssey of the Mind Mission
Colorado Odyssey provides opportunities to develop creative problem solving, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Colorado Odyssey administers the Odyssey of the Mind program for Colorado students by promoting the program, organizing and coaching teams, and conducting workshops and tournaments, all to provide Colorado students an opportunity to practice and develop teamwork, creative problem solving, and life skills.
Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) is an international creative problem solving program that teaches young people valuable skills today that empower them to become the successful innovators, leaders and superstars of tomorrow! For nearly 50 years, OM has used its scientifically grounded approach and curriculum to build self-confidence, resilience, teamwork, engineering abilities, presentation skills, divergent thinking, a growth mindset and so much more! At the beginning of each school year, OM releases 6 long term problems and teams of up to 7 choose one to solve and present their solution in an 8-minute performance starting with a local tournament usually in March. Visit the Learn More & Join Today page via the blue button at the top right of the any page.
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.
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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.