What is Odyssey of the Mind?

OM Great Minds

NP OotM Frequently Asked Questions

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving program for students of all ages. Teams of students select a problem, create a solution and present their solution in a tournament. There are many nuances of the program but here are some of the basics of participation:

  • Kids work in teams of up to seven members under the guidance of an adult coach.
  • Teams are organized by divisions (grades); Primary (K-2), Div 1 (3-5), Div 2 (6-8) and Div 3 (9-12).
  • Teams choose a Long-Term Problem and spend months, at their own pace, creating a solution.
  • Teams work within the requirements and cost limit stated in the problem they choose.
  • Team members generate all the ideas for their solution and do all the work themselves.
  • Coaches facilitate the team but are encouraged to offer no "Outside Assistance"
  • Teams work to create a solution that meet the specific requirements of the problem
  • Teams are scored according to how well their solution meets the requirements.
  • Teams are also scored for how well they incorporate "Style" into their problem solution.
  • Teams practice solving Spontaneous Problems while working on their Long-term.
  • On the day of competition, teams present their Long-Term solution; the time limit is 8 minutes.
  • On the day of competition, five members of the team also participate in a Spontaneous Problem.
  • Teams receive a combined score for Long-Term, Style and Spontaneous.
  • Teams that place first or second at the Regional competition advance to the State competition.
  • Teams that place first or second at the State competition advance to the World competition.


OotM on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey_of_the_Mind