Odyssey of the Mind

What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Learn how OM challenges students to solve creative problems through teamwork, imagination, and innovation.

• What is Divergent Thinking?
  Discover how thinking in multiple directions encourages unique ideas and outside-the-box solutions.
  
  

• Why STEAM Matters
  See how science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics all come together in OM problem solving.
  
  

• Who Else Participates in OM?
  Join a worldwide community of students, parents, and coaches who engage in this global program.
  
  

• The Three Parts of OM
  Explore the key components: long-term problems, spontaneous challenges, and style.
  
  

• What This Class Will Do
  Prepare to practice problem-solving, build teamwork skills, and develop solutions that will be showcased in competition.

Your Role in Odyssey of the Mind
Get to know what’s expected of you and your team as you take on the OM journey:

• Working with a Team
  Collaboration is at the heart of OM. Learn how to share ideas, listen to others, and combine strengths to solve problems together.

• With Whom You Cannot Work
  Understand the rules about who may not help with your team’s solution, ensuring fairness and originality.

• What is Outside Assistance?
  Explore what counts as outside help, why it’s not allowed, and how your team must create and own its work independently.

• How Odyssey Academy Works
  Discover how this class will guide you step by step through OM skills, practice sessions, and preparation for competition.

The Heart of Odyssey of the Mind
At the core of OM is the Long-Term Problem — the challenge your team will commit to, create, and present.

• What is a Long-Term Problem?
  A complex challenge your team works on over weeks or months, requiring creativity, problem solving, and teamwork.

• The Six Long-Term Problem Categories
  Teams can choose from six types of challenges each year: Vehicle, Technical, Classics, Structure, Performance, and Primary (for younger students).

• The Long-Term Problem Structure
  Each problem includes specific requirements, scoring elements, and opportunities for creativity and style.

• Age Divisions
  Teams compete in divisions based on grade/age level, ensuring fairness and appropriate challenge levels.

• Choosing Your LT Problem
  Teams select the problem that sparks the most excitement and creativity, then design their unique solution.

Tools for Generating Creative Ideas
Learning how to think creatively is key to success in Odyssey of the Mind. Here are some ways to spark imagination and innovation:

• What is Creativity?
  Creativity is the ability to see things in new ways, make unique connections, and bring original ideas to life.

• Associative Network
  Your brain links ideas together like a web — one thought leads to another. Tapping into these connections helps you think of unexpected solutions.

• What is Brainstorming?
  A team activity where everyone shares ideas — no matter how wild — to encourage open thinking and collaboration.

• Brainstorming Tools
  Use methods like word webs, “SCAMPER” (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse), or mind mapping to spark new ideas.

• Limitations, Boundaries & Creativity
  Rules and restrictions aren’t roadblocks — they push you to be more inventive. Working within boundaries can lead to the most surprising solutions.

How to Solve a Long-Term Problem

• Understand Your LT Problem
  Begin by carefully reading your team’s chosen Long-Term problem. Ask: What is this challenge really asking us to do? Make sure every team member can explain it in their own words.

• Identify the Required Elements
  Each problem includes specific parts your solution must have — from props to storylines to technical features. Highlight these requirements so nothing is overlooked.

• Know How Scoring Works
  Points are awarded for meeting required elements, creative approaches, and overall style. Study the scoring breakdown so your team knows where to focus effort.

• Build a Calendar or Schedule
  Plan backwards from your competition date. Set deadlines for brainstorming, building, rehearsals, and final touches to stay on track.

• Think Big Picture → Details → Big Picture Again
  Start by imagining your overall vision. Then zoom into the details (costumes, script, mechanics, etc.). Finally, step back to check how all the pieces fit together into one strong performance.

Focusing on Your Long-Term Solution & the Style Element

• Scoring and Point Allocation
  Every OM problem has a scoring guide. Some points are fixed for required elements, while others reward creativity, originality, and teamwork. Understanding where points come from helps teams plan wisely.

• Teaching Moment: Rubrics & Evaluations
  Just like in class, OM uses rubrics! Judges score based on specific criteria. Practice evaluating your own work against the rubric so you know what strengths to showcase and what to improve.

• What is Style?
  Style highlights the flair your team adds — the extra touches that make your solution stand out. It’s where you can show off creativity in costumes, props, music, humor, or design.

• Avoiding Style & Long-Term Overlap
  Style should be unique and separate from your Long-Term required elements. If a feature is already scored in the LT problem, it usually cannot count as Style. Be strategic in choosing style elements that elevate your performance without duplicating points.

• Points, Points, Points!
  Remember — every point matters. Smart teams maximize scoring opportunities by balancing required elements, creative risk-taking, and well-chosen style additions.

Skit-Writing for Odyssey of the Mind

• What is a Skit?
  A skit is a short, scripted performance that tells a story, entertains, and highlights your team’s creative solution. In OM, your skit is the vehicle that showcases both your ideas and teamwork.

• The Five-Point Scene Structure
  Professional writers often use this structure to keep stories clear and engaging:

  1. Exposition – Introduce characters and setting

  2. Rising Action – Build tension or challenges

  3. Climax – The turning point or biggest problem

  4. Falling Action – Steps toward resolution

  5. Resolution – Wrap up with a satisfying ending

• Proper Formatting for Scenes
  Scripts should be clear and easy to follow. Use character names in all caps, short stage directions in parentheses, and keep dialogue concise. Example:

JENNIFER: (picking up a prop) I think I’ve got an idea! 

SAM: (excited) Let’s try it together!  

• Skit Through the Lens of Point Allocation
  In OM, the skit isn’t just for fun — it’s judged! The story must incorporate required elements, highlight creativity, and leave space for Style points. A well-written skit ensures the judges see and score all the hard work your team has put in.

Making Your Creative Ideas Reality

• What are Props?
  Props are the objects your team uses in the skit or performance — from everyday items to original inventions — that help tell the story and bring your solution to life.

• What are Costumes?
  Costumes transform team members into characters. They can be elaborate or simple, handmade or recycled, but they should always support the story and highlight creativity.

• What is a Backdrop/Scenery?
  Scenery sets the stage! Backdrops, flats, or 3D structures create the world in which your story unfolds. They don’t need to be fancy — clever, resourceful designs often impress the most.

• What MUST You Have? The Improv Approach
  Sometimes things don’t go as planned — a prop breaks, a costume rips, or scenery won’t stand up. Teams must improvise on the spot, staying in character and keeping the performance flowing. Judges often reward teams that turn mistakes into creative moments!

• Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT)
  This problem-solving strategy encourages teams to innovate by applying structured methods, such as subtraction, multiplication, division, task unification, and attribute dependency. SIT can help you use ordinary materials in extraordinary ways.

• Problems 1, 2, & 4
  These specific Long-Term problems often involve heavy use of props, costumes, and scenery. Teams solving them should plan early for construction, durability, and creative presentation.

You’re Well on Your Way! Time to Step Back and Improve

• Does Your Solution Actually Solve the Problem?
  Before polishing, double-check: does your skit, props, and performance meet every single requirement of the Long-Term problem? Creativity only shines if the basics are covered.

• Room for Improvement: Revisit Creativity
  Look at your ideas again — are there places to add a surprising twist, a fun detail, or a new perspective that would make your solution stand out?

• Keep It Simple, Silly (KISS)
  Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest. Don’t overcomplicate. Clear, focused solutions often score higher than ones weighed down by too many moving parts.

• The Curse of Knowledge
  Remember, the judges only know what they see in your performance. If something is too “inside your head” or unclear, it won’t earn points. Make sure your story and solution are obvious to everyone, not just your team.

• Completely Foreign vs. Familiar with a Twist
  New, never-seen-before ideas are powerful — but so is taking something familiar and flipping it on its head. Both approaches show creativity, as long as they’re presented with clarity and originality.

The Third (But Very Important!) Component of OM: Spontaneous

• What is Spontaneous?
  Spontaneous is the part of Odyssey of the Mind where teams solve a problem on the spot — no preparation, no rehearsal, just quick thinking and teamwork.

• The Three Types of Spontaneous Problems

  1. Verbal – Using words creatively (puns, rhymes, ideas, definitions).

  2. Hands-On – Building, moving, or creating something with materials.

  3. Verbal/Hands-On – A mix of both, requiring talk and action.

• How to Practice Spontaneous
  Practice regularly with sample problems. Focus on listening, supporting teammates, and building off each other’s ideas. The more you practice, the faster and more creative your responses become.

• The Importance of Keeping the “Sponto Secret”
  Teams must keep Spontaneous problems confidential. Sharing them outside the competition is unfair to others and takes away the surprise element that makes it so valuable.

• Creativity, Teamwork, & Quick Thinking
  Spontaneous tests all three. Judges reward teams that take risks, show strong collaboration, and use their imaginations under pressure.

• Use the Skills You’ve Acquired
  Everything you’ve learned in OM — divergent thinking, brainstorming, teamwork, and problem solving — comes into play here. Spontaneous is where it all comes together!

You’ve Created Your Solution, Decided on Style, and Practiced Spontaneous — Now What? Practice!

• What is Stage Presence?
  Stage presence is the confidence, energy, and clarity your team shows during performance. It’s how you grab the judges’ and audience’s attention from start to finish.

• Maximizing the 8 Minutes
  You only get eight minutes to perform. Every second counts! Plan transitions carefully so your story flows without wasted time.

• Choreographing Every Movement (Even Backstage)
  Think about everything that happens during your performance: where props move, how team members enter/exit, and even what happens while someone else is speaking. Smooth movement equals polished performance.

• Pacing vs. Speed Running
  Don’t rush through just to finish. Deliver lines clearly, leave space for laughter or reactions, and use pauses for dramatic effect. Balanced pacing makes performances stronger.

• Your Millionth Time, The Audience’s First
  By competition, you’ll have rehearsed countless times. But remember — it’s brand new to the audience and judges. Perform with fresh energy and excitement every time.

• Getting Feedback from Reactions
  Pay attention during practice to how others respond — are they laughing, leaning in, or confused? Adjust delivery, timing, or clarity based on real reactions to make your performance shine.

What Is Required and Why You Need It
Sound boring? Psst… it’s actually your secret weapon for a maximum score! Judges can’t give credit if the paperwork isn’t there, so treat these forms as part of your team’s success.

• What is Paperwork?
  The collection of forms your team must turn in at competition. They tell the judges what to look for, how to score your solution, and confirm your team followed the rules.

• Style Form
  This form explains the two Style elements your team chose. It makes sure judges know exactly what to pay attention to when awarding Style points.

• Cost Form
  A detailed list showing the cost of every prop, material, or piece of scenery. Staying under the cost limit is a rule — and breaking it could cost big points.

• Outside Assistance Form
  OM solutions must be 100% team-created. This form confirms no adults or outsiders gave help where they shouldn’t have. It protects fairness and your team’s hard work.

• Team List
  A simple roster with your team members’ names. It helps the judges identify and credit your group correctly.

• Paperwork: Not an Afterthought
  Don’t leave this until the night before! Filling out paperwork early ensures accuracy, reduces stress, and lets your team walk into competition confident and ready to shine.

It’s Competition Time — Oh Boy!
Nervous? Don’t worry — with the right preparation, competition day is exciting and fun. Here’s what you need to know to stay calm and shine on stage.

• Competition
  This is the big day when your team finally presents your Long-Term solution and tackles a Spontaneous problem in front of judges. It’s the celebration of all your hard work!

• Registering with Your Association
  Each team must officially register with their state/country OM Association. Make sure deadlines, fees, and forms are taken care of well before competition day.

• Checking In and Competition Schedule
  On arrival, your team will check in at the registration desk. You’ll get your official schedule with times for your Long-Term performance and Spontaneous session. Plan to arrive early so you’re not rushed.

• The Long-Term Flow
  Teams set up props and scenery, perform their solution within 8 minutes, and then answer judges’ questions. Afterward, you’ll clear the stage and wait for scoring to be finalized.

• The Spontaneous Flow
  Only the team (and judges) are allowed in the Spontaneous room. You’ll be given the problem, work together to solve it, and then exit quietly — no sharing the details with anyone outside.

Making Sense of What the Judges Are Telling You

• Why is Creativity Scored?
  OM isn’t about finding one right answer — it’s about rewarding originality. Judges give higher points to solutions that are unique, imaginative, and push boundaries.

• Understanding the Long-Term Scoresheet
  The Long-Term scoresheet breaks down every required element of your problem. Each part is worth a set number of points, with additional credit for creativity, risk-taking, and effectiveness.

• Understanding Style Scores
  Style points reward the extra touches your team adds — costumes, props, special effects, humor, or design choices. Judges look for both polish and originality in how you chose to stand out.

• Understanding Spontaneous Scores
  Spontaneous is scored on teamwork, creativity, and effectiveness. Every team earns some points for participation, but big scores come from clever ideas, strong collaboration, and following directions carefully.

• Raw Scores vs. Calculated Scores
  Raw scores are the numbers your team earns. Calculated scores adjust those numbers to level the playing field between teams (so, for example, the highest raw score in each category is set to the maximum available).

• Special Awards
  Judges may also give special recognitions, like the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award for extraordinary innovation or the OMER’s Award for exceptional teamwork, sportsmanship, or overcoming obstacles.

Congratulations! You’ve Completed Odyssey Academy
You’ve learned the tools, strategies, and secrets of OM — now it’s time to put them into action and start creating!

• What World Finals Is Like
  Imagine teams from all over the globe, thousands of creative minds coming together to share solutions, trade pins, and celebrate imagination. World Finals is part competition, part festival, and part lifelong memory.

• Reflecting on Your “Odyssey”
  Look back at what you’ve discovered: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and fun. How have you grown? What surprised you most? What skills will you carry beyond OM?

• One Last Question…
  TEAMS....ARE YOU READY!?!?