What is OotM?

W's of S-G Odyssey of the Mind

WHO can participate?:

Odyssey of the Mind is open to ALL STUDENTS in the Scotia-Glenville School District grades K-12! 

WHAT is OOTM?:

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem solving program where teams of 5-7 students work together to create a unique solution to a given problem. They then present this solution to a panel of judges at the regional competition which is held on the first Saturday in March. (It has been held at the Shenendehowa HS East campus for the last few years – more details will follow if your student chooses to participate in the program.) 

WHEN are meetings held?:

Meetings are typically once a week after school or in the evenings through Christmas break and can change to twice or up to three times a week after the 1st of the year. Being as though this is a team-based program, attendance at all meetings is highly recommended. 

WHERE are meetings held?:

Meetings are typically held at a school or at a parent/coaches home. Meeting times are dependent on both the team members and coaches availability. 

COST of the program?:

There is no actual fee to participate in the program! Please note that at times, the coach(es) will request that money be brought in for some minor supplies, or for pizza/snacks at the longer meetings, but most materials used in the solution are REUSED or RECYCLED! The cost to register on the national, state and regional level is covered by the school district. We couldn't run the program without their support! 

WHY IS ODYSSEY OF THE MIND GOOD FOR ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12?

The Odyssey of the Mind program teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process. For more than twenty five years, this unique program has helped generate excitement in students. By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems -- great and small -- for a lifetime. The Odyssey of the Mind program teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. The creative problem-solving process rewards thinking "outside of the box." While conventional thinking has an important place in a well-rounded education, students need to learn how to think creatively and productively.