NC Odyssey of the Mind Awareness Session

1. NC Odysseyof theMindAwareness Session

2. International Creative Problem-Solving Program NCOM Eastern Region Mission To Provide Creative Problem-Solving Opportunities for everyone and To Foster Original and Divergent Thinking Teams, Coaches, Practices, Meets

3. History of Odyssey of the Mind The program was started by a NJ CollegeEducator, Dr. C. Samuel Micklus (Dr. Sam) Dr. Sam challenged students in his courses to solve assignments in unusual and creativeways. At the end of the semester, students presented their solutions in a competition In 1978-1979, the Odyssey of the Mind program began. Originally it was called Olympics of the Mind North Carolina was one of the 1st States outside NJ to participate and compete in an OOTM World Finals (we’re currently in our 21st year). Non-profit organizations in individual states/countries operate the program in their area Creative Competitions, Inc. (the international organization) was formed to develop the problems and administer the program at the national, and later, the international level

4. OOTM develops real-life communication and brainstorming skills, and rewards creativity and “calculated” risk-taking in the solution of complex problems • Focus is to develop divergent, independent-thinking skills(thinking outside the box, taking the path less traveled) through a challenging, AND FUN, learning process

5. What do we mean by divergent-thinking? Convergent Problem Solving - for every problem, there is just one correct answer Divergent Problem Solving - for every problem, there may be many correct answers Odyssey of the Mind encourages young people to explore many possible answers and to be creative in finding a solution Odyssey of the Mind allows kids to use their imaginations to interpret and solve complex problems in a FUN way!

6. Odyssey of the Mind Involves… HARD WORK FUN New Challenges The Most Creative and Original Solution Possible Presentation Skills Group Dynamics Planning Analysis Trial and Error Applied Education DOING YOUR BEST

7. Memberships & Team Structure Memberships are from: schools, clubs, churches, libraries, community groups and home schools Teams of 5-7 P-DI-DII-DIII-DIV Primary (K-2) Div I (all under age 12 by May 1st, 2003) (or every team member in 5th grade or less) Div II (under age 15 by May 1st, 2003) (or every team member in 6th-8th grade) Div III (under age 19 by May 1st, 2003) Div IV (full-time enrollment in College) (based upon age of oldest team member)

8. The Three Components of OOTM Spontaneous Long-Term • 100 Points • On the Spot • Anything Goes • 3 Types • Verbal • Hands on- Hybrid • 200 Points • Specific Rules • Open-Ended • Solution Presented in Skit Form (8-min) Style • 50 Points • Elaboration of LT • Pizzaz, Sparkle, Polish • Team Chosen Elements Total 350 Points Long-Term + Style + Spontaneous = Total Score

9. The Long-Term Problems There are six new problems released each year (Aug -Sept) Vehicle – Problem 1 “A Scene From Above” Technical – Problem 2 “The Know-It-All” * Classics – Problem 3 “Put a Spin On It” Structure – Problem 4 “Odd Pod Structure” Theatrical – Problem 5 “Fooled Ya!” Primary–Demonstration Only “Music Lessons” Not all problems are offered in all age Divisions*

10. There is a cost limit to each problem ($100-135) - therefore solutions cannot be “bought” - only the materials used in competition included in the cost - duct tape & cardboard, lawn-sale value, scavenging - some items are exempt from cost, these are listed in the Odyssey of the Mind™ Program Guide

11. Solutions to the problems are ENTIRELY that of the team.No OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE is allowed OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE Questions – YES Answers - NO

12. Perspiration Judge Time Creativity Volunteer Imagination Coach Travel What do OMER’s Need?

13. Coaches All Volunteers Regional Training Support: Books, Videos, Web pages, Telephone. www.odysseyofthemind.org www.ncom.org http://ncom-e.wayfarer.org wp_adams@bellsouth.net

14. Judge Volunteer • Training • Tournament • Temperament • 2 – 4 hours • No training • Pre-tournament or at tournament

15. Expenses • Membership in Odyssey of the Mind International $135 per school or org. • NCOM Regional/State Registration $100 per Team $65 per team Early Bird before Dec 13, 2002 • Coaches Training $12 per Coach • Team Support: • Snacks • Supplies • R & D • Travel to Tournaments • Judge • Volunteer

16. Timeline Late August – Mid December Purchase international membership November 2, 2002 Eastern Region Coaches Training December 13, 2002 Early Bird Registration Deadline Eastern Region Judges Training (Snow date Feb 15, 2003) February 8, 2003 March 8, 2003 Eastern Region Tournament NCOM State Tournament April 5, 2003 Odyssey of the Mind International Tournament May 28 – 31, 2003

17. Contact Information North Carolina Odyssey of the Mind Dick Raley, State Director rraley@bellsouth.net Regional Directors: Central Jeff Newell jwnewell@duke-energy.com Coastal Betsy Adams adamsbets@hotmail.com Eastern Patti Adams wp_adams@bellsouth.net Northern David Asher dasher@triad.rr.com Western Barbara Parris Bparris@wcu.edu International Headquarters: Odyssey of the Mind c/o Creative Competitions, Inc. 1325 Route 130 South, Suite F Gloucester City, NJ 08030 (856) 456-7776 (856) 456-7008 (fax) email to: info@odysseyofthemind.com http://www.odysseyofthemind.com Check out our Website for up to date information http://www.ncom.org