Odyssey of the Mind – Institute of Competition Sciences

Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life in an exciting, productive environment. Participants build self-confidence, develop life skills, create new friendships, and are able to recognize and explore their true potential. OotM proves that students can have fun while they learn.

Competition Process

Odyssey of the Mind begins at the local level. Schools join and form teams that are coached by an adult. The teams select their long-term problem, develop a solution entirely on their own, and practice spontaneous problem solving. Local associations then organize and operate training sessions and tournaments where teams will present their long-term solutions in competition.

For U.S. teams, the first level of competition is usually within a region of their state. Teams that place in that tournament are invited to compete at the state level. These championship teams are then invited to participate in the annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, where they compete with teams from countries around the world.

Judging Criteria

Each team is reviewed on how well they respond to their selected problem. For specific details see the competition website.

Participate

Website: https://www.odysseyofthemind.com/

Managing Organization: Creative Competitions Inc.

Eligibility:
Teams solving the same long-term problem compete within divisions that are determined by grade level and age of team members. Teams will compete in the lowest division for which they qualify. Try our division finder or read on below:

Division I — Grades K-5 (U.S.): Less than 12 years of age on May 1 of the year World Finals is held (Other International).
Division II — Grades 6-8 (U.S.): Less than 15 years of age on May 1 of the year World Finals is held (Other International).
Division III — Grades 9-12 (U.S.): Oldest team member does not qualify for Divisions I or II and is attending regular school–not a college or university or anything similar (Other International).
Division IV — Collegiate for ALL TEAMS. All team members must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and be enrolled in at least one course at a two- or four-year college or university. (High school students taking accredited courses do not qualify for Division IV.)