Odyssey of the Mind Teams
Odyssey of the Mind teams are forming, and at least one "OM" team has begun recruiting at Cherry Knoll.
Teams are forming and the following teams are currently underway:
K-2nd Grade Primary Problem: "Hide and Peek" (Create a device that uncovers three surprise objects.)
Coach: Stacy Lane
michigan_stacey@yahoo.com
Problem 2: "Weird Science" (Team of scientists on an expedition)
Coaches: Tony Martin and Pamela Palermo
tony@palermo4.net and pamela@palermo4.net
Problem 4: "You Make the Call" (Build A balsa wood structure to support Olympic weights)
Coaches: Heather and John Dreves
jhdreves@hotmail.com
Volunteer coaches will be needed if any additional teams are formed. Cherry Knoll currently has one registered team. Up to four more 3rd-5th grade teams and an unlimited number of K-2nd grade teams may be covered under the same registration fee, which is paid by TCAPS. Additional groups of five 3rd-5th grade teams will require an additional registration fee.
The OM season typically starts in early December with 1-2 meetings per week and ends with our region's tournament at East Middle School on March 3, 2012. Advancing teams are invited to compete at the State Tournament in April 2012, and at the World Finals in May 2012.
Interested parents or coaches may contact:
Mary Kolle, TCAPS' Regional Coordinator at kollema@tcaps.netor 231-360-7571.
You may also contact the current Cherry Knoll OM team coach, Tony Martin at tony@palermo4.netor 231-946-7456 for more information.
What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is the world's oldest international creative problem-solving competition among students kindergarten through college. The purpose of Odyssey of the Mind is to promote creativity and problem-solving in a variety of areas from building mechanical devices and balsa wood structures to presenting dramatic and technical performances. Odyssey of the Mind develops team building skills, divergent thinking, presentation and organization skills. The program provides a caring, supportive environment for team members to develop positive values, self-esteem and social competencies.
How is it organized?
Teams of up to seven members form to solve a long-term problem and develop skills in spontaneous problems. Teams are guided by a coach who must not be involved in anyway with the problem solution but may help the team logistically by providing practice locations, materials and instruction in techniques, not solutions. Teams compete in each problem against other teams in their division. Divisions are divided according to school grade. Teams meeting Regional Tournament criteria based on the number of teams competing in each division advance to the State Finals. Top teams and teams receiving the coveted Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award at the State Finals advance to the World Finals.