Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition for students of all ages. It encourages students to use their imaginations and work together to solve challenges. Each team has a volunteer adult coach to help with the entry forms and organize meetings, however the students make all the decisions regarding costumes, props, and their approach to solving and performing the problems.
At the beginning of the school year, teams are divided by grade level into several divisions and choose to perform one of five ‘long term problems,’ which they continue to practice for months. This year's problems were: Drive-In Movie, AI Tech-No-Art, Classics…, Deep Space Structure, and Rocking World Detour. On competition day, every team is asked to solve a super secret ‘spontaneous problem.’ Their combined scores determine if they win first, second, and third place and possibly advance to the New York State competition.
Teams can also be recognized with several other awards. The Omer Award is given in recognition of individuals or teams who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behavior, or exceptional talent. The Ranatra Fusca Award is presented to teams or individuals who exhibit creativity either through some aspect of their problem solution or an extraordinary idea beyond the solution.
Region 6 Director, Carrie VanTassel says, “Odyssey of the Mind is an amazing opportunity for students to use their creativity and perform as a team in a competition based on how well they work together to solve a problem.”
“Odyssey is a place for kids to shine that may not have that opportunity anywhere else. The volunteers that make this competition possible are incredible people who dedicate their time and passion because they see the magic of giving this opportunity to kids. Odyssey of the Mind is truly a memorable experience for every student, coach, volunteer and spectator,” says VanTassel.
The winners and advancing teams are below:
Drive-In Movie Div I
1st - Joseph Henry Elementary, Galway, NY
Drive-In Movie Div II
1st - Saratoga Independent School, Saratoga Springs, NY
AI Tech-No-Art Div I
1st - Milton Terrace Elementary School, Ballston Spa, NY
2nd - Saratoga Independent School, Saratoga Springs
Classics... Opening Night Antics Div I
1st - William H. Barton Intermediate School, Queensbury, NY
Classics... Opening Night Antics Div III
1st - Galway Central School District, Galway, NY
Deep Space Structure Div I
1st - Malta Avenue Elementary School, Ballston Spa, NY
Deep Space Structure Div II
1st - Ballston Spa Middle School, Ballston Spa, NY
Rocking World Detour Div I
1st - Milton Terrace Elementary School, Ballston Spa, NY
2nd - Cambridge Central School, Cambridge, NY
3rd - Malta Avenue Elementary School, Ballston Spa, NY
3rd - William H. Barton Intermediate School, Queensbury, NY
Rocking World Detour Div II
1st - Galway Central School District, Galway, NY
Congratulations to ALL the students!
Photo: Galway Primary School Students