Problem Resources
Problem 1: Vehicle
Teams design, build and operate one or more vehicles. Sometimes they’re small, other times they’re big enough to ride on and transport other items. Generally the vehicles are scored on their propulsion system, and for traveling and completing different tasks.
Problem 2: Technical/Performance
Teams are scored for performance elements as well as for some type of technical achievement. Usually, this problem requires the team to create one or more devices that perform certain functions or tasks.
Problem 3: Classics
This is a performance problem based on something “classical.” It could involve mythology, art, music, archaeology, or anything else that is classical in nature.
Problem 4: Structure
Teams design and build a structure out of only balsa wood and glue. They test the structure by adding Olympic-size weights until it breaks. Each year there is an element of the problem that sets it apart from other years, for example, having the structure endure the impact of a ball propelled down a ramp.
Balsa Wood Problem Tips
Problem 5: Performance
This is strictly a performance problem, where scoring is based mostly on the performance and elements within the performance. It sometimes requires a specific character, sometimes humor, sometimes an original story, but it’s always fun.
Costume Tips
Electronics Tips
Performance Skills
Building with PVC Pipe
Script-writing Tips
Paint Information
Papier Mache
General Interest:
Odyssey of the Mind - Always a good place to start. Find prior long-term problems, spontaneous resources, paperwork for competition, etc.
OM Wikipedia entry - Woo hoo! We made it to Wikipedia! Good place to send sponsors and parents who want more information.
NC Odyssey of the Mind - Our state organization. Get results for the state finals, purchase merchandise to support NCOM, and more! Find links to program guide and coaches guide.
Western Region OM - lots of helpful links, including parent guidelines, links to spontaneous resources, etc.
Asheville Homeschool Co-op - If you are interested in membership, please visit the site for more information.
Geek Dad's Take on OM
YouTube: Previous year's problems are usually available for viewing. A great resource for showing your team what a World Final-level team performance looks like!
Thinking Skills
Blog Post about Higher Order Thinking Skills/Bloom's Taxonomy and free technology for teaching concepts related within a classroom environment.
A fun article about what Wile E. Coyote teaches us about creative intelligence
Article on SCAMPER technique
More about SCAMPER
Team-building skills
A white paper from Tufts University on Interdisciplinary Team-Building
Affiliates: Shop to support us!
Shop www.CPToy.com and Save 15% on your order over $54.99! Use code 3204 at checkout.
FREE Team Building Activity Book with Purchase of 57 Piece Toobeez Set! Coupon Code: FREEBOOK Shop Now!
click here to buy 3 great games for only $39.95 from PopCap
MelissaAndDoug.com - Over 800 Unique and Exciting Products for Children of All Ages! Click Here!
Discount School Supply
Study interactively with Grockit - The Social Network for Learning. Use Coupon Code "extracredit_10" for 10% off Grockit memberships.
Teams design, build and operate one or more vehicles. Sometimes they’re small, other times they’re big enough to ride on and transport other items. Generally the vehicles are scored on their propulsion system, and for traveling and completing different tasks.
Problem 2: Technical/Performance
Teams are scored for performance elements as well as for some type of technical achievement. Usually, this problem requires the team to create one or more devices that perform certain functions or tasks.
Problem 3: Classics
This is a performance problem based on something “classical.” It could involve mythology, art, music, archaeology, or anything else that is classical in nature.
Problem 4: Structure
Teams design and build a structure out of only balsa wood and glue. They test the structure by adding Olympic-size weights until it breaks. Each year there is an element of the problem that sets it apart from other years, for example, having the structure endure the impact of a ball propelled down a ramp.
Balsa Wood Problem Tips
Problem 5: Performance
This is strictly a performance problem, where scoring is based mostly on the performance and elements within the performance. It sometimes requires a specific character, sometimes humor, sometimes an original story, but it’s always fun.
Costume Tips
Electronics Tips
Performance Skills
Building with PVC Pipe
Script-writing Tips
Paint Information
Papier Mache
General Interest:
Odyssey of the Mind - Always a good place to start. Find prior long-term problems, spontaneous resources, paperwork for competition, etc.
OM Wikipedia entry - Woo hoo! We made it to Wikipedia! Good place to send sponsors and parents who want more information.
NC Odyssey of the Mind - Our state organization. Get results for the state finals, purchase merchandise to support NCOM, and more! Find links to program guide and coaches guide.
Western Region OM - lots of helpful links, including parent guidelines, links to spontaneous resources, etc.
Asheville Homeschool Co-op - If you are interested in membership, please visit the site for more information.
Geek Dad's Take on OM
YouTube: Previous year's problems are usually available for viewing. A great resource for showing your team what a World Final-level team performance looks like!
Thinking Skills
Blog Post about Higher Order Thinking Skills/Bloom's Taxonomy and free technology for teaching concepts related within a classroom environment.
A fun article about what Wile E. Coyote teaches us about creative intelligence
Article on SCAMPER technique
More about SCAMPER
Team-building skills
A white paper from Tufts University on Interdisciplinary Team-Building
Affiliates: Shop to support us!
Shop www.CPToy.com and Save 15% on your order over $54.99! Use code 3204 at checkout.
FREE Team Building Activity Book with Purchase of 57 Piece Toobeez Set! Coupon Code: FREEBOOK Shop Now!
click here to buy 3 great games for only $39.95 from PopCap
MelissaAndDoug.com - Over 800 Unique and Exciting Products for Children of All Ages! Click Here!
Discount School Supply
Study interactively with Grockit - The Social Network for Learning. Use Coupon Code "extracredit_10" for 10% off Grockit memberships.