Odyssey of the Mind Problems
Every year, CCI creates 6 new problems in 6 categories- we call them the Long Term Problem:
1. Vehicle - teams build vehicles of various sizes, using different power sources, to perform a series of tasks.
2. Technical - Teams design innovative contraptions to incorporate into a performance or set of tasks.
3. Classical- Students select a piece of history, literature or art as part of their solution.
4. Structure - participants create a structure of balsa wood and glue designed to hold weight.
5. Performance - teams develop ideas for a solution around a specific theme with several required elements.
6. Primary - our youngest competitors (K-2) solve a simpler version of the Long Term Problem.
Every year the problem is different and has different required elements. For example, some years the vehicle problem requires a small remote vehicle, other years a vehicle the team members can drive. Some years the vehicle has to complete tasks and other years, an obstacle course. You never know what adventures await in the new problems every year. The new problems are available through the CCI membership starting late August or early September. For a synopsis of the problems for the current year, look here. For the FULL PROBLEMS you must submit your CCI membership (remember 1 membership basically covers 1 team in each of the 6 problems and divisions covered by your school or group).
All of the problems involve a performance of some kind. There is building, creating, designing, and performing in every problem. And don't forget, the students are responsible for coming up with every prop, piece of scenery, device, structure, vehicle, every line in the skit. Creativity is left solely to the students on the team. Adults aren't allowed to help!
PROBLEM CLARIFICATIONS: During the course of the season, teams may contact CCI with questions. if there are changes or interpretations made by CCI, they will be published here. TEAMS CHECK YOUR CLARIFICATIONS!!
TESTIMONIALS
"It teaches kids to work as
a team and that hard work and creativity will get you anywhere!"
- Team Member, Middle School