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Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving program for K-12 kids that engages students in their learning by encouraging them to think outside the box. Teams made up of 5-7 members have to solve problems (anything from building vehicles to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics) and present their solution to the problem to judges in an 8-minute skit. In addition, there is a spontaneous problem that the team has to solve on the day of the competition, which also contributes to the team's score. Coaches and parents are prohibited to help out or suggest ideas to the team members in solving their problem.
The Glorietta Elementary team, solved a problem entitled "Leonardo's Workshop" where they had to recreate three of Leonardo Da Vinci's works. In one case, the team had to use an unconventional material to recreate one of LDV's paintings, so they dyed crushed eggshells.
The other elementary level team (members were from different schools so they competed under Orinda Rotary), had to build an 8-inch structure made entirely of balsa wood and glue, weighing no more than 15 grams, which then had to support as much weight as possible. The team's structure supported 640 pounds.
The other two teams, also competing under Orinda Rotary, were made up of students attending various high schools and middle schools, both competing at the high school level. One of teams had to build a vehicle to be ridden by two of the team members, which had to be disassembled and reassembled multiple times during the 8 minutes, and fit into a suitcase.
Meanwhile, the fourth Orinda team chose a problem that required them to make a mechanical creature that hid in plain sight. The creature had to change appearance three times, each time in a different way, to avoid being detected by a Searcher Character trying to find it.
This year, 144 teams participated in the SF Bay Regional tournament. Out of 13 participating Moraga Rotary teams, three advanced to the NorCal State tournament, held in Santa Rosa on March 30, and then the two Campolindo teams advanced to the World finals. A total of 22 teams from Orinda competed in the Odyssey of the Mind Regional competition in early March. Of those, seven teams advanced to the State Competition, where four of the seven Orinda teams advanced to the World Finals.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA