Odyssey of the Mind is a statewide competition open to students in Grades K-8 and designed to foster the development of creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Importantly, OM teaches that great minds don’t necessarily think alike and often come up with different solutions. Students work in small groups, select one of five challenging problems to work on and present their solution at a state competition. The long-term problems fall into five categories: mechanical/vehicle, technical performance, classics, structure, and performance. The team solution will be presented on competition day in the most creative way as determined by the team with costumes, music and props! In addition to their long-term problem which they will prepare in advance, the teams also compete in a spontaneous problem on site on the day of the competition. This might include a verbal task, a hands-on task, or a little of both.

Fifty-seven MOT Charter School students participated in the Delaware Odyssey of the Mind tournament at the University of Delaware on Saturday, March 6th. Over the past few months teams of MOT first graders through 8th graders prepared and presented an original solution that involved skits, mechanical props, and sometimes singing to a panel of judges. In addition, teams responded to an on-the-spot verbal or hands-on problem to demonstrate their teamwork and creativity.

Our Division I Discovered Treasures team placed third in their division.