Odyssey of the Mind:

Empowering Creativity Through STEM and 21st Century Skills

Odyssey of the Mind is a transformative program that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork through the lens of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). By engaging students in hands-on, project-based learning experiences, Odyssey of the Mind helps participants develop critical 21st century skills that are essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving world. The program encourages students to think outside the box, collaborate with peers, and tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions. From elementary school through high school, Odyssey of the Mind equips students with the tools they need to become the next generation of leaders, inventors, and problem-solvers.

At the heart of Odyssey of the Mind is the Engineering Design Process, which guides students through the steps of identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, planning and creating prototypes, and continuously improving their designs. This process not only enhances their STEM capabilities but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and resilience. The program’s focus on design, innovation, engineering, and technology ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Key Skills Developed in Odyssey of the Mind

Odyssey of the Mind not only fosters creativity and innovation but also equips students with essential 21st century skills. Through hands-on challenges and collaborative projects, participants develop a wide range of competencies that prepare them for future success.

Explore the key skills nurtured in our program:

Communication

Enhances verbal and written communication skills through team collaboration, presentations, and effective exchange of ideas.

Problem Solving

Encourages innovative thinking and the application of STEM concepts to creatively solve complex and varied problems.

Critical Thinking

Develops the ability to analyze situations, make informed decisions, evaluate evidence, and apply knowledge to new and unfamiliar scenarios.

IT Applications

Introduces students to the practical use of technology in research, design, and implementation.

Systems Thinking

Promotes understanding of how different components of a system interact and affect the overall outcome.

Ingenuity

Fosters the ability to design and implement inventive solutions to problems, combining resourcefulness with practical application.

Leadership

Develops skills to guide and inspire others to achieve common goals, building confidence and the ability to influence positive outcomes.

Teamwork

Enhances the ability to collaborate and work effectively within a team, emphasizing communication, cooperation, and mutual support.

Creativity

Encourages thinking outside the box and generating innovative ideas, fostering an environment where original and unconventional solutions thrive.

Emotional IQ

Develops skills in understanding and managing emotions, fostering empathy, collaboration, and effective interpersonal relationships.

Ethics

Instills a sense of ethical responsibility and awareness of legal considerations in problem-solving.

Awareness

Emphasizes creating solutions with a focus on safety, health, and environmental impact, fostering a conscientious and responsible mindset.

Student-Led Solutions

Odyssey of the Mind is dedicated to fostering independent thinking and self-reliance among participants. A cornerstone of the program is the “No Outside Assistance” rule, which ensures that every solution, design, and idea is generated solely by the team members. This rule is vital in cultivating a deep sense of ownership and pride in their work. Teams can identify skills to learn using outside resources and then will need to be able to apply those acquired skills to their solution.

What is Outside Assistance?

Only students on a team together can work on their solution. Outside Assistance (OA) occurs when anyone outside the team contributes to the problem solution, including coaches and parents!

The Importance of Independence

By tackling challenges independently, students develop resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the competition. They learn to trust their abilities, collaborate effectively, and explore innovative solutions with confidence. This process not only hones their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking but also empowers them to approach real-world problems with a unique perspective and determination. Through this self-directed journey, students blossom into confident, capable individuals ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

Ready to Get Started?

Join us to unlock creativity, build essential skills, and embark on an exciting Odyssey of the Mind journey for your child today.

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OM’s Lasting Impact on Students

“Odyssey of the Mind transformed my life, equipping me with invaluable technical skills and leadership abilities. The experiences and lessons I gained are why I continue to volunteer for the program today, helping to inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers.”

— Shalane Hutchins
Past Omer & Current Association Director

“I was honestly never much of a STEM kid, give me theater and the arts every day. But Odyssey of the Mind had this way of bringing everything I did down to my level. I think it was the mix of theatrical elements and scientific approaches. It made me feel like I had agency over what I was learning and helped me make the connection between what I wanted to accomplish and the steps it took to get there. Even the parts that I didn’t think I’d enjoy, like working with tools.”

— Patrick Harrison
Past Omer & Former Judge

“My time in Odyssey prepared me to think outside the box – which is an invaluable skill in drug development. We’re trying to cure rare diseases that in many cases do not have treatments, which requires challenging norms and trying new approaches to old concepts. “

— Melissa Good
Past Omer & Current Association Secretary

“Through Odyssey of the Mind, I learned the importance of perseverance and innovative thinking. It instilled in me a love for problem-solving and experimentation. As a research scientist, I rely on these skills daily to push the boundaries of what’s possible in my field.”

— Devin Jones
Past Omer