What is Odyssey of the Mind?
The Odyssey of the Mind program is the heart of what we do. It's an international problem-solving competition that teaches children how to use creativity and combine interests, passions, and learning opportunities to overcome challenges.
The following videos help explain the "ins and outs" of our program and what makes "OM" so special.
This introductory video helps explain what Odyssey of the Mind is and how it works. It provides an in-depth examination of the structure, including its problems, the process of problem-solving, and how teams learn through necessity and application. Watch how children connect various fields of study in multiple ways by working on open-ended problems.
Following all the details, we put it into action and follow one of our teams from the beginning of the OM season through to the competition season. This video provides an up-close look at the numerous problems teams of OMers face to get to and at competition. Furthermore, we see that by tackling these seemingly impossible challenges, the process enriches their entire outlook on life.
Next, we dive into the details of how open-ended solutions are judged and scored. Additionally, we take an in-depth look at the coach's role and how OM coaching differs from what you might think. Lastly, this video takes a deeper look at what a team must do to be successful, and how we define and measure that.
We end the series on the highlight and ultimate competition, the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. This video shares the incredible journey from qualifying to attending and all the things that make it on another level. It also walks through each day of competition and the highs and lows that all teams face. An experience that extends well beyond the Regional and state levels. This video explains why the World Finals is such a significant event, and why it takes teams sometimes several years to qualify. It truly is the event of the year!
What is a Spontaneous Problem?
Spontaneous is the part of Odyssey where kids get to think fast, get creative, and problem-solve as a team. While long-term projects show what they can do over months of work, spontaneous shows how they think on their feet.
There are three possible types of spontaneous problems:
Verbal: Kids respond with words, ideas, or creative answers.
Hands-on: Kids use materials to build or compete a task.
Hybrid: A mix of both building and explaining.
Verbal Problems
Kids solve the challenge by speaking their ideas
They’re given a topic or a starter phrase.
Each team member takes turns giving answers within a short time limit.
Common answers earn points, but unusual, creative or funny ones earn more points.
Example:
You have 1 minute to think and 5 minutes to respond. You may ask the judges questions once time begins; however, time will continue. You are not allowed to talk to each other at any time.
You will receive 1 point for each common response and 5 points for each creative response.
There are 35 items and two containers on the table. With each response, you will place one of the items in the container.
Speak loudly and clearly. Once time begins, it will not be stopped.
You should not repeat a response that has already been given. You may respond as often as you wish, and in any order, but must place an item in the container with each response you give.
You will be finished when response time ends or when you have used all of the items.
Your problem is to give examples of something that follows something else.
Kids solve the challenge by building or doing something with materials
They might be asked to build a bridge, toss objects into a target, or create something that meets certain rules.
Points are awarded through creativity of the solution: assessed on the use of materials, variety of ideas considered, and the final solution. Points are given on how well the team works together: considering how the team plays to each other’s strengths, if they value one another’s input, etc.
Example:
You have 6 minutes to discuss the problem and create your solution. The judge will warn you when 2 minutes , when 1 minute, and when 30 seconds remain. You are allowed to ask the judges questions, but time will continue.
Your problem is to build as many bridges as possible that span between these tables.
The tables are sectioned off into different scoring areas. Your score will be based on the sections that you choose to start and end your bridges.
You will use these materials to build the bridges (point to materials). Nothing else can be used, and you are not allowed to damage items marked with a yellow label.
A bridge is eligible for score as long as it only touches the top surface of both tables. Bridges are not allowed to touch each other.
You will be finished when time ends or when you ask to be scored.
You will be scored as follows:
Each legal bridge will receive the score of the highest scoring area it touches on each table.
You will receive 1 to 15 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will also receive 1 to 10 points for how ell you work together.
Common Answers:
Literal: “3 follows 2”, “B follows A”
Seasonal: “Spring follows Winter”
Creative Answers:
Animals: “Predators follow prey”
Literal Exceptions: “ C follows A in the alphabet unless you start at B”
People: “ Fans follow celebrities”
Miscellaneous: “ Sharks follow the scent of blood int he water”
Hands-on Problems
Verbal/Hands-on Problems
Kids solve the challenge by both creating and explaining
They might build something, draw a picture, or make up a skit— and then give responses about it.
They are scored on their creativity and teamwork.
Example:
You have 2 minutes to think and discuss the problem and 5 minutes to respond. You may ask the judges questions once time begins; however, time will continue.
On the table is a drawing and markers to use to add to the drawing. Nothing else can be used.
There are 35 items and two containers on the table. To give a response, you will select one of the markers and add to the drawing. When you finish adding to the drawing, you will give your response, and place one of the items in the container, and so on.
Speak loudly and clearly. Once time begins, it will not be stopped.
You should not repeat a response that has already been given. You may respond as often as you wish, in any order, but must place an item with each response you give.
You will be finished when response time ends or when you have used all of the items.
You will be scored as follows:
1 point for each common response and 5 points for each creative response.
1 to 15 points for how well your team works together.
At Creative Innovators, we practice all three types so kids feel confident and ready.
Why Spontaneous Matters
Practicing spontaneous problems:
Builds quick thinking and problems-solving skills
Encourages flexible thinking (there’s no one right answer!)
Strengthens teamwork and communication
Helps kids feel confident when facing the unexpected
How you can help at home:
Try fun practice problems together—keep it lighthearted!
Celebrate unusual or funny answers
Remind kids that it’s about thinking creatively and working as a team, not just “getting it right.”
Let’s create together
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