Hi Team!
Our girls are so creative. They have decided that they will be Mermaids who live on a rainbow. They are afraid of Santa Claus, who lives in a bakery. This week we will be focusing on casting the parts and how the traveler will be sending a message back to the community.
Is everyone going to be in town for the holidays? I'd like to have a meeting over the holiday if everyone is available. We can discuss at pickup tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Tee Shirts
From the Odyssey Coordinator:
"I received a quote on shirt prices. If any parents want to order additional t-shirts, please let me know. The cost is $9.00 per shirt."
I need to have the shirt sizes to her by Wednesday so please forward your childs shirt size soon if you haven't already done so.
"I received a quote on shirt prices. If any parents want to order additional t-shirts, please let me know. The cost is $9.00 per shirt."
I need to have the shirt sizes to her by Wednesday so please forward your childs shirt size soon if you haven't already done so.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
For the Parents
Mrs. Adgate just delivered my binder for coaching. I have a lot of reading to do!
I need the following information as soon as possible.
Tee Shirt size-Our whole team will be wearing the school tees and the school is paying for them.
If any adults want one, I will need their sizes as well. I am waiting on a response if those are free as well.
Regional tee shirts are also available. They are $13 each. I will provide the sheet at the meeting for orders of these shirts if you want one.
Judge and volunteer worker-our team has to have a person act as a judge, and a person to be a worker on the day of the tournament. Lily has volunteered to judge, so I am only in need of a worker. It is a two hour commitment on the day of the tournament and you will receive your job assignment that day (I think). You will be scheduled so that you will be able to see your child's performance. The coach, assistant coach and judge are not able to be the volunteer so I need someone to sign up for this. Our team will not be able to compete unless we have our judge and volunteer signed up by December 15th, and I'll ned it a few days before that so that I can get it to Mrs. Adgate and she can submit it on time.
I need the following information as soon as possible.
Tee Shirt size-Our whole team will be wearing the school tees and the school is paying for them.
If any adults want one, I will need their sizes as well. I am waiting on a response if those are free as well.
Regional tee shirts are also available. They are $13 each. I will provide the sheet at the meeting for orders of these shirts if you want one.
Judge and volunteer worker-our team has to have a person act as a judge, and a person to be a worker on the day of the tournament. Lily has volunteered to judge, so I am only in need of a worker. It is a two hour commitment on the day of the tournament and you will receive your job assignment that day (I think). You will be scheduled so that you will be able to see your child's performance. The coach, assistant coach and judge are not able to be the volunteer so I need someone to sign up for this. Our team will not be able to compete unless we have our judge and volunteer signed up by December 15th, and I'll ned it a few days before that so that I can get it to Mrs. Adgate and she can submit it on time.
December 4th Meeting Summary
Mrs. Rosonia Thomas took over the coaching duties this week and her experience as an elementary educator was evident. Our team discussed teamwork and the differences between success and winning a prize. We have a bunch of bright young people and each of them brings a special skill-set to our team.
We discussed some of the basics from our problem, "Seeing is Believing" We will begin working on our problem at the next meeting. The summary of the problem is below and I've highlighted the core items that we will be working on in our upcoming meetings. The team decided that they will think about what & where our community will be and what & where they are afraid of. We will brainstorm these ideas and the team will determine what our long-term program will entail. I will double check the problem prior to the meeting, so I can make sure that whatever they choose meets the requirements.
Problem 5: Seeing is Believing
In this problem teams are to create and present an original performance about a community that feels threatened by something in a location it has never visited. The community townspeople will use a creative method to select one or more Travelers to visit and explore the location. While at the location, a Traveler will use a means of communication to send a message home to convince the community that there is nothing to fear. The performance will also include a narrator character, two rhymes about the travels, and a moving set piece.
Once the problem packet is opened, we will not be able to add any new teammates, with leads me to the next bit of news...Andrew Turong is joining our team and Kathryn Ramsaroop is still interested in being a part of our team as well. I'm hoping that they will be at the next meeting and I want everyone to welcome them and be ready for their input on our long-term problem.
Come up with some creative ideas for communities and things they may be afraid of, and we will brainstorm on Wednesday!
See you then
Cary
We discussed some of the basics from our problem, "Seeing is Believing" We will begin working on our problem at the next meeting. The summary of the problem is below and I've highlighted the core items that we will be working on in our upcoming meetings. The team decided that they will think about what & where our community will be and what & where they are afraid of. We will brainstorm these ideas and the team will determine what our long-term program will entail. I will double check the problem prior to the meeting, so I can make sure that whatever they choose meets the requirements.
Problem 5: Seeing is Believing
In this problem teams are to create and present an original performance about a community that feels threatened by something in a location it has never visited. The community townspeople will use a creative method to select one or more Travelers to visit and explore the location. While at the location, a Traveler will use a means of communication to send a message home to convince the community that there is nothing to fear. The performance will also include a narrator character, two rhymes about the travels, and a moving set piece.
Once the problem packet is opened, we will not be able to add any new teammates, with leads me to the next bit of news...Andrew Turong is joining our team and Kathryn Ramsaroop is still interested in being a part of our team as well. I'm hoping that they will be at the next meeting and I want everyone to welcome them and be ready for their input on our long-term problem.
Come up with some creative ideas for communities and things they may be afraid of, and we will brainstorm on Wednesday!
See you then
Cary
Monday, December 2, 2013
December 4th meeting
I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving & practiced some spontaneous problems with their children. I'm looking forward to our meeting on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30. Sandra's family will be responsible for snacks & drinks at this meeting.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you again.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you again.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Week 2 Meeting Notes
Meeting #2 This
meeting is a good time to work on teaching the team the Odyssey
philosophy and some of the basic skills
used in Odyssey:
thinking creatively and working cooperatively.
IDEAS TO TEACH:
The Difference
Between "Winning Prizes" and "Succeeding" (Being Winners)
OBJECTIVE: To have
the group begin to realize that ribbons or trophies do not equal achievement.
FORMAT: Group
discussion.
PROCEDURE: The coach
asks open-ended questions and lets the team members discuss such issues as:
"Why do you
want to do Odyssey?" "Why do you think Odyssey is a
competition?" What does 'winning'
mean?"
"What do you expect from your teammates?" "What do you hope to
achieve at Odyssey meetings?"
"What do you
hope to achieve at the Odyssey of the Mind® Meet?" (This is a good time
for the coach to
practice letting the
TEAM come up with the ideas, and letting the coach be a "guide on the
side.")
"Rules of
Engagement" for Odyssey of the Mind®
OBJECTIVE: To begin
to establish "Rules of Engagement" for team efforts; To practice
brainstorming;
To have the team
realize that criticism of others' ideas undermines teamwork and prevents good
ideas from
appearing and
evolving
FORMAT:
Demonstration and group discussion
PROCEDURE: Give each
team member a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a simple, unusual object (each
team member gets a
different object; could be citrus peeler, metal washer, etc.) Ask each team
member to
write creative use
for the object. Then have them pass objects to their left until each person has
written a
use for each object.
Have them read their lists aloud.
Discussion: Ask the
team "what answers did you hear that you liked?" Let each person have
a chance to
contribute his/her
praise of another person's written answer. Ask the team: "were there any
answers that
you thought might be
impractical?" "how could you change or adapt the answer so that it is
more practical?"
"have you
improved on the original idea?" "does hearing all ideas make you
think of more and better ones?"
Discuss the idea
that in Odyssey there are NOT ANY BAD IDEAS, only ones that may need further
work or
discussion. Suggest
RULE No. 1: All ideas should be allowed and never criticized!
Suggest that the
team begin a list of "OUR TEAM'S RULES" tailored to "Just
Us."
(Note: empowering
the team to make their own set of rules gives them ownership that will promote
their following the
rules by choice. It also begins teaching them that in Odyssey of the Mind, they
are
encouraged -
required, actually - to do the work themselves. The coach may write team's
lists in Div.
I if words are the
team's own.)
If We Can Dream It,
We Can Do It
OBJECTIVE: To give
the team confidence in themselves and promote mutual respect
FORMAT: Group
interaction with some direction
PROCEDURE: Ask the
team members to take the sheet of paper from the previous activity and list all
the
things they think
they are "reasonably" good at doing. If they know one another
already, have them list at
least one thing they
think each of their teammates is good at. If they don't already know one
another, have
them write the other
team members names and something they do know about them, such as where they
live, how many
brothers and sisters they have, what sport or musical instrument they play,
etc. Let them
discuss this if they
don't know anything about each other - a sort of "get acquainted"
time. You might
consider SERVING
REFRESHMENTS during this activity. Then let them share their thoughts and
positive
comments.
Week 1 Email
Week 1 email:
Hi parents and team
members!
Welcome
to Odyssey of the Mind 2014. I'm very excited to be coaching our team this year
and I'm looking forward to having fun and learning new things along with our
kids.
A
little bit about me. I am one of those rare creatures, a Florida native! Born in Orlando, moved around a lot as a
military brat, then settled in Tallahassee when I started High School. I
graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors of Science in Library
and Information Studies. Our family
moved to Wesley Chapel in 2004 and really love the area.
I
currently work full-time from 10a-3p (downtown) & 7p-11p (from home) M-F as
a compliance specialist for Ultimate Medical Academy. I create and verify that all student facing
documents (catalog, website, learning system etc.) are all compliant with our
state/federal regulations. In addition, I also handle all of the reporting of
school data to the federal agencies. My husband and I are also starting an IT
consulting business, and we have a few clients, so that takes up the majority
of my "free" time.
I
spent two years as a Daisy Scout leader and one year as a co-leader to a
brownie troop. The only experience that
I have with Odyssey of the Mind is my youngest daughters (Lauren) team last
year. They did great and I really enjoyed watching the kids come up with such
creative solutions to problems all on their own.
I
know that we all have very busy
schedules but I'm counting on the parents to help me out. I will be having surgery at some point in the
next few months, and will be unable to walk for a week or two. I'll be depending on you guys to help pick up
the slack. I simply won't be able to do it all myself. We have a lot of animals. To say that my
girls are animal lovers, would be an understatement. Currently residing in our
house are: Rocky the standard poodle, Coconut the cat, Skunk the mouse, Walnut
the hamster and Spunky the rat. If you or your child are afraid of or allergic
to animals, please let me know. The cat
resides outside for the most part, and the dog is friendly, but I'm happy to do
what I can to make everyone comfortable.
I
would anticipate that most of our planning meetings will be one hour or so.
When we get closer to the tournament, additional meetings may be
necessary. The best way to get in touch
with me is by email at cary@carywright.com
Please
read the information at the following link. It is an introduction to your
responsibilities and goals as an OOTM parent.
http://www.vaodyssey.org/vao.cgim?template=parent_guidelines&menu_item=teams
The
next link is the OOTM program guide and contains a lot of information. http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/downloads/programguide.pdf
For
the first meeting, I will need at least one parent from each family to stay and
participate during the meeting. After that, you are welcome to drop off your
child unless you are assistant coaching or you just want to hang around to help
out.
- I will need at least one, maybe two assistant coaches. Please volunteer to help!
- One parent will need to be an official on tournament day. Training in January or February is provided and I will give you those dates when I have them.
- One parent will need to be a volunteer on Tournament day. This is the position that I had last year. You never know where you will be. I ended up manning the bouncy house for three (very cold) hours in the morning.
∗
Odyssey of the Mind costs - how much the team may spend and how it will be
funded? The Cost limit for our long term project is $125.00. Please see the program guide for a more
detailed explination of costs related to the long term problem.
Costs from the meetings are not included in the $125.00
limit. I expect each family to provide snacks and drinks for a few meetings. We
will discuss how meeting related costs will be covered during our first
meeting. Our options are to either pay a
set amount up front and the coach will stay within that budget for the
meetings, or each family will be responsible for providing the materials needed
for 3 meetings. I am currently planning the meetings out and should know
exactly what will be needed by next week.
I plan to email out a list of everything that will be needed for
spontanious problems, and am hoping that everyone has something laying around
the house that they can contribute for free.
I would like to keep the costs down for each everyone, as much as
possible.
∗
Date and location of regional meet - March 8, 2014 at TE Weighman Middle
School. Mandatory attendance!
* The long term project is "Seeing is Believing"
In this problem teams are to create and present an original performance about a
community that feels threatened by something in a location it has never
visited. The community townspeople will use a creative method to select one or
more Travelers to visit and explore the location. While at the location, a
Traveler will use a means of communication to send a message home to convince
the community that there is nothing to fear. The performance will also include
a narrator character, two rhymes about the travels, and a moving set
piece. More specific information about the long term project will be
discussed upon receipt of the packet from OOTM.
We will not be discussing or working on our long term project for the
first two weeks. We will be focusing on teamwork and creativity.
Week 1 Meeting Plan
- Ice Breaker Game
- Set goals, expectations & rules
- Spontaneous Problem
- Snack
- (kids) Come up with a team name & logo
- (parents) Schedule meeting times, review snack/drink assignments, figure out meeting costs & collect contact and emergency contact information for each team member
- Hands on Spontaneous problem
I
am looking forward to meeting you and having fun on our Odyssey.
Cary
Wright
813-333-3056
Calendar info.
Meetings Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. 27116 Sea Breeze Way in Northwood, unless specified otherwise.
Snacks and a short summary of what we will be working on, is located in the calendar. Click on each meeting to find out if you are responsible for snacks. I will try to send a reminder email as well.
Snacks and a short summary of what we will be working on, is located in the calendar. Click on each meeting to find out if you are responsible for snacks. I will try to send a reminder email as well.
Spontaneous & Other Links to Review
General Odyssey Information:
Florida Events and Training:
Spontaneous Practice Problems
http://nepaootm.com/wp/?page_id=9 http://www.miodyssey.com/uploads/7/6/5/7/7657490/2012-13_coaches_manual.pdf
Membership
application
Style
Form
Cost
Form
Outside
Assistance Form
Full Long-Term Problem
Odyssey of the Mind Problem No. 5:
Seeing is Believing Divisions: I, II, III & IV
Introduction
It is common to fear the unknown. This fear can often lead to avoidance or the inability to act. However, brave explorers,
scientists, and everyday people have proved that conquering the fear of the unknown can lead to great achievements. What
if we never sent a man to the moon because we were afraid of what we’d fi nd? ...or across an ocean? ...or even at the other
end of a telephone call? Our world would be a much smaller place. In this problem, OotM teams have the opportunity to
show what can happen when we let curiosity overcome fear of the unknown.
A. The Problem
The problem is to create and present an original performance about a community that feels threatened by something
in a location its members have never visited. They will then use a team-created method to select one or more Travelers
to visit and explore the location. While at the location, a Traveler will send a message home to convince the community
that there is nothing to fear. The performance will also include a narrator character, two rhymes, and a moving set piece.
The creative emphases of this problem are on the performance, the community, how the Traveler is selected, the
rhymes, and how the set piece is designed to move.
The Spirit of the Problem is for the team to create and present an original performance about a community that
feels threatened by something in a location its citizens have never visited. The community uses a team-created method
to select Travelers to visit and explore the location, where one of the Travelers sends a message home that there is
nothing to fear. The performance will also include a narrator character, two rhymes, and a set piece that moves.
B. Limitations (Italicized words/terms are defi ned on Page 5 in the Problem Glossary or in the 2013-2014 Odyssey of
the Mind Program Guide.)
1. General Rules: Read the 2013-2014 Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide. This manual includes basic limitations
for this problem and the forms required for competition. This problem cannot be solved without referring to the
Program Rules section of the guide.
2. Problem Clarifi cations: The Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide explains the types of questions about the rules
that will be clarifi ed and the ways to submit those questions. General problem clarifi cations can be accessed
at odysseyofthemind.com/clarifi cations/. Problem clarifi cations submitted after February 15, 2014, will not be
answered. CCI may fi nd it necessary to issue clarifi cations after that date, so continue to check for them after
February 15 and before each competition.
3. The time limit for this problem is 8 minutes. This starts when the Timekeeper says, “Team begin” and includes setup,
Style, and presentation of the problem solution.
4. The cost limit for this problem is $125 (U.S). The combined value of the materials used during the demonstration of
the team’s solution, including Style, cannot exceed this amount. The Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide explains
the cost limit and lists items that are exempt from cost.
5. The team will create an original performance that includes:
a. a community.
b. something that is believed to exist in a different location that causes the community to feel threatened.
c. one or more Traveler characters that visit the location.
d. a message sent by a Traveler back to the community.
Page 1 of 5
e. a narrator character.
f. two rhymes.
g. a moving set piece.
6. The community:
a. may be portrayed as anything and in any way.
b. must be a group of inhabitants living in the same location, whether real or imagined.
7. The location:
a. must be portrayed as being a different place than where the community resides.
b. can be any place and set in any time period. It does not have to be a location that currently exists.
8. The Traveler(s):
a. may be portrayed as anything and in any way.
b. will be chosen by the inhabitants to visit and explore the location.
c. will be shown in the performance leaving the community and traveling to the location.
d. will send a message back to the community while at the location.
9. The message sent back to the community:
a. can be depicted as being sent/received in any way.
b. must be seen and/or heard by the judges and audience.
c. will convince the community members that there is no reason to feel threatened.
10. The narrator character:
a. may be portrayed as anything and in any way. It can be integrated as a character in the performance if the team
wishes.
b. will explain to the judges and audience the reason the community feels threatened.
11. The two rhymes:
a. must be delivered at different times during the performance. One rhyme must be about the Traveler’s visit to the
location.
b. must be different from one another.
c. may be delivered in any way, that is, spoken, sung, written, etc. as long as they are observable to the judges and
audience.
12. The moving set piece:
a. must be one item that is part of the stage set.
b. must move without any direct human power.
c. must be visible to the judges and audience as it moves.
d. may move as many times or for as long as the team wishes.
13. The team should present the Staging Area Judge with four copies of the Team’s Required List Form found in the
forms section at www.odysseyofthemind.com/members/ or four copies of a list on one side of one or two sheets of
8 ½” x 11” or A4 paper. This list must be hand-printed, typed, or computer generated. It is for reference only. The list
must include:
a. the team’s membership name and number, the problem and division.
Page 2 of 5
b. a brief description of the reason the community feels threatened.
c. the rhymes to be scored.
d. the moving set piece and when in the performance it will move.
e. the message to be scored.
f. a brief description of the narrator character.
g. a brief description of the traveler character.
h. the signal the team will use to indicate it has fi nished its performance.
C. Site, Setup and Competition
1. A stage or fl oor area a minimum of 7’ x 10’ (2.1 m x 3 m) will be used, but a larger area is desirable. This will not
be marked. Teams must be prepared to perform in a 7’ x 10’ area and to place their props and background in that
area as well. If space permits, the team may perform and/or place equipment, props, etc. outside the 7’ x 10’ area.
If a drop-off exists beyond the 7’ x 10’ dimensions, a caution line may be taped 30” (76.2 cm) from the edge of the
drop-off. This will serve as a warning, not a boundary.
2. A three-prong electrical outlet will be available. Teams must bring their own extension cords and adapters, if needed.
3. The team members must report to the competition site with all of their props and paperwork at least 15 minutes
before they are scheduled to compete.
4. It is the team’s responsibility to complete its performance within the 8-minute time limit. When the team is fi nished,
it must signal the judges. An overtime penalty will be assessed if the team takes more than 8 minutes, and the
Timekeeper will stop the team after one minute of overtime.
5. Teams should bring cleaning utensils to clean up any mess. Should a team take an unreasonable amount of time
to clean the site, or leave a mess; the judges will assess an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. Others not on the
team’s roster can help the team clear the site and remove the team’s props. The competition area must be left clean
and dry for the next competing team.
D. Scoring
1. Creativity of the overall performance (originality, effectiveness) ................................................................ 1 to 20 points
2. Quality of the performance (audibility, movement, stage presence) .......................................................... 1 to 20 points
3. Overall creativity of the portrayal of the members of the community ........................................................ 1 to 15 points
4. The reason the community feels threatened ......................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. Is established in the performance .............................................................................. 0 or 5 points
b. Originality of the threat ..............................................................................................1 to 15 points
5. The Traveler character(s) ....................................................................................................................... 2 to 30 points
a. Effectiveness of the performance .............................................................................1 to 15 points
b. Creativity of how it is selected by the community .....................................................1 to 10 points
c. Travels to the location ................................................................................................ 0 or 5 points
6. Visual impact of the location visited ...................................................................................................... 1 to 10 points
7. The narrator character ........................................................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. Effectiveness of its role in the performance .............................................................1 to 15 points
b. Describes the threat.................................................................................................... 0 or 5 points
Page 3 of 5
8. The message ......................................................................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. Is received by the community .................................................................................... 0 or 5 points
b. Impact on the performance .......................................................................................1 to 15 points
9. The two rhymes ..................................................................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. One is about the Traveler’s visit to the location ......................................................... 0 or 5 points
b. Overall creativity .......................................................................................................1 to 15 points
10. The moving set piece ............................................................................................................................ 2 to 25 points
a. Moves at some time in the performance ................................................................... 0 or 5 points
b. Creativity of how it is designed to move ....................................................................1 to 10 points
c. Overall effectiveness of its movement in the performance ........................................1 to 10 points
Maximum possible: 200 points
E. Penalties (Deducted from percentaged scores.)
1. “Spirit of the Problem” violation (each offense) ..................................................................................-1 to -100 points
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct (each offense) ......................................................................................... -1 to -100 points
3. Incorrect or missing membership sign ...............................................................................................-1 to -15 points
4. Outside assistance (each offense) ....................................................................................................-1 to -100 points
5. Over cost limit ....................................................................................................................................-1 to -100 points
6. Over time limit: -5 points for every 10 seconds or fraction thereof
over time limit (example: 27 seconds = -15 points) .................................................................... maximum -30 points
Omission of scored problem requirements carries no penalty except loss of score.
F. Style (Elaboration of the problem solution; use the Style Form from the Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide.)
1. Visual impact of the community setting ................................................................................................. 1 to 10 points
2. Creative use of a material in a team member’s costume ...................................................................... 1 to 10 points
3. (Free choice of team) ............................................................................................................................ 1 to 10 points
4. (Free choice of team) ............................................................................................................................ 1 to 10 points
5. Overall effect of the four Style elements in the performance ................................................................ 1 to 10 points
Maximum possible: 50 points
G. Tournament Director Will Provide
1. A 7’ x 10’ (2.1m x 3m) presentation area (larger, if possible).
2. A three-prong electrical outlet.
3. A judging team and materials necessary to judge this problem.
*NOTE: Contact your Tournament Director regarding competition site specifi cations such as actual dimensions,
registration procedures, fl oor surface, etc. Do not submit a clarifi cation request for this information.
H. The Team Must Provide
1. Four copies of its Style Form, one Cost Form, one Outside Assistance Form, and all team-specifi c clarifi cations.
2. Four copies of its list as stated in B13. This list is to assist the judges. If the team fails to provide the list, there will be
Page 4 of 5
no penalty; however, it benefi ts the team to have the lists because without them the judges might miss a scored aspect
of the performance.
3. Any necessary extension cords or outlet adapters.
4. Cleanup materials as needed.
I. Problem Glossary (Italicized terms that are not in this Glossary can be found in the 2013-2014 Odyssey of the
Mind Program Guide.)
community – a group of inhabitants that reside in a specifi c locality and share the same resources.
threat/threatened – something that appears to be hurtful or dangerous to others, or socially unaccepted as portrayed in
the performance by the community.
visual impact – impressiveness; ability to stand out from others and be noticed.
Creative Competitions, Inc., its licensees, and the problem authors assume no responsibility for damage or injury
incurred as a result of attempting to solve this problem.
Problem by Samuel W. Micklus and Dr. C. Samuel Micklus.
© Copyright 2013 — Creative Competitions, Inc.
® Odyssey of the Mind, OotM, and the Odyssey of the Mind logo, and OMER are federally registered trademarks of
Creative Competitions, Inc.
Seeing is Believing Divisions: I, II, III & IV
Introduction
It is common to fear the unknown. This fear can often lead to avoidance or the inability to act. However, brave explorers,
scientists, and everyday people have proved that conquering the fear of the unknown can lead to great achievements. What
if we never sent a man to the moon because we were afraid of what we’d fi nd? ...or across an ocean? ...or even at the other
end of a telephone call? Our world would be a much smaller place. In this problem, OotM teams have the opportunity to
show what can happen when we let curiosity overcome fear of the unknown.
A. The Problem
The problem is to create and present an original performance about a community that feels threatened by something
in a location its members have never visited. They will then use a team-created method to select one or more Travelers
to visit and explore the location. While at the location, a Traveler will send a message home to convince the community
that there is nothing to fear. The performance will also include a narrator character, two rhymes, and a moving set piece.
The creative emphases of this problem are on the performance, the community, how the Traveler is selected, the
rhymes, and how the set piece is designed to move.
The Spirit of the Problem is for the team to create and present an original performance about a community that
feels threatened by something in a location its citizens have never visited. The community uses a team-created method
to select Travelers to visit and explore the location, where one of the Travelers sends a message home that there is
nothing to fear. The performance will also include a narrator character, two rhymes, and a set piece that moves.
B. Limitations (Italicized words/terms are defi ned on Page 5 in the Problem Glossary or in the 2013-2014 Odyssey of
the Mind Program Guide.)
1. General Rules: Read the 2013-2014 Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide. This manual includes basic limitations
for this problem and the forms required for competition. This problem cannot be solved without referring to the
Program Rules section of the guide.
2. Problem Clarifi cations: The Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide explains the types of questions about the rules
that will be clarifi ed and the ways to submit those questions. General problem clarifi cations can be accessed
at odysseyofthemind.com/clarifi cations/. Problem clarifi cations submitted after February 15, 2014, will not be
answered. CCI may fi nd it necessary to issue clarifi cations after that date, so continue to check for them after
February 15 and before each competition.
3. The time limit for this problem is 8 minutes. This starts when the Timekeeper says, “Team begin” and includes setup,
Style, and presentation of the problem solution.
4. The cost limit for this problem is $125 (U.S). The combined value of the materials used during the demonstration of
the team’s solution, including Style, cannot exceed this amount. The Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide explains
the cost limit and lists items that are exempt from cost.
5. The team will create an original performance that includes:
a. a community.
b. something that is believed to exist in a different location that causes the community to feel threatened.
c. one or more Traveler characters that visit the location.
d. a message sent by a Traveler back to the community.
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e. a narrator character.
f. two rhymes.
g. a moving set piece.
6. The community:
a. may be portrayed as anything and in any way.
b. must be a group of inhabitants living in the same location, whether real or imagined.
7. The location:
a. must be portrayed as being a different place than where the community resides.
b. can be any place and set in any time period. It does not have to be a location that currently exists.
8. The Traveler(s):
a. may be portrayed as anything and in any way.
b. will be chosen by the inhabitants to visit and explore the location.
c. will be shown in the performance leaving the community and traveling to the location.
d. will send a message back to the community while at the location.
9. The message sent back to the community:
a. can be depicted as being sent/received in any way.
b. must be seen and/or heard by the judges and audience.
c. will convince the community members that there is no reason to feel threatened.
10. The narrator character:
a. may be portrayed as anything and in any way. It can be integrated as a character in the performance if the team
wishes.
b. will explain to the judges and audience the reason the community feels threatened.
11. The two rhymes:
a. must be delivered at different times during the performance. One rhyme must be about the Traveler’s visit to the
location.
b. must be different from one another.
c. may be delivered in any way, that is, spoken, sung, written, etc. as long as they are observable to the judges and
audience.
12. The moving set piece:
a. must be one item that is part of the stage set.
b. must move without any direct human power.
c. must be visible to the judges and audience as it moves.
d. may move as many times or for as long as the team wishes.
13. The team should present the Staging Area Judge with four copies of the Team’s Required List Form found in the
forms section at www.odysseyofthemind.com/members/ or four copies of a list on one side of one or two sheets of
8 ½” x 11” or A4 paper. This list must be hand-printed, typed, or computer generated. It is for reference only. The list
must include:
a. the team’s membership name and number, the problem and division.
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b. a brief description of the reason the community feels threatened.
c. the rhymes to be scored.
d. the moving set piece and when in the performance it will move.
e. the message to be scored.
f. a brief description of the narrator character.
g. a brief description of the traveler character.
h. the signal the team will use to indicate it has fi nished its performance.
C. Site, Setup and Competition
1. A stage or fl oor area a minimum of 7’ x 10’ (2.1 m x 3 m) will be used, but a larger area is desirable. This will not
be marked. Teams must be prepared to perform in a 7’ x 10’ area and to place their props and background in that
area as well. If space permits, the team may perform and/or place equipment, props, etc. outside the 7’ x 10’ area.
If a drop-off exists beyond the 7’ x 10’ dimensions, a caution line may be taped 30” (76.2 cm) from the edge of the
drop-off. This will serve as a warning, not a boundary.
2. A three-prong electrical outlet will be available. Teams must bring their own extension cords and adapters, if needed.
3. The team members must report to the competition site with all of their props and paperwork at least 15 minutes
before they are scheduled to compete.
4. It is the team’s responsibility to complete its performance within the 8-minute time limit. When the team is fi nished,
it must signal the judges. An overtime penalty will be assessed if the team takes more than 8 minutes, and the
Timekeeper will stop the team after one minute of overtime.
5. Teams should bring cleaning utensils to clean up any mess. Should a team take an unreasonable amount of time
to clean the site, or leave a mess; the judges will assess an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. Others not on the
team’s roster can help the team clear the site and remove the team’s props. The competition area must be left clean
and dry for the next competing team.
D. Scoring
1. Creativity of the overall performance (originality, effectiveness) ................................................................ 1 to 20 points
2. Quality of the performance (audibility, movement, stage presence) .......................................................... 1 to 20 points
3. Overall creativity of the portrayal of the members of the community ........................................................ 1 to 15 points
4. The reason the community feels threatened ......................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. Is established in the performance .............................................................................. 0 or 5 points
b. Originality of the threat ..............................................................................................1 to 15 points
5. The Traveler character(s) ....................................................................................................................... 2 to 30 points
a. Effectiveness of the performance .............................................................................1 to 15 points
b. Creativity of how it is selected by the community .....................................................1 to 10 points
c. Travels to the location ................................................................................................ 0 or 5 points
6. Visual impact of the location visited ...................................................................................................... 1 to 10 points
7. The narrator character ........................................................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. Effectiveness of its role in the performance .............................................................1 to 15 points
b. Describes the threat.................................................................................................... 0 or 5 points
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8. The message ......................................................................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. Is received by the community .................................................................................... 0 or 5 points
b. Impact on the performance .......................................................................................1 to 15 points
9. The two rhymes ..................................................................................................................................... 1 to 20 points
a. One is about the Traveler’s visit to the location ......................................................... 0 or 5 points
b. Overall creativity .......................................................................................................1 to 15 points
10. The moving set piece ............................................................................................................................ 2 to 25 points
a. Moves at some time in the performance ................................................................... 0 or 5 points
b. Creativity of how it is designed to move ....................................................................1 to 10 points
c. Overall effectiveness of its movement in the performance ........................................1 to 10 points
Maximum possible: 200 points
E. Penalties (Deducted from percentaged scores.)
1. “Spirit of the Problem” violation (each offense) ..................................................................................-1 to -100 points
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct (each offense) ......................................................................................... -1 to -100 points
3. Incorrect or missing membership sign ...............................................................................................-1 to -15 points
4. Outside assistance (each offense) ....................................................................................................-1 to -100 points
5. Over cost limit ....................................................................................................................................-1 to -100 points
6. Over time limit: -5 points for every 10 seconds or fraction thereof
over time limit (example: 27 seconds = -15 points) .................................................................... maximum -30 points
Omission of scored problem requirements carries no penalty except loss of score.
F. Style (Elaboration of the problem solution; use the Style Form from the Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide.)
1. Visual impact of the community setting ................................................................................................. 1 to 10 points
2. Creative use of a material in a team member’s costume ...................................................................... 1 to 10 points
3. (Free choice of team) ............................................................................................................................ 1 to 10 points
4. (Free choice of team) ............................................................................................................................ 1 to 10 points
5. Overall effect of the four Style elements in the performance ................................................................ 1 to 10 points
Maximum possible: 50 points
G. Tournament Director Will Provide
1. A 7’ x 10’ (2.1m x 3m) presentation area (larger, if possible).
2. A three-prong electrical outlet.
3. A judging team and materials necessary to judge this problem.
*NOTE: Contact your Tournament Director regarding competition site specifi cations such as actual dimensions,
registration procedures, fl oor surface, etc. Do not submit a clarifi cation request for this information.
H. The Team Must Provide
1. Four copies of its Style Form, one Cost Form, one Outside Assistance Form, and all team-specifi c clarifi cations.
2. Four copies of its list as stated in B13. This list is to assist the judges. If the team fails to provide the list, there will be
Page 4 of 5
no penalty; however, it benefi ts the team to have the lists because without them the judges might miss a scored aspect
of the performance.
3. Any necessary extension cords or outlet adapters.
4. Cleanup materials as needed.
I. Problem Glossary (Italicized terms that are not in this Glossary can be found in the 2013-2014 Odyssey of the
Mind Program Guide.)
community – a group of inhabitants that reside in a specifi c locality and share the same resources.
threat/threatened – something that appears to be hurtful or dangerous to others, or socially unaccepted as portrayed in
the performance by the community.
visual impact – impressiveness; ability to stand out from others and be noticed.
Creative Competitions, Inc., its licensees, and the problem authors assume no responsibility for damage or injury
incurred as a result of attempting to solve this problem.
Problem by Samuel W. Micklus and Dr. C. Samuel Micklus.
© Copyright 2013 — Creative Competitions, Inc.
® Odyssey of the Mind, OotM, and the Odyssey of the Mind logo, and OMER are federally registered trademarks of
Creative Competitions, Inc.
Long Term Problem Summary-Seeing Is Believing
Introduction
It is common to fear
the unknown. This fear can often lead to avoidance or the inability to act.
However, brave explorers,
scientists, and
everyday people have proved that conquering the fear of the unknown can lead to
great achievements. What
if we never sent a
man to the moon because we were afraid of what we’d fi nd? ...or across an
ocean? ...or even at the other
end of a telephone
call? Our world would be a much smaller place. In this problem, OotM teams have
the opportunity to
show what can happen
when we let curiosity overcome fear of the unknown.
The Problem
The problem is to create and present an original performance about a community that feels threatened by something
The problem is to create and present an original performance about a community that feels threatened by something
in a location its
members have never visited. They will then use a team-created method to select
one or more Travelers
to visit and explore
the location. While at the location, a Traveler will send a message home to
convince the community
that there is
nothing to fear. The performance will also include a narrator character, two
rhymes, and a moving set piece.
The creative emphases of this problem are on the performance, the community, how the Traveler is selected, the
rhymes, and how the
set piece is designed to move.
The Spirit of the Problem is for the team to create and present an original performance about a community that
feels threatened by
something in a location its citizens have never visited. The community uses a
team-created method
to select Travelers
to visit and explore the location, where one of the Travelers sends a message
home that there is
nothing to fear. The
performance will also include a narrator character, two rhymes, and a set piece
that moves.
Limitations
The time limit for
this problem is 8 minutes.
a
community.
may be portrayed as anything and in any way.
must be a group of inhabitants living in the same location,
whether real or imagined.
something
that is believed to exist in a different location that causes the community to
feel threatened.
The
location:
must be portrayed as being a different place than where the
community resides.
can be any place and set in any time period. It does not have
to be a location that currently exists.
one or
more Traveler characters that visit the location.
may be portrayed as anything and in any way.
will be chosen by the inhabitants to visit and explore the
location.
will be shown in the performance leaving the community and
traveling to the location.
will send a message back to the community while at the
location.
a
message sent by a Traveler back to the community.
a. can be depicted as being sent/received in any way.
b. must be seen and/or heard by the judges and audience.
c. will convince the community members that there is no
reason to feel threatened.
a
narrator character.
a. may be portrayed as anything and in any way. It can be
integrated as a character in the performance if the team wishes.
b. will explain to the judges and audience the reason the
community feels threatened.
two
rhymes.
a. must be delivered at different times during the
performance. One rhyme must be about the Traveler’s visit to the location.
b. must be different from one another.
c. may be delivered in any way, that is, spoken, sung,
written, etc. as long as they are observable to the judges and audience.
a
moving set piece.
a. must be one item that is part of the stage set.
b. must move without any direct human power.
c. must be visible to the judges and audience as it moves.
d. may move as many times or for as long as the team wishes.
Shopping List/Things we need:
Shopping List/Things we need:
List of items that we will need for the upcoming
meetings. If anyone you can provide something in the below list, please say so in the comments section.
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