Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a real life educational program developed in the 70s by Industrial Design professor, Dr. Sam Micklus. It started off as an extracurricular challenge for children in the United States, and has grown to international fame. OM remains progressively engaging to this day, holding the interest of generations of OMers!
The relevant OM divisions for FSMA are Primary (K2), Division 1 (3-5) and Division II (5-8). While the Primary group has its own particular long-term program, Division I and II have the opportunity to solve the same problems. However, the parameters by which each team must solve the problem become exceedingly more difficult as you jump divisions. All divisions solve a long-term problem and a spontaneous problem.
Thank you to the many parents and volunteers who coach our teams… this program would not exist without you! And, thank you to our OM coordinator, Lisa VanNess for overseeing this program – we appreciate you!!
For more information about the program, please read this document, Odyssey of the Mind.