Course Description
This course is designed to support a team that will participate in Odyssey of the Mind (OM), an international problem-solving competition. The OM website describes their program as:
“an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program.”
OM is comprised of two components: a long-term problem and a “spontaneous” challenge. Team members will work together to create a solution to the long-term problem that falls within the criteria set forth by OM. In addition, I will work with the team on a regular basis to practice “spont” problems to prepare you for the spontaneous challenge associated with OM competition.
Student Commitment
Because of the nature of OM, this will be a year-long elective. The Regional competition will take place in late February, 2011, with the State competition (if applicable) following one month later. If the team achieves a first- or second-place finish, you will be invited to compete at the World Finals. Team size is limited to no more than seven students, and, once formed, cannot be changed without jeopardizing the work of the team. To that end, I am asking that all students who request to participate to make a commitment to work with the team throughout each level of competition. We will make every effort to accomplish as much work as possible within the time allotted here at school, but as we get closer to competition, team members will almost certainly need to put in more time, either at home, or at school, to finalize and perfect your solution.
Coach Commitment
My role as a coach is to support the team and guide you to help you find the best solution. I cannot give you any answers, but can ask questions to help you refine your goals. This is a team-driven solution and part of your score comes from how well you support and encourage each other. I am confident that Bitney can put together a strong team that will compete well, and you can be part of that team. I also want you to see that creativity is not necessarily academic – it’s about finding an elegant solution that others don’t see, and thinking outside the box.
Work & Grading
There is no written work, per se, in this course, but that does not mean there is no work. You will need to research your problem and solution. You will be working with your team to build your solution. You will be practicing spontaneous solutions. And, at all times, you will need to work together with your team respectfully. As with all other classes here at Bitney, I will expect respect towards each of your teammates, even if there is disagreement. To that end, your grade will not be based on how well you place at competition, but rather on how well you work together with your team. I am confident that we will all be successful in this endeavor!
|
