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Rowlett Odyssey of the Mind - WORLD
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First and Second Place in the Tampa Bay region, First place in the State of Florida and now World finalists invited to the World Competition!
![](https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1256999_1429701118.6718_funddescription.jpg)
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Help Rowlett Acdamey Students from Manatee County Florida make it to Michigan State University to represent Florida and compete against teams from the USA and about 20 other countries.
Odyssey of the Mind® 2015 World Finals
Michigan State University, Lansing, MI May 20th-24th
This year two teams from Rowlett Academy are preparing for a trip to the World Finals in Michigan. The first team is competing in the technical Problem "Experiencing Technical Difficulties". The team was challenged to create 7-devices, powered by rubber bands to complete specifice tasks. The second team competed in the NASA sponsered structure problem, "Lose Your Marbles". The team constructed a structure made from balsa wood and glue that weighed 18 grams and was over 8 inches tall. The teams maximum competition weight held was 654lbs. There was a twist, the team had to create a device that could release marbles one at a time that was attached to the structure. Both teams were required to present their solutions to a panel of 8-12 judges and observers, in under 8 minutes in the form of a play or performance. The performance required a script to be written, actors, costumes, backdrops and a lot of creative thinking. The team had about 5 months-7 months to solve the problems and present a creative solution, this is known as the Long-term Problem.![](https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1256999_1429701544.9935_funddescription.jpg)
![](https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1256999_1429701914.3324_funddescription.jpg)
Odyssey of the Mind stretches the mind of all participants. In addition to presenting the long-term solutions teams are also required to solve a short-term problem known as a Spontaneous Problem. Teams generally have about 2-4 minutes to review the problem and create a solution and then another 3-6 minutes to present as solution for a total time of 6-10 minutes. These two teams performed exceptionally in both problems earning them first place in Division I problems 2 and 4, their hard work and efforts paid off.
Odyssey of the Mind teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process. For more than twenty five years, this unique program has helped teachers generate excitement in their students. By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems -- great and small -- for a lifetime. The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. The creative problem-solving process rewards thinking "outside of the box." While conventional thinking has an important place in a well-rounded education, students need to learn how to think creatively and productively.
![](https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1256999_1429701118.6718_funddescription.jpg)
![](https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1256999_1429701259.9768_funddescription.jpg)
Help Rowlett Acdamey Students from Manatee County Florida make it to Michigan State University to represent Florida and compete against teams from the USA and about 20 other countries.
Odyssey of the Mind® 2015 World Finals
Michigan State University, Lansing, MI May 20th-24th
This year two teams from Rowlett Academy are preparing for a trip to the World Finals in Michigan. The first team is competing in the technical Problem "Experiencing Technical Difficulties". The team was challenged to create 7-devices, powered by rubber bands to complete specifice tasks. The second team competed in the NASA sponsered structure problem, "Lose Your Marbles". The team constructed a structure made from balsa wood and glue that weighed 18 grams and was over 8 inches tall. The teams maximum competition weight held was 654lbs. There was a twist, the team had to create a device that could release marbles one at a time that was attached to the structure. Both teams were required to present their solutions to a panel of 8-12 judges and observers, in under 8 minutes in the form of a play or performance. The performance required a script to be written, actors, costumes, backdrops and a lot of creative thinking. The team had about 5 months-7 months to solve the problems and present a creative solution, this is known as the Long-term Problem.
![](https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1256999_1429701544.9935_funddescription.jpg)
![](https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1256999_1429701914.3324_funddescription.jpg)
Odyssey of the Mind stretches the mind of all participants. In addition to presenting the long-term solutions teams are also required to solve a short-term problem known as a Spontaneous Problem. Teams generally have about 2-4 minutes to review the problem and create a solution and then another 3-6 minutes to present as solution for a total time of 6-10 minutes. These two teams performed exceptionally in both problems earning them first place in Division I problems 2 and 4, their hard work and efforts paid off.
Odyssey of the Mind teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process. For more than twenty five years, this unique program has helped teachers generate excitement in their students. By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems -- great and small -- for a lifetime. The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. The creative problem-solving process rewards thinking "outside of the box." While conventional thinking has an important place in a well-rounded education, students need to learn how to think creatively and productively.
Organizer
Christine Fioritto-Sket
Organizer
Bradenton, FL