Olander Odyssey of the Mind World Finals P2 D1

On April 15th Olander’s OM students paraded into the Colorado State Tournament Awards Ceremony singing the Olander Osprey song, having qualified for the Worlds Final Tournament with their creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and fun team spirit.

They worked throughout the school year to build a dynamic machine, presenting it in a humorous performance. The team made a Rube Goldberg Machine out of plywood, PVC pipe, pulleys, buckets and hinges. They all leaned how to use power tools, including how to wire a light bulb. The team wrote a script set in a forest with animal characters, adding life and story to their machine. They practiced spontaneous problem solving too, working as a team when presented with challenges by OM judges. They built friendships and school community along the way - and Worlds will support them in continuing their growth as a team of creative, positive, curious students! 

A creative problem solving program for kids K-College, Odyssey of the Mind teams choose one long term problem to solve. In the process of solving their problem, children learn to think outside the box, work together to develop creative solutions to broadly defined problems, and present their solution in an 8 minute performance. Teams are rewarded for not just solving the problem, but for enhancing their solution with style. Teams compete in an on-the-spot spontaneous problem as part of the competition.

Be a part of the Olander OM team by donating for their journey to Worlds in Lansing Michigan, where they will be with teams from over thirty countries, learning about diverse cultures and continuing to grow as a team. All funds raised will cover travel expenses, room and board and team registration for the tournament. Thank you for your support! Follow the team on Instagram @Olander_OM.