Our Problems

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Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problems

Every year Odyssey HQ releases new problems that touch on six different areas that have direct connections to real-world challenges and imaginative themes.

Students will discover and be introduced to the fundamentals of STEAM while practicing the skill of working with others to solve fun problems and building solutions from recycled items and components in innovative ways. All the while, they will be working within a budget and learning how to make the most of everything.

2023-2024 Season Problems

The Night Life

Drive-In Movie

AI Tech-NO-Art

Classics… Opening Night Antics

Deep Space Structure

Rocking World Detour
Sponsored by ARM & HAMMER™

 Spontaneous

In competition, every team solves a spontaneous problem. This part of the competition is called “Spontaneous” because teams don’t know what they’ll have to do until they enter the competition room; spontaneous problems are kept “top secret.” Solving spontaneous problems teaches students to think on their feet and to creatively solve problems as they arise.

2023-2024 Long-Term Problem Synopses

*Remember that these are just a taste of the challenge to come.  DO NOT try to solve the problem from this small note.  Complete problem details will be out by the end of August.  Need membership to access the complete problem.

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LATEST NEWS
  • “Make it the best it can be.” Remembering Dr. Sam.
    We share some sad news. Dr. Sam, the founder of Odyssey of the Mind, has passed. We remember him with a warm heart and the memories that are created in Odyssey.
  • How are Spontaneous Problems Chosen for Competitions?
    Approximately ⅓ of your final calculated score is based on Spontaneous. Practice, practice, practice…AND…Have fun realizing that on-the-spot creativity can be helped along with advanced prep!
  • Good News! You Can Modify.
    This is when teams are re-evaluating their solutions in light of their experiences at their Qualifying Tournament. And yes, you have the opportunity to make adjustments to your solution given what you learned.