This program year we will sponsor several teams for Odyssey of the Mind in our Innovation Studio. Children will drive their experience with our staff’s guidance.

What is Odyssey of the Mind?

A student-led program that aims to develop creative problem-solving skills through exciting challenges:

  • Long-Term Problems: Teams dedicate months to solving a specific problem, brainstorming, building, designing, writing, and practicing their presentation. These include considerations like limited budgets and strict presentation time limits.
  • Spontaneous Problems: New, short-term problems that test their ability to think quickly and collaboratively under pressure.

Featured 2025-26 Target

Odyssey of the Mind

What does the program deliver?

  • Promotes creativity and “out-of-the-box” thinking: Students tackle unique, open-ended problems that require original solutions.
  • Develops teamwork and collaboration: Teams of 5-7 members work together over several months to create and present their solutions, relying on each other’s diverse skills and ideas.
  • Encourages self-confidence and risk-taking: The program fosters an environment where students aren’t afraid to try new approaches and learn from both successes and setbacks.
  • Offers diverse challenges: Problems range from technical and mechanical design to theatrical performance and classical arts interpretations.
  • Prepares students for future challenges: Participants gain valuable life skills like time management, public speaking, critical thinking, and applying what they’ve learned to real-world situations.

What role do adults take?

Adults are the faciliators but the children are the leaders. Adults can support the skills the teams need but cannot assist in solving the problems. Parents are not expected to volunteer. This program is faciltated by our staff during your child’s program hours.

Past Program Targets

Innovation Literacy

Project-based or problem-based learning techniques examine “Innovation Literacy” dimensions:

  • Identification and Understanding of Challenges or “Problems”
  • Communication, Collaboration, and Revision
  • Creation of Experiences, Processes, and Offerings (Products/Services)
  • Understanding Cultural and Social Impact

Entrepreneur Minsdet

Target key skill-sets needed to innovate and create new solutions:

  • Vision
  • Risk-taking
  • Proactiveness
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Opportunity recognition

STEM Technology

  • Basic and Advanced computer skills (typing, document creation/editing, presentations)
  • Beginner Technology such as Osmo and Tacto devices (for K-5)
  • Coding (Scratch, Python, Minecraft Mods, Java, HTML, and more)
  • Computer Engineering Basics (Microbit, Makey Makey, Arduino, etc)
  • YouTube channel creation
  • ESRI/Geo-mapping, spatial analytics, and content creation using ARC GIS education
  • Adobe Creative Software for graphic and web design such as Photoshop and Illustrator

Computer Software Basics

  • Touch typing instruction and practice
  • Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
  • Learn how to complete advanced search engine queries
  • Manage, organize and store photos and files

YouTube Channel Content

  • Create and edit video and audio content, including static transitions and screen recording
  • Write appealing and effective video narratives and descriptions
  • Create and apply strategies to build subscribers
  • Identify and target key search phrases for the audience

ArcGIS Mapping & Storytelling

Learners can also create data-rich visual maps and stories using our ESRI platform: ArcGIS for Education. This tool is used by journalists, scientists, historians, activists, and more. Your family has probably interacted with several GIS features online. Check out this blended group project to see what learners can make.

Adobe Creative Software

Create print and digital content using a variety of software from Adobe. Learners can edit photos, create brochures, learn graphic design, and even make websites. These skillsets can be learned to showcase other educational projects.