O.M. -
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND:
Odyssey of the Mind is a problem-solving competition for five member teams in grades K-5
Division 1 of the elementary school. The teams choose from five problems the national
organization creates each year. There is one primary problem for grades K-2, a balsa wood
construction problem, a vehicle problem and two more problems centered around music and/or
composers and art and/or artists. Parents serve as coaches and meet with the team once a
week after school on campus or weekends at home. The coaches are careful not to provide
the solution, but act as a facilitators, asking questions, providing materials and
resources. The children learn how to work as a team and learn problem solving skills. They
experience fun and an increase in their self-esteem. Children participate in competitions
at the school, sub-regional, regional, state, national and international levels.
FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVERS:
FPS is a problem-solving competition involving four team members who research real-life
problems. The group arrives at a solution following prescribed guidelines which they have
had a chance to refine by working with two practice problems during the year. They have
had guidance from their teacher throughout the problem-solving process. The group submits
a written paper which explains their solution to this particular problem. Grades 4 and 5
compete and Grades K and 2 may do problem-solving activities without competing.
The impact on the students has many layers. The problem-solving skills they
learn can be applied throughout their school years and adult life. They learn to work and
cooperate with others by building consensus and encouraging, nurturing, and rewarding
creativity. Their self-esteem benefits and their knowledge is increased. Travis' fifth
grade team took first-place honors at the state level for the 1997-98 competition. |
INVENTION
CONVENTION:
Fifth graders use this activity as a culmination to their unit on inventors. Students
create inventions and present them to their grade level. Judges choose the winner in
several categories and awards are given. Students have the experience of creative
thinking, problem-solving, assembling and presenting their creation in front of an
audience.
SCIENCE FAIR:
The year's science studies culminate in projects for the science fair. Children experience
many hands-on problem-solving activities to discover the world of science - earth, life,
physical, chemical, zoological and botanical. Three science/garden teachers work with the
classes to add to their gardening and nature study experiences.ACADEMIC AWARDS
- Odyssey of the Mind Awards 1998
- Future Problem-solvers - State Champions, 1998
- Young Inventors
GRANTS
1998 - Elizabeth Meaux (3rd Grade Vanguard)
$500 awarded from the Greater Heights Education Project for "Let's
Explore"
1997 - Margaret Blackstone (2nd Grade Vanguard) $500 awarded from
the Greater Heights Education Project for "Woodland Heights Our Neighborhood"
|
