• What is Odyssey of the Mind?

This problem requires teams to design, build and drive a human-powered vehicle and camper that will go on a camping trip. When the vehicle arrives at the Campground, the camper will be disconnected and the vehicle will travel on a team-created Nature Trail. On the Nature Trail, the vehicle will overcome an obstacle, clean up the environment, encounter wildlife, and undergo a repair. The performance will include a character that is in or near the camper that explains the experience as part of its role.
Cost limit: $145 USD.

Teams will make and operate a series of aircraft that will complete a variety of flight plans. The flight plans include flying straight, making a target spin, traveling slowly, dropping something into a target, touching down and taking off, and a mass launch of multiple aircraft. The aircraft in the solution will be made of a variety of materials and will have a variety of power sources. The testing of the aircraft will be presented in a team-created performance that will include a character that serves as a creative "air traffic controller."
Cost limit: $145 USD.

Teams will create and present an original performance that includes the portrayal of the discovery of two archaeological treasures. One portrayal will be a team-created version of the discovery of an actual historical treasure. The other portrayal will be the team's depiction of a modern sculpture or structure that exists today but is discovered in the future. The performance will include an artistic representation of the two discovered treasures and characters that are part of the discovery teams.
Cost limit: $125 USD.

The problem is to design and build balsa wood columns that will function together to balance and support as much weight as possible. The columns must not be connected to each other in any way. The team will test its Column Structure by placing weights onto it. The team will add weight until its Column Structure breaks or time ends. Bonus score will be awarded for the number of columns used. The team will incorporate the testing of its columns in an original team-created performance.
Cost limit: $140 USD.

The problem is to create and present a humorous performance where a food item is accused of being unhealthy and must defend itself among its food peers. All characters are food items and will include "the accused," "the accuser," a jury that is not portrayed by team members, and additional team-created characters. The jury will reveal its decision to the audience.
Cost limit: $125 USD.

October TBA 2010 -
Coaches Training #1
TBA

Hold a Car Wash-A-Thon. Advertise a "free car wash" in area newspapers, send notices home with children, put up posters, etc. On the day of the event, post signs-one mile in both directions-advertising the free car wash. In the weeks before, have the children find "sponsors" who support their willingness to wash as many cars as they can. Sponsors will commit to donating a fee for each car washed. So, if a child washes 20 cars and gets 20 sponsors to pay a dollar for each car washed, the worker gets $20 per car for a total of $400. A tip/donation bucket can be put out for those who have their car washed. Remember to remove the signs after the event is completed.