ARIZONA ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
What is Odyssey of the Mind?
The History of Odyssey of the Mind

Mission Statement

Arizona Odyssey of the Mind provides opportunities for students to develop creative problem solving skills. By working in teams, participants learn teamwork, self-respect, the appreciation and understanding of others, and that a group is a more powerful thinking force than an individual. All students from grades K-college are invited to participate in the Arizona Odyssey of the Mind program. Competitive settings are available to allow teams to demonstrate their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Vision Statement

We will increase our membership through targeting school administration, parent/teacher organizations, and school boards;
We will increase community involvement and media awareness;
We will use our increasing technology to enhance accessibility of resources to all; and
We will host World Finals in Arizona.

Download an Odyssey Flyer

How do I start an AZ Odyssey team? Download a Getting Started Kit

The Odyssey of the Mind Pledge

Odyssey of the Mind is in the air,

in my heart and everywhere.

My team and I will reach together

to find solutions now and forever.

We are the Odyssey of the Mind.

History of Odyssey of the Mind

The Odyssey of the Mind has its roots in the Industrial Design classes of Dr. Sam Micklus, Odyssey of the Mind founder. As a professor at Rowan University in New Jersey (formerly Glassboro State College) Dr. Micklus challenged his students to create vehicles without wheels, mechanical pie throwers and flotation devices that would take them across a course on a lake. He evaluated them not on the success of their solutions, but on the ingenuity applied and the risk involved in trying something new and different. Students had fun. Word spread and the students' activities attracted attention from the local media. Soon, people on the outside wanted a part of the action. This public interest led to the development of a creative problem-solving competition for school children. The Odyssey of the Mind was on its way. Since then, Dr. Micklus's life has been happily consumed with developing problems for other people to solve. His rewards are in the joy and pride of the millions of participants who rise to the challenge of solving those problems.

Source: The International Odyssey of the Mind Website

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Last modified: June 4th, 2007

Current Webmaster: Cheryl Fortier