Two Da Vinci Connect Teams Headed to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals for Creative Problem-Solving Competition
Six teams from Da Vinci Connect TK-8 took part in Odyssey of the Mind this year with two teams of 5th through 8th graders advancing to the World Finals that will be held on May 21-24 at Iowa State University. All 42 Connect students in the competition have exhibited exceptional skills as resourceful and creative problem-solvers, displaying persistence, adaptability, and a true collaborative spirit, which are hallmarks of a Da Vinci education.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational competition that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their ingenuity and creativity to solve open-ended problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the regional, state, and world level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and around the world participate in the program. The program has a long history in California, with over 750 teams competing.
This year, Da Vinci Connect had six Odyssey of the Mind teams (teams made up of Kinder-8th grade students) shine at the regional competition in February, four at the state level, and two teams are now headed to the World Championship on May 21-24 to compete with kids from Poland, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, and others from all over the world!
Team Platypus United found a solution to a play gone wrong (a set malfunction and unexpected sound effects with a theater critic in the audience) based on “The Old Man and the Sea.” For Da Vincheese’s solution, they designed, built and operated an AI robot to judge whether a work of art is beautiful or not. The robot dismantles the work of art that it decides is not beautiful to create a new work of art it believes is beautiful.
Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. Each team is given a problem that requires an original solution. The skills and self-confidence that students have learned from their experience carries over to all areas of their lives. Odyssey of the Mind also emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and more. This international program is designed to help students at all learning levels grow as individual learners, grow as team members, and to reach their full potential.
Here’s what some of our Da Vinci Connect students have to say about Odyssey of the Mind:
“I like Odyssey of the Mind because it has allowed me to explore different aspects of my personality and talents and it has really allowed me to grow in many areas!” – 5th Grader Pop Rockers team member
“I like Odyssey of the Mind because it allows me to be creative, my friends listen to my ideas, and we work together!” – 7th Grader Platypus United team member
After advancing to the World Championships: “I don’t think I”ve ever cried from happiness before. I think this is what bliss feels like. I never thought we’d get here!” – 6th Grader Da Vincheese team member
“I like Odyssey of the Mind because I like to use my imagination!” – 1st Grader Shooting Stars member
“Odyssey of the Mind is fun and hard working, but the hard work is worth it!” – 3rd Grader Pop Rockers
Da Vinci Connect’s Odyssey of the Mind teams are fundraising to send the teams to the World Finals. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help fund their trip. Make sure to click on “19 Odyssey of the Mind” so your donation reaches us. Donate at: https://davincischools.networkforgood.com/. We thank you!
