"Odyssey of the Mind teaches young people to embrace changes. It instills in youngsters an excitement about learning and an excitement about themselves and their ability to achieve what others might say is impossible."
~ Dr. C. Samuel Micklus
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that provides creative problem solving opportunities for students.
Students work collaboratively as a part of a five to seven member team, applying their creativity to solve problems that range from designing a balsa wood structure, to building a vehicle, or writing a humorous skit. Teams present a solution to their chosen problem at regional competition.
Odyssey of the Mind students at my school are in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade and represent a range of backgrounds and academic levels. All students have demonstrated proficiency in their core classes. As a part of Odyssey of the Mind, they are able to enrich and expand their learning in ways that are not possible in the regular classroom. Already this year, I have seen students in Odyssey of the Mind step out of their shell, demonstrate great leadership skills, problem-solve in ways that cannot be taught in a core classroom, and build positive relationships with peers.
My Project
The PVC pipe materials that I am requesting will be used immediately by teams preparing for regional competition to design and build set design structures. Students will be able to create an easy-to-transport structure on which they will hang a variety of painted scenes for their skits. Through this activity, students will learn the importance of planning (once the PVC pipes are cut, you can't change it!), measurement, and precision.
Beyond the regional competition, students this year and in many future years will be able to use the PVC pipe materials for building a variety of items that are only limited by their imagination!
This PVC pipe project will encourage creativity, improve students' competition solutions, and support the development of critical thinking and problem solving.
These skills will be carried throughout students' lives and applied to a variety of academic and professional problems.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Ewbank and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
