Odyssey Of The Mind 2019-20
Sign-ups are now closed.
If you are still interested in joining the 2019-20 season, please contact Christy at christy@paloutz.com
What is Odyssey of the Mind (OotM)?
Imagine a combination of theater and problem solving with a creative twist. Through the writing of original scripts, the creation of costumes, props, scenery, and technical elements, teams of students work together to produce incredible solutions to creative problems while thinking “Beyond the Box!” Students with talents in many areas find a unique opportunity to showcase their gifts in script writing, costume creation, music, dance, visual arts, props and scenery construction, engineering, problem solving, leadership, critical thinking, and more!
Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program. Each year Bancroft teams compete at one of the largest Regional Tournaments in the State of California, the SF Bay Regional Tournament. This experience is about giving kids the opportunity to create things themselves, parents stay hands off of the solution. But, its parent volunteers like YOU running the program that make it possible. Without you, our students would have never have this incredible mind opening experience…THANK YOU!
How it works?
Interested?
The signups are closed, but there may still be room on the 3rd-5th grade team. Please contact Christ if interested (christy@paloutz.com).
2019-2020 "Long Term Problem" Synopses
Problem 1: Longshot Solution (vehicle problem)
A group of “Longshots” believe a disastrous event that threatens the world is about to occur and must stop it. Because no one takes them seriously, it is up to the Longshots to solve the problem. To succeed they must send materials from all corners of the world using vehicles that overcome obstacles and travel simultaneously into and out of a Reaction Area. As time counts down the Longshots will use the components, including baking soda, to create a reaction that produces a very special effect and saves the day!
Problem 2: Net Working (technical problem)
Computers, satellites, and servers work continuously to allow people from all over the world to network with each other. These networks give us access to information including communications, messages, and videos. In this problem, the networked devices are characters who work to keep the world connected. During the performance, an image, a text message, an email and other information will be transmitted between locations in a team-made system. Pop-up advertisements appear and a malware character will infect the network and take it offline. An anti-virus hero comes to the rescue and team-made instruments will be used to present an original song that explains their jobs.
Problem 3: Classics… The Effective Detective (classics problem)
You will be introduced to one of the greatest detectives the world has ever known as they follow clues to uncover the truth behind some of history’s real-world mysteries. The detective will investigate different types of information, including a clue that is a “red herring” i.e. a distraction, and do intellectual battle with a supervillain who wants the detective to fail. Sounds will ring out and settings will creatively change to set the scene and highlight the action. The team will also be challenged to use the smallest space possible to store its solution.
Problem 4: Balsa Limbo (balsa wood structure problem)
Teams will build balsa wood structures that are created by adjusting its interconnected parts. When the parts are not in the final form for weight testing, they must be able to pass under a limbo bar. Higher score will be awarded for how low the bar is when the structure passes under it. However, the bar is not allowed to be lower than ½”! The limbo bar test and maneuvering the structure for testing will take place during the performance time. Testing of the structure will take place during a performance with a theme about dancing and movement.
Problem 5: Gibberish or Not (theatrical problem)
Genius or not so smart, statements change from Gibberish at the start. Do the thoughts shine or miss the mark? Masses think they’re being led out of the dark. A Champion arranges meetings with those in power, and gibberish ideas bloom like a flower. The crowd replaces thoughts with wisdom, and a Child sees it is all just humdrum. Misinterpreted over and again, twisted words fly in the end. Music blares and the celebration is wild, and misunderstanding is accepted by the child. The performance will explain why the child does not reveal the truth that what they believe is wisdom was really just gibberish.
Primary: The Fashion Bug (kindergarten - 2nd grade only)
The team’s problem is to create and present a humorous performance that includes a fashion show for insects. An up-and-coming designer will be highlighted as a narrator describes the odd and curious fashions as they are modeled. A team-created song, a commercial, and a critic who reviews the Fashion Show are all part of the performance.
* Please be aware we may not be able to accommodate everyone's first choice of Long Term Problem team.
2019/2020 Calendar of Events
See https://sfbayodysseyofthemind.org/calendar
Important Links
National Site: odysseyofthemind.com
Regional Site: https://sfbayodysseyofthemind.org/
For more information see above or contact Bancroft's Parent Volunteer Co-Coordinators Christy Paloutzian and Sarah Boaz-Shelley at bancroft.odyssey@gmail.com.
Imagine a combination of theater and problem solving with a creative twist. Through the writing of original scripts, the creation of costumes, props, scenery, and technical elements, teams of students work together to produce incredible solutions to creative problems while thinking “Beyond the Box!” Students with talents in many areas find a unique opportunity to showcase their gifts in script writing, costume creation, music, dance, visual arts, props and scenery construction, engineering, problem solving, leadership, critical thinking, and more!
Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program. Each year Bancroft teams compete at one of the largest Regional Tournaments in the State of California, the SF Bay Regional Tournament. This experience is about giving kids the opportunity to create things themselves, parents stay hands off of the solution. But, its parent volunteers like YOU running the program that make it possible. Without you, our students would have never have this incredible mind opening experience…THANK YOU!
How it works?
- Read over the problems synopses below with your child and have them choose which problem interests them.
- Grades K-2 can only choose the Primary Problem
- Grades 3-5 can choose from problems 1-5.
- We will place children in teams of 5-7 kids, taking into account your interests as best we can. *
- The teams must have a least one volunteer parent coach, but there can be more than one coach!
- The parents who are not coaching must contribute to the team in other ways. Odyssey is an all volunteer organization, it only works with your support!
- Starting October and running until early March, teams meet at least weekly (sometimes more often closer to competition) to practice Spontaneous Problems and to create and practice a solutions for their Long Term Problems.
- Come to the Kick Off Meeting to meet other families and get a feel for the program (see below).
- Costs are typically ~$50 per child. Coaches may receive an exemption from dues. Cost go toward State and National membership as well as towards supplies.
- Returning teams will get an opportunity to pre-register and priority problem choice.
Interested?
The signups are closed, but there may still be room on the 3rd-5th grade team. Please contact Christ if interested (christy@paloutz.com).
2019-2020 "Long Term Problem" Synopses
Problem 1: Longshot Solution (vehicle problem)
A group of “Longshots” believe a disastrous event that threatens the world is about to occur and must stop it. Because no one takes them seriously, it is up to the Longshots to solve the problem. To succeed they must send materials from all corners of the world using vehicles that overcome obstacles and travel simultaneously into and out of a Reaction Area. As time counts down the Longshots will use the components, including baking soda, to create a reaction that produces a very special effect and saves the day!
Problem 2: Net Working (technical problem)
Computers, satellites, and servers work continuously to allow people from all over the world to network with each other. These networks give us access to information including communications, messages, and videos. In this problem, the networked devices are characters who work to keep the world connected. During the performance, an image, a text message, an email and other information will be transmitted between locations in a team-made system. Pop-up advertisements appear and a malware character will infect the network and take it offline. An anti-virus hero comes to the rescue and team-made instruments will be used to present an original song that explains their jobs.
Problem 3: Classics… The Effective Detective (classics problem)
You will be introduced to one of the greatest detectives the world has ever known as they follow clues to uncover the truth behind some of history’s real-world mysteries. The detective will investigate different types of information, including a clue that is a “red herring” i.e. a distraction, and do intellectual battle with a supervillain who wants the detective to fail. Sounds will ring out and settings will creatively change to set the scene and highlight the action. The team will also be challenged to use the smallest space possible to store its solution.
Problem 4: Balsa Limbo (balsa wood structure problem)
Teams will build balsa wood structures that are created by adjusting its interconnected parts. When the parts are not in the final form for weight testing, they must be able to pass under a limbo bar. Higher score will be awarded for how low the bar is when the structure passes under it. However, the bar is not allowed to be lower than ½”! The limbo bar test and maneuvering the structure for testing will take place during the performance time. Testing of the structure will take place during a performance with a theme about dancing and movement.
Problem 5: Gibberish or Not (theatrical problem)
Genius or not so smart, statements change from Gibberish at the start. Do the thoughts shine or miss the mark? Masses think they’re being led out of the dark. A Champion arranges meetings with those in power, and gibberish ideas bloom like a flower. The crowd replaces thoughts with wisdom, and a Child sees it is all just humdrum. Misinterpreted over and again, twisted words fly in the end. Music blares and the celebration is wild, and misunderstanding is accepted by the child. The performance will explain why the child does not reveal the truth that what they believe is wisdom was really just gibberish.
Primary: The Fashion Bug (kindergarten - 2nd grade only)
The team’s problem is to create and present a humorous performance that includes a fashion show for insects. An up-and-coming designer will be highlighted as a narrator describes the odd and curious fashions as they are modeled. A team-created song, a commercial, and a critic who reviews the Fashion Show are all part of the performance.
* Please be aware we may not be able to accommodate everyone's first choice of Long Term Problem team.
2019/2020 Calendar of Events
See https://sfbayodysseyofthemind.org/calendar
Important Links
National Site: odysseyofthemind.com
Regional Site: https://sfbayodysseyofthemind.org/
For more information see above or contact Bancroft's Parent Volunteer Co-Coordinators Christy Paloutzian and Sarah Boaz-Shelley at bancroft.odyssey@gmail.com.
