Thousands of kids are coming to Ames for an international student competition combining elements of science and the arts.
K-12 students involved in Odyssey of the Mind incorporate elements of science, math, engineering and technology, while demonstrating knowledge of the arts and creativity. Teams compete across the world at a regional level before qualifying for the world finals, which will be held May 27-30 on the Iowa State University campus.
More than 8,000 people are expected to attend the competition in Ames, according to Discover Ames.
“Independent study, original ideas, and critical thinking skills are rewarded over getting the ‘one right answer’ thanks to our unique open-ended problems that are backed by educators and experts in STE(A)M fields,” the Odyssey of the Mind website says. “Performance, art & cultural studies are also incorporated, creating a well-rounded program that has impacted lives for over 40 years.”
Thousands of students arrive from all over the world, including California, Florida, India and Korea. They stay in the Iowa State dorms and eat in the campus dining halls.
When will the Odyssey of the Mind competition take place?
The Odyssey of the Mind world final opening ceremonies are set for 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 27 at Hilton Coliseum. Livestreaming will also be available through YouTube.
Competition will take place throughout the day on Thursday, May 28, along with NASA science talks and a creativity festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Lied Recreation Center. A float and banner parade will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum that will also be streamed on YouTube.
Competition, science talks and the festival continue over the next two days, with graduation at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, and an awards ceremony at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 30, both at Hilton Coliseum.
The full competition schedule can be viewed on Odyssey of the Mind’s website.
What is judged at the Odyssey of the Mind world finals?
The three-day competition incorporates multiple scientific and creative problems to solve.
Teams must design, build and test a vehicle, a piece of technology and a structure.
On the creative side, teams must research, interpret and present a performance of a classic, and a separate performance that revolves around a specific theme and incorporate required humorous elements.
The competition also has a primary problem for grades K-2, which has an “age appropriate problem similar to a competitive one,” according to the website.
Teams must also solve a spontaneous problem, which is either verbal, hands-on or a combination of both. They have an average of 10 minutes to read and solve it.
(This story has been updated to add a video.)
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: What is Odyssey of the Mind? Global student competition hits Ames
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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