Course Detail
Odyssey of the Mind – 2009-2010
Who is eligible? Grades 9-12.
When is it? Tuesdays, 2:45-3:45 PM during the fall semester as follows:
Sep 15, 22
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10,
Dec 1, 8, and possibly Dec 15
[Note: If Spanish I-B is not meeting any of these dates after Odyssey of the Mind club, then it is likely OM will also be canceled. We will update you on that schedule as needed.]
During the second semester, the time requirements will probably increase as we prepare for the Regional Competition in Pittsford (Saturday, March 6, 2010). We will continue to meet on Tuesdays, but the time may be expanded to 12:45-3:45, depending on our progress.
The State Competition date is March 27th in Binghamton, so if the group advances to State, we will continue to meet on Tuesdays during the month of March for further practice and to rebuild the structure.
(Please NOTE that the State Competition date is a conflict with TG mandatory drama rehearsal for the spring production; please do not plan to have a role in Drama Cast or Crew if you participate in OM—keep the date open in case the team advances to State!)
We may also have an opportunity to practice Spontaneous portion of the competition with the Pittsford teams on Thursday evenings. The Thursday evening meetings would be helpful but optional.
Who teaches it? Mrs. Riley Hoselton
The Odyssey of the Mind course is being coached by TG parent Riley Hoselton who is wife of Drew, and the mother of Randon (13) and Dane (12). She has a Masters Degree in Biology and had taught for eight years in private Christian schools prior to homeschooling. Her experience with OM is limited to Randon�s experience last year participating on a Div II Pittsford team and advancing to State�s. However, as the coach, her main job is facilitation. The research, construction and motivation will come from within the team as they attempt to solve this year�s problem.
About the course: OM is a national program that emphasizes team building and creative problem solving. Please refer to the website http://www.odysseyofthemind.com
www.odysseyofthemind.com . Click on Learn More and be sure to click on More Information at the bottom of any pages that you use. We are division III and are doing Problem 4 Column Structure listed under Problem Synopses on the menu bar.
The teams are intentionally kept small. Teams are for 5-7 students. It is possible that we could host a second team IF a second parent were to step forward to coach and IF the club drew substantial interest at TG course registration.
There are two parts to any OM competition. The first is called �Spontaneous� and includes verbal and/or tactile problems that need to be solved spontaneously by team members prior to and independently from the actual Problem. The second part is the Problem, which, in our case, is to build a structure or structures that will hold as much weight as possible. In addition, the solving of the Problem (placing of the weights) is required to be incorporated into a skit.
It would be helpful if parents would plan to attend the first meeting, on Sept. 15th so that I can explain the process further. In addition, I am looking for an assistant who can help with some of the logistics, but who would not be required to be present at the practices. However, if there is someone helping in the lobby, they may wish to be the assistant also.
How much does it cost? $85-$100, depending on # of students*
What does it include? Coaching; teambuilding; age-appropriate challenges for problem-solving.
What do I need to bring? * For six students in the OM club, the fee will be $100 per student. For seven participating students, the fee will be $85 per student. The parent who helps Riley as a logistics assistant will receive a $20 discount on the fee. This payment is ONLY due fall semester; there will be no additional charge second semester except for your own travel expenses if the group goes to State! 
Commitment to the team and solving the problems and creative challenges for competition.
Students may choose to spend some time at home doing research, skit practice, and construction.
Dress Code Exceptions: None
When do I need to register?:
Other notes:
It would be helpful if parents would plan to attend the first meeting, on Sept. 15th so that I can explain the process further. In addition, I am looking for an assistant who can help with some of the logistics, but who would not be required to be present at the practices. However, if there is someone helping in the lobby, they may wish to be the assistant also.
The team will be using both the Main Meeting Room and Studio, but will not seek to use the main room while TG Book Club is scheduled to use it. At those times, the OM team will use the Studio for painting or construction.
There might be exceptions to the dress code on the days the students choose to work in the Studio on props or construction.
