Did you know that this year, for the first time ever (I think?), Carondelet has an Odyssey of the Mind team? From their website:
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life in an exciting, productive environment. Participants build self-confidence, develop life skills, create new friendships, and are able to recognize and explore their true potential. OotM proves that students can have fun while they learn.
Odyssey problems have challenged students to design mechanical dinosaurs, invent new factory machinery, build working vehicles, write a new chapter to Moby Dick, put a twist on classic artworks, turn Pandora’s Box into a video game, and so much more.
Since 1978, OotM problems have challenged students to go beyond conventional thinking and incorporate creative problem solving in learning. Creative Problem Solving is a skill that needs to be nurtured and developed. While a conventional education is important, learning to solve problems creatively and confidently gives them an important edge in their education and career goals. There is creativity inside each of us and OotM teaches how to tap into it so it can be applied to real-world problems.
Our team is made up of five amazing students: Juniors Mykenzie Clark, Liana Huerta, Dani Baur, Olivia Pinto and Freshman Lauren Roach. They’ve been working hard since December, meeting every afternoon x-block past 4pm and many weekends to complete their task. Their problem was to design a structure made out of only balsa wood and glue that weighs less than 15 g but that can withstand the weight of 40 lbs or more (and they earn points the more weight their structure can hold). They also have to toss their structure with a goal of getting maximum height and distance (and ensuring their structure won’t break). And they have to present all of this within an 8 minute creative skit. They’ve come up with an amazing Medieval story that has at its core the power of women and feminism.
If you are free, they will be competing at Concord High School on Saturday March 2nd at 2:50 pm. They’d love to have your support. Please let me know if you plan to attend and I can help you navigate to their performance location.
Go Cougars!