Divided into teams of 5-7 students, children have the opportunity to solve one of five complex open-ended problems using creative thinking strategies.  The student-driven solution process takes months of brainstorming, creating, designing and building. At the 4th and 5th Grade level, this culminates in an Odyssey of the Mind Performance Night where teams present their main problem’s solution.

In the Odyssey Of The Mind program, students harness their own abilities, knowledge and interests while developing skill sets that will help them succeed in life, such as collaborative problem-solving, leadership, work ethic, perseverance, public speaking, creative thinking, designing to requirements, working within deadlines, working within budget constraints, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, social interaction, and project management. Each student experiences success through active participation in the free-thinking process.  Parents also have a unique opportunity to share in the rewarding experience with their children by contributing to the program in various ways.

To participate in the Odyssey Of The Mind, students must undergo a rigorous selection process.  Students are initially considered based on standardized criteria, but students can also be evaluated based on a teacher recommendation or upon request of the student or parent.  An important consideration for both student and parent is the time commitment of participation; as in other competitive team activities, each program member deserves fully engaged teammates. The Odyssey of the Mind program happens on Wednesdays from November-March at Magnolia. Alta Sierra students ride the bus down leaving at 1:50. Cottage Hill students will be walked over to Magnolia. Then all students can either be picked up at Magnolia at 3:15 or can ride the Magnolia bus home.

The PRUSD Odyssey Of The Mind program offers a learning environment like no other.  Students are encouraged to not only think “outside the box”, but also to investigate ways to creatively use “the box” to solve a problem.  Why not use the box to build a 3-D rendition of a Picasso cubist masterpiece?  Or incorporate the box into a machine that pulls a rabbit out of a hat?  Or cut up the box and use the pieces to create something completely unique?  The possibilities are endless!