Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a creative problem-solving competition in which teams of up to seven students, guided by an adult coach, spend weeks or months building a solution to an open-ended Long-Term Problem. At competition, each team presents its solution in an 8-minute performance and also solves a Spontaneous problem it has not seen before. Coaches facilitate but may not suggest solutions: team members must design and create every part of the solution themselves.
Divisions:
| Division | U.S. grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | K–2 | Non-competitive; teams may showcase at a tournament for feedback |
| Division I | K–5 | Outside the U.S. grade system: under 12 on May 1, 2027 |
| Division II | 6–8 | Outside the U.S. grade system: under 15 on May 1, 2027 |
| Division III | 9–12 | Outside the U.S. grade system: oldest member does not qualify for Divisions I or II and is not in college |
| Division IV | College | Majority of members are high school graduates enrolled in a college, university, or accredited technical school, or in the military |
A team competes in the lowest division for which its highest-grade (or oldest) member qualifies.
2026–2027 Long-Term Problems:
Each year Odyssey of the Mind publishes five competitive Long-Term Problems, one in each category, plus a non-competitive Primary problem:
- Problem 1 (Vehicle): OMER's Shopping Service. Teams build one or more vehicles that take an order, shop for the requested items, choose a substitute for an unavailable item, and check out.
- Problem 2 (Technical): Haywire Hijinx. Teams create two animatronic devices: one "goes rogue" and the other must correct its actions.
- Problem 3 (Classics): Classics... Wonders of the Ancient World Awaken. A historian character presents three of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which come to life during the performance.
- Problem 4 (Structure): Copycat Structure. Teams build a balsa wood and glue structure that is tested by balancing and holding as much weight as possible, plus a "copycat" structure that mirrors it.
- Problem 5 (Performance): The Musician. A humorous performance featuring a musician who makes an instrument from "trash" items and plays songs celebrating everyday life.
- Primary: Teamwork Effect. Team members create and wear costumes that present different images from different perspectives.
Scoring:
A team's standing combines its Long-Term score (up to 200 points), its Style score (up to 50 points for elements that enhance the performance), and its Spontaneous score. In Spontaneous, teams receive a verbal, hands-on, or combined problem on the spot and solve it within strict time limits set by that problem. In the official sample verbal problem, teams get 3 minutes to think and 4 minutes to respond. Penalties apply for Outside Assistance and for exceeding the time or cost limits.
Membership and competition:
One membership lets a school enter one team per problem in each division it covers; additional memberships allow more teams in the same problem and division. Competitions are hosted by licensed non-profit OM Associations in the United States and internationally. There are three levels of competition: regional, state/association, and World Finals. Schools without a local association can attend a tournament run by a nearby association. Joining does not require competing; some schools use the problems in class or as a club activity.
World Finals:
The 2026 World Finals were held at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, on May 27–30, 2026. The 2027 World Finals will be held May 26–29, 2027, at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
About Odyssey of the Mind:
Odyssey of the Mind grew out of founder Dr. Sam Micklus's industrial design classes at Rowan University. The first competition, among New Jersey middle and high schools, took place in 1978. OdysseyHQ, run by Dr. Sam's family and staff, publishes new Long-Term Problems each year, and licensed non-profit OM Associations host the competitions.
Official sources: