Problems Description

Our Problems

Odyssey of the Mind problems are not ‘practical’. We do not teach OMers how to solve a problem, we teach them how to be Problem Solvers!

Each year,  six original Long Term Problems are released: five competitive problems for students and one primary problem for K-2nd graders. Each problem is original, contains a few limitations to work within, and lists scoring categories.  

Teams compete within "divisions" (and register) based upon the oldest child on the team. 

Division: (Age groups)

Birthday Before May 1 of the academic year

Long-Term Problems

Long-Term Problems are the engine that propels Odyssey of the Mind. Teams select their Long-Term Problem when they join the program and spend weeks or months to create and develop their solution. Each team member will find a role to play in the many stages of problem-solving that include brainstorming, artwork, set design, technical design, writing sketches and much more! The solutions are presented in a live performance. Thousands of teams from all over the world will select and solve the same problem but no two solutions are ever the same!  Long Term problems are different every year but they fall into five general categories.

Problem Synopsis

2022-2023 Long Term Problems Synopses

Here is a fun synopsis video of the 2022-2023 problems! 

All Problems have an 8-minute time limit in the final presentation.

Problem 1: Pirates and the Treasure                                                                                 Ahoy OMers! In this problem, a group of pirates sail their "ship" to reclaim stolen treasure and return it to the Queen. The pirates will battle an original sea monster that guards the treasure. Their performance will also include a pirate captain, flag, and song. 

Problem 2: Because iCan

Some contraptions and devices seem to make tasks much more complicated--and in this problem, that's a good thing! Teams will create a device that will perform tasks including raising a flag and ringing a bell simply because they can. Once the device starts, it will complete the series of tasks without team assistance. The setting will be a team-created laboratory, and the performance will include an inventor character and a costume that changes its appearance.

Problem 3: Problem 3: Classics...The Walls of Troy

OMers know there is more than one way to get past any type of barrier--and in this problem, they will prove it! Ancient Greek Poet Homer created The Iliad, which tells the story of Achilles and the Trojan War. Now, OM teams will put their spin on the popular concept of the "Trojan Horse" by creating one of their own. It will be used to get past a wall in a performance thata also includes a character from The Iliad, an original Greek Chorus and an unusual statue.

Problem 4: Where's the Structure?                                                              

In this problem, teams will have audiences wondering, "Where's the structure?" Teams will design and build a structure made of only balsa wood and glue that balances and holds as much weight as possible. It will have three parts and each part will be hidden in plain sight. During the performance the team will reveal each part and assemble them into a final stucture for testing. The performance will also includ a poem about searching for something special.

Problem 5: The Most Dramatic Problem Ever !!!​      

OMG! Can you believe that happened? Teams will create a humorous performance about a dramatic character that overreacts to common events. The performance will showcase different theatrical styles as the character overreacts. However, in one situation their reaction is justified, but they are ignored. The performance will also include something that grows and a costume that represent two characters.

This problem is sponsored by ARM & HAMMER^TM.

Primary Problem: Primary: Dinos on Parade!                            Grades K-2 (Years 1 - 3)

What better way to celebrate a new discovery that with a parade? Teams will create a performance all about dinosaurs. There will be a paleontologist character that discovers a "new" dinosaur that is invented by the team, an artistic representation of an already discovered dinosaur, and another portrayed by a team member in costume. These will all be presented in a fun parade!

Problems 1-5 are open to all age divisions. Primary is open to Grades K-2.

Spontaneous Problems

They are solved instantly using spontaneous creativity. Teams practice and prepare for the Spontaneous experience but the actual Spontaneous Problem they will solve at a tournament is not revealed to them until they walk into the room to solve the problem!

Spontaneous develops quick thinking, creativity, teamwork, and the ability to deal with the unexpected which are all important educational aspects of Odyssey of the Mind.

Spontaneous Problems come from three general categories:

Verbal Spontaneous, Hands-On, and Combination Problems.