Long Term 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.

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.

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