Contact:
Lynn
Chandler
Goddard
Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Phone: 301/286-2806
Carol
Ann Desimine
Dir. Of Communications, Odyssey Of The Mind
Phone: 856/456-7776, Ext. 19
RELEASE NO: 01-94 - September 25, 2001
NASA SPONSORS ODYSSEY OF THE MIND CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROGRAM
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is partnering with Odyssey of the Mind to develop an Earth science problem for the 2001-2002 program year.
Founded in 1978, Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving program for students from kindergarten through college, attracting students from 49 states, the District of Columbia and over 30 countries. Odyssey of the Mind competitions involve creative exercises in which teamwork, cooperation and ingenuity are applied to complete various tasks .
Students choose from one of six long-term "problems" and form teams to develop solutions. The problems range in nature from the technical to the artistic, and solutions are judged for creativity, originality, and other criteria. In the spring, teams take their solutions to official competitions at the regional, state/country and world level.
The NASA-sponsored problem, named OMER's Earthly Adventures after the raccoon-like Odyssey of the Mind mascot OMER, is a technical problem based on environmental preservation that also incorporates elements of theatrical performance. Students will attempt to correct hypothetical environmental problems, and create the illusion of OMER traveling.
The problem is a creative exercise that combines science, education and environmental responsibility in an instructional and innovative atmosphere. NASA expects to reach nearly two million students, parents, teachers and coaches around the world through its sponsorship of Odyssey of the Mind, stimulating interest and learning about Earth system science among all age groups.
In addition to sponsoring a long-term problem, NASA has developed a Web site for Odyssey of the Mind participants, and plans to provide other support services. In May, NASA scientists and engineers will attend the Odyssey of the Mind's culminating event of the year, the 2002 World Finals at the University of Colorado at Boulder, to talk with participants about educational opportunities and careers in Earth science with NASA.
According to NASA's Earth Observing System Senior Project Scientist Dr. Michael King, "The partnership of Odyssey of the Mind and NASA is a natural collaboration, with both organizations representing the best of the best in innovation, teamwork and creative problem-solving."
For
more information on NASA's involvement in the Odyssey of the Mind program,
visit:
http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/