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CHILDREN
COMPETE IN AN ODYSSEY TO SOLVE A NASA-SPONSORED PROBLEM
Every
year, children from all over the world gather together and
compete in a creative problem-solving competition called “Odyssey
of the Mind World Finals,” which challenges students
to solve long-term problems in topics ranging from science
and technology to the creative arts. This year’s competition
will be held at the University of Colorado at Boulder, May
22-25.
NASA's
Earth Science Enterprise and Earth Observing System Project
Science Office are sponsoring one of the long-term challenges
for students with an entry called Omer's Earthly Adventures,
based on environmental issues. Omer is the raccoon-like Odyssey
of the Mind mascot.
Students
attempt to correct hypothetical environmental problems and
create the illusion of Omer traveling, using elements of technology
combined with a theatrical performance. This creative exercise
combines science, education and environmental responsibility
in an instructional and innovative atmosphere.
Over
the past year, NASA has supported the challenge through a
web site for participants to help develop solutions to Omer’s
Earthly Adventures, and for learning more about the environment.
NASA has also created curriculum activities for members in
an effort to integrate creative problem solving into the classroom.
NASA
will have an exhibit at the World Finals, and representatives
Dr. Michael King and Dr. Fritz Hasler of NASA’S Goddard
Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., are scheduled to make
several†NASA/NOAA Earth Science Electronic Theater presentations.
The
partnership of Odyssey and NASA is a natural collaboration,
with both organizations representing the best of the best
in innovation, teamwork and creative problem solving. 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.
The
Odyssey of the Mind program, founded in 1978, is an international
creative problem- solving competition for students from kindergarten
through college. Participants come from almost every U.S.
state and about 25 other countries.
During
the year, students are separated into four divisions based
on age and form teams to solve one of five long-term challenges.
After months of developing their solutions, teams compete
at the regional and state levels. Those that advance take
their solutions to the annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals,
like the one being held this year in Boulder.
NASA's
EOS is part of NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise. The mission
of the Enterprise is to develop a scientific understanding
of the Earth system and its response to natural or human-induced
changes to enable improved prediction capability for climate,
weather and natural hazards.
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