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Oklahoma State University Honors College students placed third in their division at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

OSU Honors College Odyssey of the Mind team wins third at World Finals

Monday, July 1, 2019

The Oklahoma State University Honors College Odyssey of the Mind team placed third in the World Finals competition at Michigan State University in May. More than 900 teams participated in this year’s event, representing nearly every state and over 20 countries. There were four divisions from elementary to collegiate teams and five problems the teams could choose to explore.

"Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life in an exciting, productive environment,” said Honors adviser and K-12 outreach specialist John Andrews. “Participants build self-confidence, develop life skills, create new friendships and are able to recognize and explore their true potential. OotM proves that students can have fun while they learn."

Odyssey of the Mind exemplifies an honors approach to education as teams are tasked with solving a problem not only using their technical, scientific knowledge but also integrating artistic elements such as storyline, costumes, acting and more. The team, sponsored by OSU’s Honors College, competed in Division IV, solving a structure toss problem. Teams designed a structure of balsa wood and glue that had to weigh less than 15 grams. Then the structure was “tossed” or propelled over a hurdle.

“Once the structure has been successfully launched over the hurdle, it was tested for strength,” Andrews said. “OSU’s team structure held a weight of 435 pounds.”

Next year, the World Finals competition will be held at Iowa State University. OSU Honors College students interested in participating in Odyssey of the Mind should contact Andrews for more information at john.r.andrews@okstate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Baylee Butler | Honors College | 405-744-4663 | baylee.butler@okstate.edu

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