South Colonie had students from four schools compete at the regional level of the 2018 Odyssey of the Mind competition and all four schools came back winners.
The Odyssey of the Mind program teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems in a team setting. Embedded in the process are 21st Century Skills such as Creativity, Innovation and Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Global Awareness, Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills, Self-Direction and Adaptability.
Competing March 3 at Shenendehowa Central Schools were students from Roessleville, Saddlewood and Veeder Elementary Schools and Lisha Kill Middle School.
Veeder students captured first place in Division I-B, and a team from Saddlewood and Lisha Kill finished third and fourth, respectively, in Division I-A on Problem No. 5: A Stellar Hangout. Problem 5 Challenge: The outreaches of the universe, there is an Intergalactic Hangout where all sorts of creatures from different worlds stop, eat, refuel, and relax. Teams will create a humorous performance centered on this science fiction hangout that includes original creatures, foods, and a search for space treasure. There will also be a worker character, entertainment, and a futuristic map at the hangout.
A team from Lisha Kill finished first for Division II, and Roessleville finished second in Division I on Problem 4: Animal House. Problem 4 Challenge: Over the years, Odyssey of the Mind teams have designed structures that changed into many unbelievable shapes and sizes that balanced and held as much weight as possible. This year, teams will turn their balsa wood structures into animals! Since animals need to eat, they must be fed. The structure will have its appearance transformed and explained during an original performance. During the performance, the structure must hold the team-created food while it supports weights.
The next level of competition is the state event to be held April 7 at Binghamton University.