Empower Your Creativity.
Join Idaho Odyssey of the Mind!
Where imagination meets innovation, and students build skills that last a lifetime.
What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind isn’t just a competition—it’s the world’s largest creative problem-solving adventure! This one-of-a-kind program invites students to dive headfirst into science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), turning wild ideas into real-world solutions. Teams of up to seven students choose exciting challenges that match their passions and bring their visions to life—designing, building, and performing their solutions entirely on their own. No outside help, just pure imagination!
Every project is built on a child, parent, and school-friendly budget, with a focus on reusing and repurposing materials. It’s all about big ideas, not big spending. From local competitions to the prestigious World Finals—featuring teams from over 20 countries—Odyssey of the Mind empowers students to dream big, think boldly, and create fearlessly!
Problems which students solve are broken up into two categories: Long-Term and Spontaneous. Teams will choose one Long-Term problem synopsis (Vehicle, Technical, Classics, Structure, Performance) to work on throughout the year, culminating in a final presentation at the regional, state, or world finals tournament. See the "2024-2025 Long-Term problem synopses." Spontaneous Problems are given on the day of competition. Every team solves a Spontaneous problem. Teams are presented with a problem that is verbal, hands-on, or a combination of both. On average, they have 10 minutes to read the problem and solve it.
Odyssey of the Mind is open to:
> Students: From kindergarten through college, divided into four age-based divisions (K–5, 6–8, 9–12 and college).
> Homeschoolers: Teams can include homeschool students or mixed groups.
> Youth Groups: Organizations like Scouts or community centers can register teams.
> International Teams: Students from around the world are welcome to participate.
> Special Needs Students: The program is inclusive and accommodates students of all abilities.
Teams typically consist of 5–7 members, solving creative challenges at local, national, and international levels.
What’s It Like to Participate?
Hear What Kids Have To Say
Hear What Parents and Teachers Have to Say
See It in Action!
Watch as this talented Division I team brings their imaginative solution to life at the Texas Odyssey of the Mind State Finals! From innovative designs to clever storytelling, their hard work, teamwork, and boundless creativity shine on stage.
If you are a student, parent, or teacher interested in learning more about Idaho Odyssey of the Mind, please sign up below, so we can keep in touch and connect you to others at your school who may be interested in starting a team. Forming a team is simple, fun, and inexpensive. All you need is a passion for encouraging creativity and teamwork.
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FAQS
What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving competition that engages students in innovative and collaborative challenges. It emphasizes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and encourages participants to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills.
Who can participate in Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is open to:
> Students: From kindergarten through college, divided into four age-based divisions (K–5, 6–8, 9–12 and college).
> Homeschoolers: Teams can include homeschool students or mixed groups.
> Youth Groups: Organizations like Scouts or community centers can register teams.
> International Teams: Students from around the world are welcome to participate.
> Special Needs Students: The program is inclusive and accommodates students of all abilities.
Teams typically consist of 5–7 members, solving creative challenges at local, national, and international levels.
What sort of creative problems do students solve?
Problems which students solve are broken up into two categories: Long-Term and Spontaneous. Teams will choose one Long-Term problem synopsis (Vehicle, Technical, Classics, Structure, Performance) to work on throughout the year, culminating in a final presentation at the regional, state, or world finals tournament.
Spontaneous Problems are given on the day of competition. Every team solves a Spontaneous problem. Teams are presented with a problem that is verbal, hands-on, or a combination of both. On average, they have 10 minutes to read the problem and solve it.
