NCOM Coastal Region

Click here for 2022-2023 Problem Synopses

Odyssey of the Mind Problems
The problems are designed for competition, with scoring components and limitations, or rules to be followed. The long-term problems change every year. They fall into five general categories. These are mechanical/vehicle, technical performance, classics, structure and performance.

Mechanical/Vehicle
Teams design, build and operate vehicles of various size and with various power sources. Sometimes they drive the vehicles, and sometimes the vehicles perform tasks, such as overcoming obstacles or visiting other "countries" to retrieve artifacts.

Technical Performance
Teams make innovative contraptions and incorporate artistic elements into their solutions. They might be asked to write an original musical score to play on a "new" type of instrument, or to build a robot with human characteristics, or to perform tasks using a chain reaction of snapping mousetraps.

Classics
The theme of this problem is based on the classical -- from literature to architecture to art. Whether it's writing an additional chapter to Moby Dick or bringing paintings to life, it's always a terrific learning experience.

Structure
Teams design and build structures, using only balsa wood and glue. They test them by supporting and holding as much weight as possible -- sometimes more than a thousand pounds! Teams usually present a skit as part of the Style presentation. 

Performance
In this problem, teams present performances that revolve around a specific theme and incorporate required elements. Past themes include "morphing" objects, animals that express human emotions, and originating folktales.

Membership Costs
A member may be a school, a recognized community group, trade school, military, a college or university. 

NEW:  A Virtual Membership fee TBA (U.S.).  This membership allows for a single team only.  Team members may be from multiple schools.  

A Traditional Membership fee is $135 (U.S.). One team per problem per division allowed based on the grades under one principal.    

With each membership, you receive the following:

Five long-term problems that are challenging, user-friendly, and cover a wide variety of subjects.  

A non-competitive primary problem, designed to introduce younger students to creative problem solving.   

An Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide, which provides coaching information, rules, sample spontaneous problems . . . AND MORE!

The Odyssey of the Mind Newsletter, a quarterly publication loaded with valuable program information.

The opportunity to enter official competitions.

A chance to compete in the annual World Finals.

The opportunity to apply for educational scholarships.

All mailings and program updates.

Support services from International Headquarters.

Membership Savings
You'll receive the following discounts if you purchase more than one membership:

Each additional membership for the same school or community group @ $100

6-10 memberships from the same school district (registered at the same time) @ $120

11 or more members from the same school district (registered at the same time) @ $100