Terraset’s First Foray into Odyssey of the Mind

The Pet Project team in action

On Saturday March 9^th, Terraset participated in the regional tournament for Odyssey of the Mind. Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

We believe this is the first time our school has been represented in this great program. Unfortunately, we started preparing a little late, but after a call for interest in mid November, about 23 kids indicated they wanted to join in. We were able to enter three teams and the next three months of preparation proved to be a lot of fun for all involved.
 

One team entered their solution for the Pet Project problem. Ethan Boswell, Noah Davidson, Cyrus Pendleton, Olivia Purvis, Kathleen Russell, Eddie Schoenborn, and Caleb Waller were required to build three vehicles, each with different propulsion systems. The vehicles had to take three trips apiece to an assembly area where team members would construct a pet and have the pet do a trick. Whew! That sounds like a lot. The kids built a car that moved by rubber bands, an electric car, and a car that moved by sling shot. Their pet was a parrot and its trick was to perform a series of flips around a pole. The judges really loved their risk taking in using a slingshot to propel the car, the great acting of the group and the creativity that they all showed. The team did an amazing job and ranked 6th out of 16 teams in their division.

ARTchitecture the Musical team psyching up!

A second team worked to create ARTchitecture the Musical. Julia Thomas, Sophie Stobie, Amanda Grant, Katie Falcone, Jordyn Boswell, Rachael Boatwright and Ariel Boatwright had to create and present an original performance that included a replica of a documented architectural structure that was built between 1,000 AD and 1,600 AD. The story featured two characters that go on a quest to find three works of art that "disappeared". The performance had to include two songs that are accompanied by some type of choreographed movement. In preparing for the tournament the team had a lot of fun. Indeed, each practice offered a great chance for the girls to share many important cultural traditions (Can we have more pizza?) and solve mission critical problems (We need more paint!) “Each participant offered so much creativity and leadership.” coach Ray Boatwright commented. “They showed great teamwork and artistic innovation.” The judges were impressed with this team’s persistence and teamwork too… particularly when their scene setup did not quite go to plan on the day of competition.

 

The third team (sorry we don't have a photo) entered their interpretation of The Email Must Go Through. Eve and Esther Schofield, Tommy Smith, Celia Schulte, Ike Cho, and Brianna and Donovan Tamaraz practiced in Terraset's library to start with. The team really enjoyed sharing ideas and playing creative, team building games but, they were often very distracted by the library books (especially when the book fair was in place) wanting to read during practice. However, once it was time to build their email device, they worked in coats next to a space heater in their coach’s garage. “The team members were always upbeat, had more ideas than time allowed and overall, enjoyed their time together” said one of their coaches, Michelle Michlik. The judges complimented this team's use of recyclables and clever costuming. But our favorite comment was about how much positive energy they displayed during set up and performance. “This experience was great for the kids, they got to know some Terraset Tigers from other grades, they stretched their minds and talents, and best of all, they did it on their own.” 

 

Terraset PTA would like to thank all the volunteers who helped these three teams get to the tournament, particularly all the coaches: Ray Boatwright, Dana Grant, Brandon Boswell, Michelle Michlic and Aaron Schofield. Three teams and three success stories! “Not bad for our first year competing and having 3-4 months less time than all the other teams!” said Terraset’s Odyssey of the Mind coordinator, Katy Boswell. “We are all looking forward to next year and getting more students involved!”