This TFS Odyssey of the Mind team is advancing to state competition at the end of March. Pictured are eighth graders Jenni Gallagher, Liv Clancy, Sophia Kahwach, Catie Long, Logan Bramlett, Will Jackson, Caleb Griffith and instructor Jane Shoemaker.
Seven Tallulah Falls students are heading to the state Odyssey of the Mind competition in Columbus, Georgia on March 28th after placing second in the regional tournament.
The students participated in a total of three problem solving exercises during the competition aimed at stretching their imagination and creativity. They placed 2nd for their innovative approach to solving the problem known as “Runaway Train.” TFS students Logan Bramlett, Liv Clancy, Jenni Gallagher, Caleb Griffith, Catie Long, Will Jackson and Sophia Kahwach are advancing to state competition.
The Odyssey of the Mind pamphlet describes the ‘Runaway Train’ problem solving scenario this way:
“…designing, building, operating one or more vehicles that travel on tracks and make stops at different stations without touching the floor. While traveling between stations, the vehicles must overcome obstacles such as moving up hill, towing an object, and other scenarios. The theme of the performance will explain the vehicles difficulties on the track and will include a ‘conductor’ character’. Once the vehicle reaches its final destination it will show a flag or banner during a victory lap.”
Other TFS eighth graders who participated in the tournament at Parkview High School in Lilburn include Sidney Butikofer, Jung Yoon Choi, Olivia Tarr, Marly Welborn, and Emily Wonders.
Odyssey of the Mind requires students to work together to solve long term problems without any help from their teacher. By doing that they learn about leadership, teamwork and develop their own problem solving skills. Students from all over Georgia compete. They are responsible for creating sets, scripts, props and other visual aids to illustrate and demonstrate their solution before a panel of judges.
The winning TFS students decided to go with an outer space theme. They delivered their presentation in front of an audience of parents and teachers. “We had practiced at school in front of the eighth grade so we wouldn’t panic and freeze at the competition,” says Jenni Gallagher. Each team had eight minutes to present their solution to the judges who asked questions about how they made the set pieces that were used.
Teachers were unable to give advice or instruction. Students had to keep records on how it was done.
“It was amazing to see the students learn new tasks such as using tools to build sets. Seeing them work through their challenges without help was tough for them and for me. This is my fourth year and I learn something every year from the students,” says Jane Shoemaker, Odyssey of the Mind leader at TFS. “I want them to learn that there is no such thing as failure, only the opportunity to learn and grow. Although I had only one team qualify for state, my other two teams did an amazing job. I am so proud of the Tallulah Falls students!”
