How Odyssey of the Mind Fulfills STEM Objectives
Adapted from work contributed by Fern
Brown (Maine) and Cindy Byars (South Carolina)
Stem Core Concepts
21st Century knowledge and skills
· Communications
· Problem solving
· Critical thinking
· Information technology applications
· Systems thinking
· Safety, health, and environment
· Leadership and teamwork
· Ethics and legal responsibilities
· Creativity, invention, and Ingenuity
Improved STEM programs can create individuals capable of new
solutions and better decisions
· Increased science and math capability is not enough
· Experiences centered on design, innovation,
engineering, and technology will increase creativity, inventiveness,
ingenuity, and imagination capabilities
· These characteristics are fostered in STEM centered
learning experiences
Engineering Design Process
GOAL
Identify the need/problem.
ASK
Identify all known facts related to the need or problem. Identify
information that is not known but essential to the situation.
Identify what is happening now in relation to the need or problem.
Explore other options via the Internet, library, interviews, etc.
IMAGINE
Brainstorm possible solutions. Draw on mathematics and science.
Choose the best solution for action by using a list of selected
criteria.
PLAN
Create a list of necessary materials. Determine the steps in the
process of creating the solution. Draw a diagram to match the steps.
Troubleshoot to avoid possible problems.
CREATE
Construct the prototype. Follow the plan to implement the solution.
Test it!
IMPROVE
Evaluate the solution. Redesign the prototype after each trial to
gain maximum success.
Both STEM Education and Odyssey
of the Mind Develop These Skills and Characteristics in K-12
Students:
Problem-solving--able to define questions and problems, design investigations to gather data, collect and organize data, draw conclusions, and then apply understandings to new and novel situations.
Innovation--creatively use science, mathematics, and technology concepts and principles by applying them to the engineering design process.
Inventing--recognizes the needs of the world and creatively design, test, redesign, and then implement solutions (engineering process),
Self-reliance--able to use initiative and self-motivation to set agendas, develop and gain self-confidence, and work within time specific time frames.
Logical thinking--able to apply rational and logical thought process of science, mathematics, and engineering design, to innovation and invention.
Technological literacy--understand and explain the nature of technology, develop the skills needed, and apply technology appropriately.
