Riversink Otters Odyssey of the Mind team competes at World Finals
During a trip to Ames, Iowa, to compete at Odyssey of the Mind’s world finals, Riversink Otters team had a chance to visit Reiman Gardens, where they explored a butterfly garden and stopped for a photo opp in front of the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome.
Riversink Otters wait for the weigh-in at the conclusion of the balsa wood competition during the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Ames, Iowa.
The Riversink Elementary School Odyssey of the Mind team competed on May 26 at World Finals at Iowa State University.
When arriving in Ames, Iowa, the team of seven students, from fourth and fifth grade, unpacked their props and reassembled them to prepare for the long-term problem competition. Before presenting their solution, team members had to bring their balsa wood structure to the judges for close examination and weigh-in. The largest structure had to weigh less than 18 grams and hold nested structures inside with a lid for each one. All structures could only be made of balsa wood and glue. The teams structure held three nested structures with a miniature character inside the last one that had to come to life and have a part in their play. After the team performed for their long-term problem, they had to hurry over to another building on the Iowa State University campus to compete in the Spontaneous competition.
During the rest of the World Finals the team explored the campus and got to see the beautiful Reiman Gardens that included a butterfly garden and the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome!
The team competed against 38 other teams from around the world. International teams came from South Korea, Poland and Switzerland, as well as teams from almost all 50 states! The Odyssey Otters’ structure held 280 pounds. The most weight held by another team in their division held an unbelievable 1,090 pounds! After the scores were totaled the Odyssey Otters placed 12th out of 38, landing in the top third for their division. Not bad for the first time an Elementary Team from Wakulla has gone to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals!
The team appreciates all the generous donors who helped cover the expenses for their travel and lodging. The outpouring of support was awe-inspiring and covered all their expenses!
