Spangdahlem students excel in problem solving competition

Published Feb. 24, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Spangdahlem elementary and middle school students captured three first place and one second place title at the Kaiserslautern District Odyssey of the Mind Tournament in Landstuhl Feb. 21, 2009.

"The Odyssey of the Mind Competition is a blend of academics, fine arts and technology," said Katie George, Odyssey of the Mind Kaiserslautern District Tournament director. "It is a team-building, student-driven experience that encourages teamwork, ingenuity, problem-solving and respect."

Students work together several months before the competition to create a performance based on a given long-term problem to accomplish a common project goal. They then perform against other Department of Defense Education Activity school teams to determine who mastered the challenge.

"They are given a problem with certain guidelines to follow, and they have to make sure they understand what is expected of them and then create what is necessary to solve and perform the problem they select," said April Goetz, Spangdahlem Middle School coach.

Odyssey of the Mind encourages students to utilize their skills and talents to develop the script, costumes and sets required for their performance.

"They have to investigate information in order to learn about the particular problem," said Barbara Davis, SPMS Division I coach. "They definitely take away a sense of pride in the accomplishment of completing so many tasks that lead up to the final performance. It is a lot of work and the group members have to do their share in order to accomplish the goal. Working on the project improves many skills for the children including reading, writing, computer skills, arts and crafts, speech, sewing and thinking."

Students working through this process learn there is always more than one way to solve a problem.

Since the children are 100 percent responsible for their problems from start to finish, they have to try things they've never done before, because of this they learn they're capable of more than they expected, said Capt. Toni Tanner, 52nd Fighter Wing Plans and Programs Office and SPMS coach. "They have a limited amount of money to work with, so they learn to budget and work with resources not commonly utilized, like items scrounged from bulk trash day and the recycling center."

The competition does more than help students hone their problem solving skills.

"This provides another opportunity for students to possibly find their area of talent and true passion for something," said Mrs. Davis who is also a SPMS teacher. "An otherwise timid or quiet child may bloom on stage. They write, create, work cooperatively, find new ways to do things and in the end surprise everyone."

The students are not the only ones who learned from the experience.

Mrs. Goetz, who is also a SPMS teacher, said she gained a greater understanding of how middle schoolers' minds work.

As the teams labored through the process of solving their problem things didn't always go smoothly.

"The challenging part is getting everyone to agree on an idea and work together," said Averi Goetz, daughter of Pete and Mrs. Goetz.

Ashley Anderson, daughter of Nikki and Tech Sgt. Sean Anderson, 52nd Medical Support Squadron, said she felt nervous about competing in the competition.

Getting up the confidence to participate in the event was very challenging, she said. "I did not know if I could do it. I wanted to participate because I wanted to have fun and work together with my friends in solving and presenting the problem."

Students' work toward overcoming obstacles paid off according to Elizabeth Buchhol, daughter of Libby Bennett and Tech. Sgt. Tommy Buchholz, 52nd Force Support Squadron.

"The best part is when you finish making everything and it comes out perfectly when you practice," she said.

Siana Thomas, daughter of Melissa and Mater Sgt. William Thomas, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, wanted to participate because she thought it would be fun to compete against other teams.

Despite facing challenges with prop designs she said, "The best part of Odyssey of The Mind was we had fun while we worked together."

The children's efforts are not the only thing they attributed to their success in the competition.

"My assistant coach this year is Kelly Lay has been great to work with and has always been there for the team," Mrs. Davis said. "All the other parents have also been very supportive and cooperative. They have made sure their children can be at practice and are eager to see the children succeed."

Likewise, Mrs. Goetz attributes the base support the team has received to their success.

"We really appreciate our base, Spangdahlem AB's support for our students," she said. "Last year they helped our team make it to World Finals by taking part in our many fund raisers and this year providing judges for the competition in Landstuhl."

This was the first time an Odyssey of the Mind Tournament was held for the KMC district area.

"I hope that all participants in this weekend's tournament had a fun, and successful experience," said Mrs. George, who is also a Landsthul Elementary and Middle School teacher. "A lot of time and effort was put into preparing for each performance and it is my hope that all students and coaches feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in completing their goals."

Mrs. Davis said seeing all of their efforts come together was a great feeling.

"From the beginning the students start with nothing, bounce around ideas, come up with a script and then start developing a set," she said. "For awhile, it seems like there's no way they will ever get everything done. And then suddenly, it all works -- almost magically. To see them perform at competition is thrilling. They are so enthusiastic. But, best of all are the smiles on their faces and absolute joy when they are announced the winners!"

The winning teams have a month to fine-tune their performances before competing in the DoDDS-European Tournament, held March 28 at Kaiserslautern American Middle School. The winning "Europeans" teams will continue on to the World Finals in Ames, Iowa at the University of Iowa May 27 to 31.

Congratulations to the Spangdahlem Teams:
Division 1 Elementary
Earth Trek Long-Term Problem 1
Second place - Spangdahlem Elementary School, coached by Nikki Anderson and Karla Carson
The Lost Labor of Heracles Long-Term Problem 3
First place - SPES/SPMS, coached by Barbara Davis and Kelly Lay
Division 2 Middle School
Teach Yer Creature Long-Term Problem 2
First place - SPMS, coached by Tonni Tanner
The Lost Labor of Heracles Long-Term Problem 3
First place - SPMS coached by April Goetz, Barbara Harris and Pete Goetz