Get A Membership

To begin, become a member by purchasing a membership for your educational institution (school, university) or community group. Assign at least one official contact person.

Once your order is processed, you will have access to the current year’s full problem details, program materials and will receive a membership number.

Form Teams

Teams are formed of up to seven students and a coach, organized under a school, home school, or community group. Coaches will help with organizational matters ONLY, so ask a parent, teacher or former participant.

Kick-Off!
Teasers of the current year's Long-Term Problems will be published around June. Perfect time to assemble your team. From writing scripts and acting, to building structures and designing vehicles – there is a problem that appeals to all types of interests.

After becoming a member, recruit students that are interested in technology, arts, mechanics, design, mathematics, writing, crafting, fashion, history, theatre, architecture or science and decide together which of our Long-Term problems you’d like to solve. Teams become stronger when there is a mix of different talents and abilities.

Review materials

The full version of the Long-term problems is distributed in August and we will soon provide a German translation.

Give your team the best chance at success by reviewing the problem limitations and the rules of the program. While the problems are open-ended, there are limitations that encourage creative problem-solving. It’s not about coming up with the one “right” solution; it’s finding one of many possible creative solutions that meet specific requirements.

OM doesn’t teach kids what to think, it teaches how to think. The basics of how the program works and possible updates on competition procedures are explained in the Program Guide [download here].

Create your Solution

Once your team knows the problem limitations, it’s time to create a solution! This can be done any way the team wishes, but usually takes place over a few months during team practices. Spend time brainstorming ideas, dividing up tasks, and coming to a consensus on solutions. This is all part of learning to work together, appreciating different ideas, and exploring creativity without limit. Ideas become reality as the team builds sets, creates props, writes scripts, and more. Then it’s all about practice, practice, practice!

Got a question?
While you work on a problem, always consider the latest clarifications (German translation)! 
If you are unsure about a rule in the Long-term problem, please contact the Officials Coordinators prior to Feb 15 to receive an official clarification.

Compete

There’s nothing like an Odyssey competition! Colorful costumes, innovative design, humorous scripts and more all combine in a fierce but friendly competition. Teams show off their creative ideas and appreciate others.

In Germany, there are two levels of competition – German Finals and World Finals. 

Information on the registration deadlines, trainings, competition schedules and procedures will be announced as soon as possible. Please make sure to register on time and take note of the Competition section explained in each Long-Term Problem.

All registered teams are eligible for the German competition, then teams may advance all the way to the world stage. Here thousands of people from around the world come together to put their ideas to the test. Of course, not everyone can move on to the World Finals, but if you are keen for another competition consider taking part in the Eurofestival.