Loma Verde Elementary School sent five teams of students to compete in the annual Odyssey of the Mind NorCal Section Championship this year, led by Mrs. Karen McCormish. The winners were announced on April 19, 2021 and we are proud to share that two Loma Verde teams qualified to compete in the Virtual World Finals in May.
Team Balsa took First Place in the NorCal Section Championships and advances to the world championships. This team was tasked to design and build a structure out of only balsa wood and glue. They test the structure by adding Olympic-sized weights until it breaks. This year the team set a new Loma Verde school record of constructing a 15-gram structure that could support 115 lbs.
Team Vehicle placed second and qualified to participate in the world championships. This team was tasked to design, build and operate one or more vehicles. Sometimes they’re small, other times they’re big enough to ride on and transport other items. Generally, the vehicles are scored on their propulsion system, and for traveling and completing different tasks.
Loma Verde first started competing in the 2018-19 school year with one team and has grown to have five teams of students.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life in an exciting, productive environment. Participants build self-confidence, develop life skills, create new friendships, and realize their true potential.
We are so proud of our students and so appreciative of Mrs. Karen McCormish!