Page 8 - Class Catalog

ELECTIVE COURSES

Odyssey of the Mind- (K-5 , MS, HS) The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students to learn
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creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process. By tapping into creativity, and
through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide
them with the ability to solve problems -- great and small -- for a lifetime. The Odyssey of the
Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to
a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to
solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of
criticism. The creative problem-solving process rewards thinking "outside of the box." Students
that decide to take this course will participate in Odyssey Regional Competition. Students will
design a solution to a problem that includes choosing characters, writing a script, designing
costumes and sets and performing at regionals in February all without outside assistance. This
means students come up with all ideas, design, build and execute whatever is needed to solve
the problem. This course is open to a wide variety of ages. Groups will be formed in this course
according to age. If you have questions you can contact Ginger Maghran at
gingermaghran@questforeducationandarts.com or visit odysseyofthemind.com website for more
information about the International Odyssey of the Mind Competition. No textbook
needed. Instructor: Ginger Maghran

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Thinking/Problem Solving (5 – 8 ) Student will learn how to think “outside the box”, creatively
problem solve and increase team-building skills by being exposed to open-ended problems that
appeal to a wide range of interests. Using Odyssey of the Mind problems and curriculum,
students will learn skills to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems –
great and small – for a lifetime. Student will enhance their abilities to express their ideas, work
with team creative input, and lead groups that work together to solve problems using the
student’s own gifts, skills, and knowledge. They will be taught to value everyone’s ideas and will
be free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. The course will be
involved in The Odyssey Angels Program that challenges students to use their unique creative
problem-solving abilities to help some aspect of their community that would otherwise be
overlooked from the environment to working with the elderly. Past student projects have
included redesigning game pieces for the elderly, designing costumes for children in
wheelchairs, and developing a unique devise so a quadriplegic student could play the cymbals in
marching band. For more information you can contact Ginger Maghran at
gingermaghran@questforeducationandarts.com or visit odysseyangels.org No textbook needed.
Instructor: Ginger Maghran

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Jr Decorating- (1 -5 ) Jr Decorating is geared for kids from 1st to 5th grade. We will learn to
frost cakes, practice simple decorating skills and how to make some easy yet creative and
delicious desserts. This is a hands-on opportunity to have fun while gaining experience and
creative ideas in this area. No textbook needed. Instructor: Carrie Rodriguez