Odyssey of The Mind BC
Generating Future Problem Solvers

Proudly presented in BC by The Creative Problem Solving Society (CPSS).



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2007 Balsa Structure Challenge

Here is your chance to learn about structural engineering from the best and take their challenge! This year’s highlight is a workshop presented by BC Odyssey of the Mind and UBC Civil Engineering to provide an intense skill-building day.

Check out this THREE-part series! How much weight do you think a 14 gram structure made out of balsa wood and glue will hold? Ten pounds? One hundred pounds? Think you know? Or have no idea? Find out for yourselves!

Part 1 One Day Workshop @ UBC Civil Engineering Design Studio Saturday, March 3rd, 2007

  • Learn about structural engineering concepts from UBC profs.
  • Use your new engineering design skills and creativity to design, build, and test a structure made of balsa wood & glue.
  • Compete in the same day to determine which team’s structure can support and balance the most weight!
  • Participation in Workshop makes you eligible for the Tournaments.

Part 2 Qualifying Tournament Saturday, March 10th, 2007

  • Learn from your mistakes! This time, your team will be given one week to build another balsa wood structure all on your own.
  • Build on the skills from the Workshop to start tackling one segment of a world challenge by Odyssey of the Mind.
  • Compete and experience the Tournament.
  • Use this opportunity to learn about the competition since any team who competes in the Qualifying Tournament is automatically eligible to compete in the Provincial Tournament.

Part 3 Provincial Tournament Saturday, April 14th, 2007

  • This one’s for all the glory! The winner of this tournament will be named this year’s Champion of the 2007 Balsa Structure Challenge and…
  • … earn the opportunity to compete in the World Finals at Michigan State University against the best teams in the world!

How To Enter

  • Gather your team of 5-7 fellow students (must be within Grades 9-12).
  • To register, fill out the registration form and submit by March 1st, 2007.
  • Registration fee is $80 per team, and is on a first-come first-served basis.
  • All construction supplies for the Workshop are included with registration fee.