Odyssey of the Mind

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Twinkle Thing

When the team members enter the room, tell them this is a verbal problem.

JUDGE READS TO TEAMS: (Do not read material in parentheses.)
1. You will have 1 minute to think and 2 minutes to respond. Questions count against your thinking time. You may ask the judge questions but may not talk to each other at any time.
2. You will receive 1 point for each common response. Highly creative or humorous responses will receive 5 points. This will be a subjective opinion of the judges, and the judges' decision is final.
3. Your team is to take turns in sequence. You may not skip your turn, or repeat, or pass. If one member of the team is stuck, the team is stuck.
4. Once the time begins, it will not be stopped. If the judge asks you to repeat a response, or to clarify it, or to give a more appropriate response, it counts against your time. Speak loudly and clearly.
5. You will be shown a picture of something found on the planet Twinkle. Your problem is to say something about it or say what it may be used for. (Repeat number 5, "Your problem is, ").
FOR JUDGES ONLY:
1. Be sure to give exactly 1 minute to think and 2 minutes to respond. Timing is critical. Students responding at the buzzer can finish and be scored.
2. Score: 1 point for each common response, 5 points for each creative response.
3. Place a photocopy of the picture in full view of the team.
4. Examples of Common Responses:
  Uses: It could be used in a game, to play Jax, as a sign, to talk to, as a pointer, keep it as a pet.
  Remarks: It's funny looking; It has nine arms and one leg; It's scary.
  Examples of Creative Responses:
  Use it as an anchor, a paperweight, an instrument to predict the weather, a weapon, a cookie mold, a telescope to see all around, something to hold twinkle samples, a twinkle ruler, a hat rack.