Long-Term Problems

Each year in Odyssey of the Mind, there are five long-term problems (not including those limited to grades K-2) from which a team selects one to work on throughout the year in preparation for the regional competition. The solution that the team presents will include a skit, and depending on the problem, other required elements. For example, one problem involves building and testing a structure made from balsa wood and glue. The majority of the points awarded in this particular problem are determined by the amount of weight held by the structure. The overlying theme for the competition, regardless of the problem, is creative problem-solving.

The following problem synopses are official as released by http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/.

"Problem 1: Sports Cars
Divisions I, II, & III
Road Rallies and Sporting Events are popular activities. This problem combines both and requires teams to design, build, and operate an original Sports Car. The team will drive its Sports Car in a road rally that has four checkpoints. At each checkpoint, the Sports Car will compete in a sport-related event. The team will choose three of the events from given lists and will create an original sport-related event for the fourth. The team will also develop a theme for the presentation of the solution.
Cost limit: $145 USD.

Problem 2: DinoStories
Divisions I, II, III, & IV
What might have happened to the dinosaurs that existed so many years ago? In a humorous performance, teams will present their original theory of what caused the dinosaurs to become extinct. The performance will include a dinosaur, a replica of the same dinosaur, an animal that is not a dinosaur, and a technical simulation of the team's "extinction theory." At least part of the performance will take place in a setting from the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous periods.
Cost limit: $145 USD.

Problem 3: Classics ... The Wonderful Muses
Divisions I, II, III & IV
In Greek Mythology, muses were the source of inspiration for the creative works of artists and scientists. The team's problem is to create and present an original performance that includes one of the nine Greek muses. The Muse will inspire two people during the performance: (1) a historical person who made an actual positive contribution to the world, and (2) an original, team-created person who tries to make a positive contribution to the world. The Muse will use the art form attributed to her during two "moments of inspiration," when all the characters in the scene, except the Muse, will "freeze." The team will also create two original works in that art form to include in the performance.
Cost limit: $125 USD.

Problem 4: Tee Structure
Divisions I, II, III & IV
The team's problem is to design and build a structure using only balsa wood and glue. The team will test the structure by having it support weights that are balanced on golf balls without touching anything else. The team will receive score for the amount of weight the structure holds during testing and bonus points for each golf ball used to support the weights.
Cost limit: $140 USD.

Problem 5: The Eccentrics!
Divisions I, II, III & IV
This problem requires teams to create and present a humorous performance about three Eccentric Characters that demonstrate odd behavior, peculiar mannerisms, and unconventional dress. The performance will include a team-created "problem" within or involving an Earth system ?X the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, or hydrosphere. The Eccentric Characters, which seem to be misfits, will solve the problem. As a reward, a celebration is held in their honor and they end up launching a new fad.
Cost limit: $125 USD."

Source: http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/materials/2007problems.php