Opti-MINDS is a creative problem solving event for teams of participants from Preschool to Adult within 4 divisions.

It is run by Opti-MINDS Incoporated on a non-profit basis.

They are required to solve demanding, open-ended Challenges from one of the following categories:

• Language Literature • Science Engineering • Social Sciences

The Opti-MINDS Challenge is an opportunity for all those with a passion for learning & problem solving to showcase their skills & talents in an exciting, vibrant & public way.

Opti-MINDS provides for the demand for sophisticated, educational & motivational opportunities. The rapidly increasing & widespread involvement of thousands of participants throughout Queensland & internationally, demonstrates that Opti-MINDS is not only a valuable & worthwhile investment in the education of our citizens, but is also an integral part of our collective future.

...The Opti-MINDS process mirrors what successful businesses practise.

THE CHALLENGE...

Teams are required to work together on a Long Term Challenge for up to six weeks without assistance from anyone outside the team. Participants are encouraged to explore possibilities & experiment with ideas as they endeavour to produce their best possible solution. They develop creative & original ways to communicate this solution to others, working within predefined parameters such as limited materials, complex Challenge criteria & the deadlines of The Challenge Day.

Students present the product of their ideas - their Challenge solution - to a panel of judges & an audience on Challenge Day. They have 10 minutes in which to present & must do so in a 3 x 3 metre (Approx.) performance area.

The teams must also participate in an unseen Spontaneous Challenge on Opti-MINDS Day. This Challenge requires rapid interchange of ideas, the ability to think effectively, creatively, & well-developed group cooperation skills.

Judges for both the Long Term & the Spontaneous Challenges are professionals chosen from all areas of education, the arts & industry. They are thoroughly trained to enable them to assess the creative performance & technical aspects of the presentation.

Opti-MINDS OBJECTIVES...

To foster creative responsiveness - a “CAN DO” culture
To provide challenge, enrichment & stimulation
To facilitate the ability to adapt to & harness change to advantage
To foster flexibility, innovative thinking & functioning
To promote complex thinking & creative problem solving skills
To encourage reflective thinking & self-directed learning
To facilitate empowerment & responsibility
To promote an understanding & appreciation of self & others
To develop effective communication & collaborative thinking skills
To celebrate difference
To foster cooperation & teamwork
To promote enterprise & initiative
To stimulate a spirit of exploration, investigation, experimentation & a love of learning
To provide a collaborative link between all sectors of education, community & industry
To promote UNASHAMED EXCELLENCE!®

OUR AIM...

Opti-MINDS’ aim is to enhance the potential of all participants by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management & the discipline to work collaboratively within a challenging & demanding environment.

We encourage participants to be UNASHAMEDLY EXCELLENT!®

REAL WORLD BENEFITS...

Opti-MINDS looks beyond conventional achievement & understands that the pursuit of excellence knows no boundaries.

Opti-MINDS offers participants a total experience, providing challenge & growth through its Long Term & Spontaneous problem solving structure. The Challenge process provides a platform for excellence & equips participants with strategies & skills which will support future success.

WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?...

Anyone, anywhere interested in creativity, collaboration, innovation & FUN!
Teams of 4 to 7 members may be entered according to details:

DIVISION I - P-7
DIVISION II - P-10
DIVISION III - P-TERTIARY (i.e. University/College Students)
OPEN DIVISION - P-ADULT: Open to EVERYONE!!!

NB: The Teams’ Division will be determined by the age of the OLDEST team member.

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE...

Opti-MINDS is a CELEBRATION of the talents & abilities within our society!

Thousands of people flock annually to participate in; to watch & to enjoy the exhilarating spectacle of presentations & ingenious solutions created by motivated participants who have accepted The Opti-MINDS Challenge. Take up the challenge of Opti-MINDS & help build a brighter future for us ALL!

Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund