Three Odyssey of the Mind teams from Newtown traveled to Iowa State University, May 24 to 28, to compete and take part in World Finals challenges and activities.

Odyssey of the Mind is the largest intellectual educational competition in the world, with teams of up to seven students working together to solve problems. The teams present their solutions to the problems at annual state competitions. The top teams in each competing state then head to world finals, where teams from more than 25 countries come together in the spirit of international competition.

The Newtown High School team, coached by Robin Fitzgerald, participated in solving "Problem 5" and placed ninth out of 52 teams of high school age students from around the world, according to Ms Fitzgerald.

Team members Alexandra Watson, Quinn Fitzgerald, Owen Walsh, Connor Monroe and AJ Salaris collaborated to write a script and construct sculptural costumes and sets, using recycled materials for the problem. The teams are also responsible for solving a spontaneous problem at the event.

"Not only did they place ninth, but they placed in the top five of Connecticut teams and defeated some very competitive international teams," Ms Fitzgerald said by e-mail.

More than 800 teams competed from 44 states and countries, with 14,000 students competing in total, according to Ms Fitzgerald.

Coach Kristina Tartaglia reported her team, made up of middle school students, had an amazing time attending its first World Finals.

"They are determined to make it to Michigan next year," Ms Tartaglia said.

The NMS team learned a lot from the experience, according to Ms Tartaglia.

Coach Carol Shuman's Newtown High School team had a wonderful time attending World Finals and enjoyed meeting people from all over the world, she said.

"They performed really well," said Ms Shuman, who added that her team could not wait to hopefully go back to World Finals next year.