Future Problem Solving Program of California
Global Issues
What better way to prepare students than by guiding them to learn in depth about topics of global importance, to systematically address related complex situations, and to evaluate multiple solutions in order to best address the situation through an Action Plan?
This competitive team or individual activity in which participants research a series of global topics — applying problem-solving skills to address a specific scenario set in the future, the Future Scene.
Topics include global issues in the areas of: business & economics, science & technology, and social & political philosophies. Each year five topics are addressed: two practice problems, a qualifying problem, a State (Affiliate) Bowl problem, and the final International Conference problem.
The composition of the team does not need to be the same for each practice problem, as this is when the dynamics of a good team are being determined. However, rules apply to team composition from the qualifying problem through the International level. Students may compete in a division higher than their grade level, but not in a lower division. Coaches may work with multiple teams and individuals.
Trained evaluators score student submissions via a rubric-based score sheet and return feedback including suggestions for improvement. In addition to overall (application of research, creative strength and futuristic thinking), submissions are evaluated based on focus/relevance, fluency, flexibility, clarity, originality, potential impact and humanness.
During the State and International competitions, participants are required to creatively portray the relevance of their Action Plan in a 2-4 minute performance using minimal props. The top scoring teams perform in front of over 2500 participants during the awards ceremony.
For more information please review the “The “Presentation of Action Plan” Guidelines here.
The top-scoring 20+% of teams and individuals advance to the State (Affiliate) Bowl in April — from there, the 5 teams with the highest ranking booklets across all divisions advance to the International Conference in June.
There are three divisions: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), Senior (grades 10-12).
Example: 2017 Senior Future Scene
Community Projects
Moving from hypothetical issues to real world, authentic concerns, Community Projects teams apply their FPS skills to problems at the school, local, regional, state, or national level.
Students learn powerful lessons about creating change, dealing with local authorities and organizations, and making a positive impact.
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Projects (including a 7 page written report and addendum) are submitted for evaluation a scrapbook and backboard are created for presentation at the State finals.
To qualify for the International Conference in June, teams or individuals are interviewed about their projects by a panel of judges. Interviews will be scheduled by March 31, via Zoom.
All qualifying projects will be displayed during the Community Projects Fair open to all international conference participants.
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There are three divisions: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), Senior (grades 10-12).
Current Projects in Action
Discover what current Community Projects teams and individuals are doing to promote their causes @ Projects in Action.
Creative Writing
Participants are charged with developing a short story related to one of five topics for the year. Although knowing the process can help students to think about the future and organize a storyline, it is not a prerequisite. However, since scenarios must relate to one of the current topics, it is imperative that students do some background reading and research on the topic they select.
The story (1500 words or less) must be set at least 20 years in the future conveying an imagined but logical outcome of actions or events reflecting trends in the researched topic. Students may submit an optional first draft to receive written feedback to guide the improvement of the story.
Stories are read and scored by experienced evaluators who consider the following elements: creative thinking, futuristic thinking, idea development, style/voice, character development, mechanics/structure, and topic related research. Authentic evaluation and feedback is provided via a rubric-based score sheet.
Winning stories in 1st- 3rd place of each division at the Affiliate level may be entered into the International Scenario Writing Competition. All first place Affiliate winners and all International winners 1st-5th in each division are eligible to compete in the Scenario Writing Team Competition at the International Conference in June.
There are three divisions: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), Senior (grades 10-12).
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Storytelling
Launched at the 2015 International Conference, students choose one of the annual topics and relate a story set 20 years into the future. It should be natural, spontaneous, and entertaining and must be 4-5 minutes in length.
Submission videos must be delivered in one take without edits in the presenters speaking voice without the use of props. 10 cue cards may be used to advance the telling, however, the use of “acting”, singing, or other aids is not permitted.
Performances are scored by experienced evaluators based on the following elements: storytelling techniques, audience, style/voice, the intended purpose of story, development of story, character development, creative thinking, and futuristic thinking. Authentic evaluation
and feedback is provided via a rubric-based score sheet.
Champion performers in each division are eligible to compete in the live competition in June. Specific guidelines will be announced approximately one month prior to the International Conference.
There are three divisions: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), Senior (grades 10-12).
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(Advanced / non-competitive) Learning
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This year-long, non-competitive component is designed for use in the classroom and introduces students to the skills of creative problem solving in a hands-on, non-threatening manner while delivering the same rich content and methodologies as the competitive components.
Designed for integration into the classroom curriculum, it can be adapted for K-3 through grade 9th grades — and teaches a simplified version of the problem solving process, providing guidance in the writing of ideas. Students are encouraged to work on two topics, one per semester. Materials may be used with a few students or an entire class; either the teacher or the students and work may be completed with teacher’s guidance or independently in small groups.
Although not required, registration includes two additional Future Scenes and 2 thorough evaluations with constructive feedback.
For registered coaches, information on hosting a Learning Fair where students can address actual problems within their school or community.