Oct. 16-30   NWEA MAP Testing
Oct. 31   End of 1st Quarter
Nov. 7 & 8   Fall Play

Future Problem Solving

Future Problem Solving is an international program which supports a creative and dynamic teaching environment through the facilitation of students’ individual development, interests, and expectations. It also addresses community learning as there is a component of the program that is community specific.  The program involves competition on several levels that extend from a regional level up through an international level. The competitive division of the program goes from grades 4 –12, while, there is a non- competitive division for kindergarten-grade 3. Although the program does have a competitive aspect, it can be utilized very effectively on a non-competitive, in-house basis as well.

In the Future Problem Solving program, teachers lead the students through a specific problem solving process that is used to tackle a hypothetical problem in the future. Problem categories have included natural disasters, colonization of Antarctica, genetic engineering, organ donation, virtual corporations and environmental law , to name a few.

The program involves teams of four students who work through a specified process that extends from research gathering and producing a written document, to developing and presenting a five minute skit to sell their idea. Often, this process will involve several disciplines, including but not limited to language arts, history, science and mathematics.

Each team has a teacher assigned to their team to facilitate the process. It becomes very exciting for the students as they work together to solve their assigned problem. The learning process takes on a whole new dynamic as the students’ level of commitment to the project grows. Interpersonal skills are fostered as well as the students must work together in a give and take atmosphere to solve their problem. Presentation skills and creative thinking are integral to the skit portion of the team presentation.