Components

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Components of FPS

Competition is based on the grade level of the participants.  The junior division is grades 4-6; middle division is grades 7-9; and senior division is grades 10-12. 

Action Based Problem Solving

This year-long, non-competitive component is designed for use in the regular classroom and introduces students to the skills of creative problem solving in a hands-on, non-threatening manner. Students are encouraged to work on two topics, one per semester. Three divisions are offered: Primary (grades K-3), Junior (grades 3-6) and Middle (grades 6-9).

Team Problem Solving (Grades 4-12)

Under the guidance of teachers or coaches, teams of 4 students in grades 4-12 use the FPSP six-step model explore challenges and propose action plans to complex societal, scientific, political, economic or technological issues.  Topics have included global interdependence, financial security, amateur sports, organ donation, nanotechnology and genetic engineering.

Teams complete two practice problems and one qualifying problem throughout the school year. Trained evaluators score student work and return it with feedback including suggestions for improvement.

The top scoring teams on the qualifying problem are invited to Affiliate FPS Bowls, held each spring.

Individual Problem Solving (Grades 4-12)

Individual students also may compete in booklet competition.  They complete the same process as the teams.  However, they generate only 10 challenges and 10 solutions.  Students may also choose to participate in individual community problem solving.

Community Problem Solving (Grades 4-12)

Teams of  students apply their FPS skills to real problems in their community.  A community problem is a problem that exists within the school, local community, region, state or nation.  Implementation of the action plan is included in this component. In this component, teams move from hypothetical issues to real- world, authentic concerns.

This activity could meet the community service requirement for students.  

Individual Community Problem Solving (Grades 4-12)

Individual community problem solving component fills an essential role by providing the needed guidance and structure for all levels of service learning. By providing a framework for individual service learning, this component outlines possible service activities for individual students at three levels of involvement: Community Service, Community Exploration and Community Action.

This activity could meet the community service requirement for students.  

Scenario Writing (Grades 4-12)

Students compose futuristic short stories (1,500 words or less) related to one of the current year's topics. The first place winner in each affiliate program is invited to the FPSP International Conference.

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Copyright © 2011 Future Problem Solving Program International    © 2011 Missouri Future Problem Solving Program
Last modified: 10/25/2011

http://www.fpspi.org   International FPSPI Link

http://www.mogam.org    Missouri Gifted Association

http://www.nagc.org     National Association for Gifted Children