Future Problem Solving Components
Our students have been competing in 3 components of the program.
Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS), earlier known as ‘The Booklet Program’
In this activity, which can be completed either as an individual or a team, students are presented with a
futuristic scenario and expected to analyse it by means of the six step problem solving process and finally
write an Action Plan for their most promising solution. In competition the students are given exactly two
hours to complete the work.
The six step process:
1. Problem or challenge finding in the scenario
2. Developing an Underlying Problem (the question to be solved)
3. Finding many possible solutions
4. Developing criteria by which to evaluate solutions
5. Applying the criteria so the most promising solution is known
6. Writing an Action Plan for implementation of the best solution
Community Problem Solving (CmPS)
In this component of FPS students find their own community issues and
describe their Area of Concern. They then use the six step process to find
solutions. Their best idea or ideas must be implemented so they achieve the
change they wish to make. Students may take as long as they need to complete
the work. They are finally judged on the Six Page Preliminary Report they write,
a scrapbook and CDdetailing their process, an interview and a display.
Scenario Writing
Scenario writing is an individual activity. The student chooses one of the topics
of the current year and writes a story of no more than 1500 words. The story
will have engaging characters and plot. As it must be set at least twenty years
into the future it should include some very futuristic ideas.
The Unofficial First Step is for all of these components is Research.
Research is important so students understand the topic and the given scenario. We also learn facts and
ideas we can use in the problem solving process to justify our own thinking.
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