Q: What is Futures?
A: Future Problem Solving is an international movement involving 11 countries and over 250,000 students worldwide. Students compete in small teams, using a six-step problem solving process to find creative solutions to a themed scenario set in the future OR a real challenge in their community. Past themes include the counterfeit economy, pandemics, cosmetic surgery and space junk. Teams complete in divisions - Junior Division for Grades 5 and 6, Middle Division for Grades 7, 8 and 9. There are five competitions (known as Bowls) each year - two practice bowls, a Qualifying Bowl, the State Bowl and the International Bowl. All students compete in the first three bowls, but only the top couple of teams will be invited to the State Bowl and only the top team in each division is invited to the International Competition.
Q: What skills do students gain through participation in Futures?
A: First and foremost, FPSers (Future Problem Solvers) gain skills in critical thinking, creative problem solving and team work. Through the process of problem solving, students also dig deep into complex, multi-faceted problems; they develop strong research and communication skills; they gain a global awarness and perspective; and they learn to work closely with other students under time pressure!
Q: What are the different competitions, who can take part in them, how do they work and when do they compete?
Note: For ease of communication, "Futures" is the general term used to describe all of the different programs listed below!
| What? | Who? | When? | |
| Global Issues Problem Solving - TEAM | Under the guidance of a teacher/coach, teams of four students in grades 5-9 use the FPSP six-step model to explore challenges and propose action plans to complex societal problems, such as fads, financial security, amateur sports, the Internet, and genetic engineering | All 5th - 9th graders. 5th and 6th graders compete in the Junior Division. 7th-9th graders compete in the Middle Division. Participants competing in the team competition are not eligible to compete as individuals or in the community problem-solving components. | Teams meet every Friday from 3.30-5.30 pm. 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. The winners of each respective Affiliate FPS Bowl advance to the FPSP International Conference in June. |
| Global Issues Problem Solving - INDIVIDUAL | Each student works individually rather than as a member of a team to complete the same six-step process as above. | All 5th - 9th graders. 5th and 6th graders compete in the Junior Division. 7th-9th graders will compete in the Middle Division. Participants competing as individuals are not eligible to compete in the Team Future Problem Solving or Team Community problem-solving components. | Individuals meet every Friday from 3.30-5.30 pm. Individuals compete on the same schedule as outlined above for teams. |
|
Community |
Teams apply their FPS skills to real problems in their communities. 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. Teams move from hypothetical issues to real-world, authentic concerns. | All 6th-9th graders who have already completed one year in the team or individual Future Problem Solving competition. Participants competing in the team Community Problem Solving component are not eligible to compete in the team or individual Future Problem Solving. | All materials must be submitted by March 16th, 2011. The top Community Problem Solving team projects from California are invited to the FPSP International Conference in June. |
|
Scenario |
Students compose futuristic short stories (1,500 words or less) related to one of the current year's topics. | First drafts are due on Dec 10th, final versions due on February 4th, 2011. The first place winner in each affiliate program is invited to the FPSP International Conference. |
Q: When do the Futures teams meet and how much of a time commitment is it?
A: The Nueva Futures team meets every Friday from 3.30 - 5.30 pm (See our schedule page for more information on specific dates). Students are required to attend all Friday sessions from the start of the school year until the Qualifying Bowl in February. Outside of the weekly practices on Fridays, students will be required to do research and reading to familiarize themselves with the topic for each bowl. In addition, we know that the most successful teams are those that organize practices, sleep-overs, and meetings outside of school. This is not an essential part of the program, but it is a great way to bond with your teammates and have a fun time!
Q: How successful have our teams been in past competitions?
A: Nueva has one of the most distinguished records in the California Future Problem solving competition. In 2009, five of our teams were invited to the State Bowl, and one of our Junior Division teams was invited to the International Bowl. In 2010, five teams and six individuals attended the State Bowl in San Diego. One of our community problem solving teams and one individual problem solver were also attended the International Bowl in La Crosse Wisconsin!
Q: Where are the bowls held, and how much does the whole program cost?
A: The first three bowls will all be held at Nueva, and will take place during our regular Friday sessions. Dates for these bowls can be seen on the Schedule page of this site. The State Bowl for 2011 will be held at Nueva on April 16th!
We charge a $350 fee per student for the whole year. This money goes towards the registration fees for the Bowls, and the purchase of materials, booklets, and guides for each FPSer (Future Problem Solver). The costs of any trips are not included in this fee.
Q: How can we learn more?
A: Contact Liz Cretti (
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) or Diana Nemirovsky (
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) for more information.
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Email Liz Cretti at
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.
Let her know your name and grade! Your enrollment is not final until a check is received. Please make checks payable to "The Nueva School" and mark them clearly "Futures", along with your child's name. Please put these checks in Liz's mailbox. Do not send them directly to the business office.