Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a terrific way to create more creative students and improve youngsters' oral and written communication, research, and teamwork skills. FPS challenges students to apply information they have learned to some of the most complex issues facing society. Students are asked to think, to make decisions and, in some cases, to carry out their solutions.

FPS is a yearlong program, open to students in grades 4-12, in which teams of four students learn a six-step problem solving process which they can then use to solve social and scientific problems set in the future.

At regular intervals, the teams mail their work to evaluators, who review it and return it with suggestions for improvement. Teams participating in the competitive aspect of the program will complete the third problem at a Qualifying Bowl in March. The top teams in the state are invited to the State Bowl, where they compete for the opportunity to represent Massachusetts at the International FPS Conference.

Most schools participate in the team competition. Teachers can also incorporate the FPS process into curriculum units in the classroom, or participate in the Community Problem Solving or Scenario Writing components of the program.

We invite you to learn more about the program by attending one of our fall training sessions or by contacting Ann Hoyle, State Director, at director@massfps.org or 508-384-3837.