Future Problem Solvers

Sponsor: Mrs. Wiand

Future Problem Solvers requires imagination, strong skills in logic, and concise thinking, all of which will serve students throughout their lives. If you are creative, intelligent, and also a good writer, you will want to consider being a member of Future Problem Solvers.

Future Problem solvers is an academic competition that combines creativity, high level thinking, wrting, and cooperative learning skills. Students write solutions to two practice situations called "fuzzies" which are based on scenarios set tweny-five years in the future.

Competitions are held in October, November, and December. In March, members write a State Qualifier packet in anticipation of competing in the State Bowl which is held in Indianapolis in Apirl. Each year RIley has sent one or two of our four teams.

Q&A with Mrs. Wiand

How long has Future Problem Solvers been here at RILEY?

-Riley has had F.P.S for around 9 years

How do the Students get involved in this Club?

-Students learn the problem-solving program from the 4th-grade DEPTH and feeder schools such as St. Jude. Participation is on a volunteer basis, with a call at the opening of every school year. Most come from Honors and AP English classes.

In 1998 our most successful team graduated, having attended state bowl every year, Internationals twice winning a trophy in 1997 at Ann Arbor, MI. In 1999 we had our Intermediate team go to the state bowl. They placed 2nd in the skit competition. This past year one of our senior teams qualified for the International bowl in Athens, Georgia.