Community Problem Solving A component of the Future Problem Solving Program

- E. Paul Torrance, founder of Future Problem Solving Program "The genius of the future will be the creative mind adapting itself to the shape of things to come.” - E. Paul Torrance, founder of Future Problem Solving Program

What is Future Problem Solving Program International? A competitive, academic program founded in 1974 Worldwide across 4 continents Encourages creative and critical thinking Engages young people globally in problem solving Fosters commitment to local and global community Develops a vision for the future

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Three Components of Future Problem Solving Global Issues Problem Solving Scenario Writing Community Problem Solving Today’s event

Global Issues Problem Solving Often called FPS (original component of FPSPI) Grades 4 - 12 participate in teams of four Teams research issue of future global concern Futuristic scenario presents the issue in 20+ years Teams use six-step written problem-solving process Action Plan is written to share best solution

Scenario Writing Individuals research an assigned topic Original short story of 1500 words or less Setting is 20+ years in the future Writers develop imagined future scene Connects future logically to today’s issues

Community Problem Solving Often called CmPS Grades 4 through 12 participate in teams up to 15 Teams identify a concern in their community Efforts are active and impactful to community Work is over one year

Learning Activities Beyond School Today’s fair is one event of a year-long Community Problem Solving project. Project Science LABS Learning Activities Beyond School

Project Science LABS Learning Activities Beyond School Goal: To increase opportunities for school-aged children in Dedham to experience hands-on science activities so that they become actively involved with science in their life beyond school.

Other events of Project Science LABS Interactive science demonstrations at summer camps and schools Rocket launching workshop with a scientist Guided walk with a local botanist

Nature Scavenger Hunt created for children and their families Challenge Stations: Sinking/Floating and Engineering Structures at the Dedham Farmers Market

The team applied for and received a grant from Disney Youth Services America to help fund today’s event.

Thank you for helping us to make the Science Fair a success! All the participants: Keep having fun with science! All of our judges: Thanks for your time and science expertise! Michael Welch Dennis Teehan Josh Donati Linda Kobierski Nancy Finkel DHS Science Team: Barbara Snow Lisa Laprade Isha Havale Jennifer O’Neill Stephanie Radner Patricia Somera Ralf Heilmann Eric Merithew Amelia Layne Allison Reilly for some fair prep and Maureen Kelley Sargent for taking photos! Dedham Public Schools: Thank you for providing space and logistical support!

The work to make this fair possible was done by six 8th graders. They wrote the 10-page science fair guide. They wrote the emails you received. They shopped for supplies. And lots more!

The Project Science LABS Team Macy Gorman Bryan McDonough Eric Reilly Ryan Roberts Matthew Rotchford John Wilkinson

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” --Margaret Mead Community Problem Solving makes a difference. Today is proof. Thank you for joining us.

Getting Involved in an FPSPI Program Communities across Massachusetts with teams Dedham teams each year since 2011 grades 4+ Coaches can be parents, community members, teachers Support from state affiliate and Dedham Future Problem Solving Find a few kids and start a team!!! www.dedhamfps.com