1. Community Problem Solving
A component of the Future Problem Solving Program

2. - 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

3. 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

4. New Zealand United Kingdom
United States
Japan
Portugal
Australia
Singapore Turkey
China Korea
Malaysia
India

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

6. Global Issues Problem Solving
Often called FPS (original component of FPSPI)
Grades 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

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

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

15. 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!

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

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

18. “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.

19. 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!!!