Anne Weekes

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"More than ever, an education that emphasizes general problem solving skills 
will be important. In a changing world, education is the best preparation 
for being able to adapt." - Bill Gates, The Road Ahead

Opening doors to student imaginations since 1974, the Future Problem Solving 
Program offers new and exciting learning paths.

Students (grades 4-8 experience the excitement of creative thinking and the 
thrill of solving difficult problems with unique solution ideas when they 
participate in FPSP.

The six-step Future Problem Solving model:

1.  Identify Challenges in the Future Scene

2.  Select an Underlying Problem

3.  Produce Solution Ideas to the Underlying Problem

4.  Generate and Select Criteria to Evaluate Solution Ideas

5.  Apply Criteria to Solution Ideas

6.  Develop an Action Plan

2009-10 Topics

2009-10 Topic Order
Practice Problem # 1	 	Sensory Overload
Practice Problem # 2	 	Invasive Species
Qualifying Problem	 	Orphaned Children
Affiliate Competition	 	Food Distribution

Sensory Overload

Musak, iPods, cell phones, visual imagery, TV, advertising, the Internet, fusion food, exotic 
restaurants, sports entertainment, animated billboards, and flashing signs are just a few examples of 
the kinds of sensory input humans receive on a daily basis. The average supermarket has over 
30,000 products and scientists have discovered that this overwhelming assault on our senses 
impacts our brain-waves. Our senses are continually inundated in ways that would not have been 
thought possible in our grandparents' and great grandparents' era.  We embrace multitasking in all 
areas of our lives even as investigators raise questions about its effectiveness and advisability. What 
is the possible future impact of this sensory overload and how will we accommodate our need to 
process increasing amounts of information?

Invasive Species

We find Asian long horned beetles in New York, Australian wattles found in Africa, and Canadian 
geese in Europe.  Globalization has led to increased human travel and trade, and as people move 
around more, they bring with them species of plants, animals, and diseases from their home regions, 
introducing these invasive species into non-native habitats.  Such movement of species can harm 
ecosystems, economies, and human health.  Can such harm be effectively mitigated through 
eradication and quarantine efforts, including mechanical, chemical, and biological controls?  How 
much of a role should governments play in these efforts, or should efforts be left to private 
businesses and organizations?  What role will increased globalization and global climate change play 
in addressing these concerns or in making matters worse?

Orphaned Children

Throughout the world, places exist where acts of man and acts of nature have conspired to create 
well over 100 million orphans who struggle to survive every day.  Poverty and suffering are caused 
by famine, disease, poor economic conditions, social decay, lack of social infrastructure, and natural 
disasters.  Whatever the reason, the results are the same as that of innocent children with no 
parents, no home, and diminished chances of survival.  These children often live in doorways and 
makeshift tents, begging, stealing, or scrounging to find what little food they can. Alone and scared, 
some orphans live on the streets while others live in underground sewers for protection from the 
elements.  Many live in crumbling orphanages where the children’s food, medicine, and clothing 
reflect governments’ meager contribution of sometimes just a penny per day per child.  What can be 
done to change the conditions for these children?  What will their future be?  How do these situations 
affect the world as a whole?  If we truly believe that children are our future, what can be done to 
generate sustainable opportunities for these children?  Who should take the lead in creating these 
opportunities – nonprofits, governments, or businesses?

Food Distribution

A global information and early warning system on food and agriculture was set up some years ago, 
but the two main elements of the system of food security, namely food reserves and a better deal for 
developing countries in agricultural trade, have made very little progress.  Unlike developing 
countries, the world’s richer states have controlled the bulk of surplus grains and could afford to pay 
for and manage a system of food security. They did not need the surplus for themselves, but now 
surpluses are shrinking as more grains are used for bio-fuels.  Is it fair for the ‘haves’ to pay for the 
‘have-nots’?  How can we fairly and effectively make sure the world’s poorer inhabitants are fed?  
What kind of threats, such as terrorism, transportation disruptions, or technological failures, may the 
world’s food supply be subject to in the future, and how should these threats be dealt with?

Green Living

If the global environment is to be saved for future generations, many experts warn that more of the 
world’s citizens need to participate in “green living.”  This means using materials that reduce 
pollution of all types in various aspects of daily life, thereby reducing consumption of fossil fuels, 
and producing less waste.  Homes, clothing, and other everyday items can be made of recycled 
materials.  Alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power can be used in the home or 
office.  But how necessary are these changes in the way people live?  Do the benefits of change 
justify the economic costs and personal inconveniences of green living?  What other consequences of 
change are likely to occur, and can these consequences be mitigated?  If necessary, how can people 
be persuaded to change the way they live for the sake of the planet’s future health and well-being?

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