Hello and Welcome to Interlake's FPS page!

This site is dedicated to helping us prepare for the State and (hopefully!) International Competitions.

About FPS: FAQ

What is Future Problem Solving International and how does the competition work?

Future Problem Solving Program International is an organization of groups and individuals solving hypothetical problems of the future. Over 250,000 students worldwide participate every year. In FPS competitions, students are given scenarios based on pre-arranged topics. Topics for the 2008-2009 school are Olympic Games, Cyber Conflict, Space Junk, Counterfeit Economy, and Pandemics. In the group competition, groups of up to four students are given two hours to read the scenario, write sixteen detailed significant problems with the scenario, identify a specific most significant issue-- or "underlying problem"-- with the scenario, find sixteen detailed solutions to the said problem, develop five criteria for judging the solutions, grade ten solutions based on these criteria, and develop and write out an action plan for the solution that best fits the criteria. While the process is much the same for the individual competition, individual competitors are only required to write up eight problems and eight solutions, and to grade five of the eight solutions.

How are competition booklets scored?

Tests are sent to judges, who grade all aspects on creativity, relevance to the scenario, detail, demonstrated prior knowledge on the topic, and applicability to all aspects of life, such as economics, physical activity, arts, and communication. Judges grade each sections separately and then give teams (and individuals) a composite score. Each test is graded by two judges, who each rank it out of seven in two separate randomized groups of teams.

How do teams advance?

After two separate practice tests, students take the State Qualifier. Those who do well in this test make it to the state Competition. The top students in this competition go to the International Competition (number of individuals and teams who make internationals is dependent on the state in which they compete). At internationals, individuals and teams are ranked and announced so that the rest of the world's best teams may see them and congratulate them.

In the past, Interlake has had very successful teams and individuals. In 2008, Interlake teams took both fourth and fifth places at the International Competion, and an individual took third place in the world.

For more information about the Future Problem Solving Program International, visit www.fpspi.org

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