About TJ FPS
FAQ About TJFPS:
What is the purpose of the club?
The purpose of the club is to prepare its members for the annual FPS competitions.
When and where does the club meet?
We meet Friday A blocks in room 204.
Who is the sponsor?
The sponsor is Ms. Waterfall.
Who are the officers?
The 2008-2009 officers are:
President: Lily Hsiang
Vice President: Ellen Huang
Treasurer: So-Jung Youn
Secretary: Allison Koenecke
Publicist: Cindy Zhang
Webmaster: Roneil Rumburg
FAQ About FPS In General:
What does FPS stand for?
FPS stands for Future Problem Solving.
What is FPS?
Future Problem Solving is a yearlong educational program that combines the rigorous intellectual challenge of creative problem solving with an interdisciplinary study of the future.
(As provided by VAFPS)
What are the components of FPS?
1. Team Problem Solving
Under the guidance of a teacher/coaches, teams of four students in grades 4-12 use the FPSP six-step model to explore challenges and propose action plans to complex societal problems, such as fads, financial security, amateur sports, the Internet and genetic engineering
Teams are divided into three divisions:
Grades 4 - 6 (Junior)
Grades 7 - 9 (Middle)
Grades 10 - 12 (Senior)
Teams complete two practice problems and one qualifying problem throughout the school year. Trained evaluators score student work and return it with feedback including suggestions for improvement. The top scoring teams on the qualifying problem are invited to Affiliate FPS Bowls held each spring. The winners of each respective Affiliate FPS Bowl advance to the FPSP International Conference in June.
2. Individual Problem Solving
Individual competition is offered in affiliate programs choosing to administer an individual program. A student works individually rather than as a member of a team. Check with the affiliate director of your respective program for additional information on individual competition.
3. Scenario Writing
Students compose futuristic short stories (1,500 words or less) related to one of the current year's topics. The first place winner in each affiliate program is invited to the FPSP International Conference. Additionally, each affiliate director may submit its top three essays to the International Scenario Writing Competition.
4. Community Problem Solving (CmPS) Teams apply their FPS skills to real problems in their community. A community problem is a problem that exists within the school, local community, region, state or nation. Implementation of the action plan is included in this component. Teams move from hypothetical issues to real world, authentic concerns. The top Community Problem Solving Team projects are invited to the FPSP International Conference in June.
5. Action-based Problem Solving
This year-long, non-competitive component is designed for use in the regular classroom and introduces students to the skills of creative problem solving in a hands-on, non-threatening manner. Teams consisting of four-six students are encouraged to work on two topics, one per semester. Three divisions are offered: Primary (grades K-3), Junior (grades 3-6) and Middle (grades 6-9).
(As provided by FPSPI)
Which components do TJ club members participate in?
TJ club members participate in the team booklet, individual booklet, and scenario writing competitions.
What skills does FPS emphasize?
-Ability to conduct meaningful research
-Concentration and persistence
-Divergent thinking
-Team work
-Convergent thinking
-Elaboration
-Clarity of written expression
-Independence of thought
-Making cause and effect relationships
-Autonomy and accountability
-Fluency of thought (quantity of ideas)
-Flexibility of thought (variety of ideas)
-Respect for the abilities of others
-Ability to organize and focus on tasks
-Originality
-Appreciation of complexity
-Evaluating ideas
-Time management
(as provided by VAFPS)
Is FPS fun?
Yes! Our members always say how much fun they have preparing for the competitions and going to the State Bowl and International Conference trips. Not only do you connect with people from the club, you also create lasting friendships with your team members. That may have sounded cheesy, but it's true! FPS is a great club with great people.