Beyond the Lab – Future Problem Solving

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Length:  1 Semester

Compulsory or Elective: Elective 

Pre-Requisites: Nil 

What will I learn: 

In Year 9 Beyond the Lab – Future Problem-Solving, students will learn how to think creatively, analytically and critically. Throughout the FPS elective, students will master the six-step creative problem-solving process. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to a global issue set 20 years in the future. Students will learn to identify challenges, generate multiple innovative solutions, select the most promising idea, develop a comprehensive action plan, and present their solutions at a national forum through the Future Problem Solving – Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) competition.  

FPS empowers students to analyse future scenarios across various domains, such as technology, environment, social dynamics, and economics. 

FPS provides students effective leadership skills, the ability to generate a wide variety of ideas, and decision-making strategies. Students will have access to the suite of FPS resources during the problem-solving process. Through this program, students will extend their written and verbal communication skills and develop their research proficiency. 

Note: Future Problem Solving (FPS) is an internationally recognised program, and our elective follows its principles and methodologies to ensure a high-quality learning experience for our students.

Note: Semester 2 elective will include a non-competitive entry. Teams will still be able to gain feedback from FPS judges. 

What attributes do I need: 

You need to be someone who likes problem-solving, is a flexible and persistent thinker and has a positive attitude. Be a collaborator.  

What Learner Qualifiers Suit Future Problem Solving: 

  • Works collaboratively with peers
  • Applies knowledge with skills confidently  
  • Demonstrates critical and creative thinking skills 
  • Apply futuristic thinking to tackle challenges of 21st century.
  • Shows perseverance to improve 

How will I be assessed: 

  • Research Assignments 
  • Team Folio (practice problem 1)
  • Individual Folio (practice problem 2 / qualifying problem) 
  • Project evaluations 

YEAR 9 SCIENCE