Mustangs' Future Problems Solvers to compete at state bowl

Twenty-seven Westfall students will be attending the Ohio Future Problem Solvers State Bowl in Solon on Saturday.

FPS students have studied the following topics this year: Tourism, Urbanization, Antarctica, and Autonomous Transportation.

The program is more than an academic activity. It’s a transformative experience that equips students with the tools and strategies they need to navigate the challenges of today and the future. By encouraging and developing critical thinking skills, FPS prepares students to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

It fosters creativity and a futuristic mindset, empowering students to become problem solvers of tomorrow.

The following WMS students have been invited to compete at the state level: Emma Reed, Mae Ruff, Ash Collins, Caroline Speakman, Crew Clark, Owen Cotton, Justin Elkins, Mason King, Bridger Barnes, Mya Grabans, Owen Sommers, Jace Peck, Brooklyn Shipley, Mackenzie Smith, Lily Harrison, Kadence Scholz, Avery Howeiler, Cadence Fullen, Seth Brooks, Lucy Wolfe, Lydia burns, Bently Pennington, Grady Harrison, and Wade Pine. The WHS team, which placed first in the state for the qualifying problem, consists of Lauren Barnes, Marianna Packer, Amelia Fisher, and Isabella Patete.

FPS follows a rigorous six-step model that is aligned with National Curriculum Standards and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Standards. This model guides students through a comprehensive problem-solving process, from identifying challenges to developing an action plan. In teams of four, students research and investigate three to five topics in three category areas: social and cultural, science and technology, and business and economics. They then produce an eleven-page booklet in just two hours, showcasing their in-depth understanding and innovative solutions.

Future Problem Solving begins with an imagined future, a future scene based on a given topic. After researching the topic and analyzing the future scene, students employ the six-step FPS model:

Step 1: Identify ChallengesStep 2: Select an Underlying ProblemStep 3: Produce Solution IdeasStep 4: Generate and Select Criteria (to apply to solution ideas)Step 5: Apply Criteria (to solution ideas)Step 6: Develop an Action Plan

Students work in teams of four students and complete three-team booklets during the academic year. Each team booklet (problem) is completed and sent to the FPSP affiliate program office for evaluation. The seven teams from Westfall Middle and High School were ranked highest in Ohio for their booklet evaluated in February on Autonomous Transportation.

“As these students continue to explore and innovate in the realm of future problem-solving, their accomplishments stand as a shining example of what can be achieved through teamwork, dedication, and a passion for making a positive impact in the world,” said Emily Clark, Communications Director for Westfall Schools. “Congratulations to the students and educators of Westfall Middle and High School for their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence in the Future Problem Solvers program.”