Each problem solving experience is focused on a specific topic. Through suggestions and voting by students, coaches, and affiliate directors, topics are established by the International FPS Program 2-3 years ahead of time.

• Research the Topic

Learn as much as possible about the topic and its subtopics.

• READ THE FUTURE SCENE
  
  
A Future Scene is a one-page story set in the future and related to the topic. It describes a situation that must be the focus of the problem solving work.

• STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE CHALLENGES
  
  A challenge is a logical cause or effect of the situation in the Future Scene. Explain what the challenge is and why it is a problem.

Brainstorm many possible challenges. Write 16 challenges

• STEP 2: SELECT AND WRITE UNDERLYING PROBLEM
  
  An underlying problem specifies the goal for problem solving. It contains a condition phrase (rationale), a key verb phrase (main goal), a purpose (result of meeting the goal), and is tied to the Future Scene by time, place, and topic.

• STEP 3: PRODUCE SOLUTION IDEAS
  
  Solutions must address the key verb phrase (how might we...) and the purpose (so that...).Explain who will implement the solution, what will be done, how it will work and/or why it is a good idea.

Brainstorm Many Possible Solutions. Write 16 Solutions

• STEP 4: CRITERIA
  
  Criteria are used to evaluate and rank the solutions to a specific underlying problem. Criteria must have one dimension, be in the desired direction, and contain a superlative.

Write 5 Criteria.

• STEP 5: APPLY CRITERIA
  
  Complete the Grid. Use the grid to rank ten of the solutions using one criterion at a time. The best solution is the one with the highest number of total points.

• STEP 6: DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN
  
  The Action Plan describes how the best solution will be implemented. Explain details on how the plan will operate timelines and tasks for implementing the plan, how any problems might be overcome, and the impact of the plan on the Future Scene.