Knightly News

It is remarkable what inquisitive sixth graders can do with a little tinfoil, duct tape, pool noodles, paper towels and garbage bags. Recently, students tackled a problem previously posed by the Future Problem Solving Program International. Students were given a futuristic scenario set in the year 2065 in which a corporate giant dominates the fish hatchery industry. The fictitious Poseidon Company is genetically modifying fish to be rich in iron and protein. The company donates 20% of the fish to nations in poverty to assist with world hunger, but is this practice really a good thing? Students were challenged to identify problems and possible solutions for this scenario.

Co-teachers Virginia Day and  Elizabeth Lewis say the project exercised the students’ critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving skills. In Day’s social studies class, students are studying agriculture, which includes growing crops and raising and domesticating animals. Students are learning about past, present and future agriculture practices, making the Future Problem Solvers challenge an ideal fit. As students worked on their problems and solutions, Day interjected highlights from previous classroom discussions, connecting the dots to the curriculum. After discovering a problem and developing a solution, students wrote an action plan. The final step in the process was to create a skit illustrating what they learned and how their solution would address the problem.

“I’m kind of blown away at the skits,” said Day as students wrapped up a round of presentations. Using the designated supplies, students addressed everything from challenges for vegetarians and people with fish allergies to health risks of consuming large amounts of genetically modified foods. Tinfoil became aprons, and duct tape transformed into a microphone. Students certainly flexed their creative capabilities.

Dr. Lewis says the social studies lesson is just one example of how problem-solving exercisescan enhance the curriculum. Incorporating a problem-solving challenge can also engage students and provide them the opportunity to think critically, which is a key component of an Episcopal education.

Future Problem Solving Program International’s mission is “to develop the ability of young people globally to design and achieve positive futures through problem solving using critical and creative thinking.” According to the FPSPI website, the program was developed in 1974 by Dr. E. Paul Torrance. Since that time thousands of students in grades fourth – twelfth have participated in its problem-solving challenges.

For the last 50+ years, Episcopal faculty and staff have prepared students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Alumni are making a difference all over the world. No doubt, this sixth grade class of problem solvers will continue this legacy. It will be exciting to see how they shape the future. 

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