Wisconsin Future Problem Solving
Welcome to Wisconsin Future Problem Solving, an educational organization for K-12 students that focuses on creative and critical thinking. Our problem solvers learn how to think, not what to think, and gain lifelong skills.
We teach students a 6-Step problem solving process that can be applied in any of our components: Global Issues, Community Projects, Creative Writing, and Storytelling.
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About Us
Our Mission
Wisconsin Future Problem Solving is dedicated to developing the ability of young people globally to design and achieve positive futures through problem solving using critical and creative thinking.
Future Problem Solving, developed by Dr. E. Paul Torrance, proudly celebrates more than 50 years of providing a dynamic, purposeful, learning experience. Our six-step process allows students to alternate between creative thinking to explore new options, and critical thinking to examine possibilities in detail and make thoughtful decisions. Wisconsin Future Problem Solving is an affiliate of Future Problem Solving International.
Wisconsin Association for Talented & Gifted
Our Partner
WATG is dedicated to fostering a climate that allows each individual to reach their unique potential.
watg.org
Click on the image above to visit the international website
Our Components
Global Issues
Students learn about important issues and predict possibilities for the future
Community
Projects
Students focus on an issue in their community and implement solutions to create lasting change.
LEAP
LEarning About Problem Solving
This component is geared for younger primary students. It teaches the 6-step process in a simplified manner.
GLOBAL ISSUES
Registering a GIobal Issues team or individual, a Non-Competitive Global Issues Rookie team allows you to send in their work for evaluation, which provides valuable feedback on how to improve their problem solving skills. Once we receive your registration form, you will be provided with all the materials you need to get started.
$100 Global Issues Team
$50 Global Issues Individual
$70 Global Issues Rookie Team
$60 LEAP Materials (Register any time)
$10 LEAP Challenge Scenes Submission per booklet (submit any time)
For each portion of the year students research and study a topic area, then complete a problem solving booklet based on a Future Scene that is written about the topic of study. A team of evaluators reads the booklet and provides extensive written feedback focused on improvement of writing and thinking skills. The schedule for the year is as follows:
Practice Problem 1 (Due October 24, 2025)
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Topic: Invasive Species
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Steps 1-3 of the process completed
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Coaches may help students in whatever way the deem necessary
Practice Problem 2 (Due December 19, 2025)
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Topic: Space Exploration
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All 6 steps of the process completed
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Coaches may help students in whatever way the deem necessary
Qualifying Problem (Due February 13, 2026)
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Topic: Video Games
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All 5 steps of the process completed
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"Competitive conditions: must be met (2 consecutive hours, unassisted by the coach
State Bowl (April 12-14, 2026)
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Topic: Surveillance
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Location: Green Lake Conference Center
Global Issues Rookie Division
This is a non-competitive component in which teams of students complete the same three problems, but write a shorter booklet with fewer challenges and solutions. There are no time limits.
ENTRY FEES
These fees are paid when the component is submitted.
$25 Creative Writing
$60 Community Project Teams
$50 Community Project Individuals
$25 Storytelling
Entries 2025-26
Creative Writing
Stories and fees are submitted in January and evaluated in February?march. Click the buttons for materials.
Entries due January 16, 2026
Community Projects
Please read the materials carefully and ask for help if you need it.
Teams and individuals work on a project of their choosing for the entire school year. Projects and entry fees are submitted in February and projects are evaluated in February/March. Click the buttons for information and materials.
Project Proposal due December 5, 2025
Project Report due February 27, 2026
Storytelling
Videos and fees are submitted in February and evaluated that month. Click the buttons for materials.
Entries due February 6, 2026
LEAP -- LEarning About
Problem Solving
for grades 1-5
These materials teach a simplified, introductory version of the problem solving process. You may use the materials with an entire class. The fee includes LEAP instructional lessons, 12 lesson plans to introduce problem solving to students, and multiple LEAP challenge scenes. Work can be submitted for feedback any time during the school year for $10 per booklet.
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$60 includes the LEAP Instructional Lessons and LEAP challenge scenes. Use the Registration Form link below to purchase.
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NOTE: Each teacher using the lesson plans should have their own purchased copy of the lessons.
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$10 per booklet: Work on challenge scenes may be submitted any time during the school year. Use the link to the registration form below each time you plan to submit one or more booklets for feedback.
Registration Fees
Global Issues, Community Projects, Creative Writing, Storytelling
Topics and Divisions
Different topics are selected each year. This year's topics are listed below.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Practice Problem 1
Steps 1-3 Submitted
Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause harm to native ecosystems, biodiversity, and even economic activities. Due to a lack of natural competitors or predators, these species often outcompete or prey upon native plants and animals, disrupting the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Invasive species can be plants, animals, or microorganisms, and theby are typically introduced through human activities, such as trade, travel, or deliberate release. The impacts of invasive species are far-reaching and can result in habitat degradation, loss of native species, and economic losses in agriculture and forestry. Prevention, early detection, and management efforts may lessen the damage caused by invasive species. How will we safeguard the biodiversity of our ecosystems against the rising threat on invasive species in the future?
SPACE EXPLORATION
Practice Problem 2
Steps 1-6 Submitted
Space exploration involves the investigation, discovery, and utilization of outer space, including celestial bodies like planets, moons, and stars. It uses spacecraft, satellites, and telescopes to observe and study the universe. It also includes missions to explore, land on and perhaps even establish a human presence on other celestial bodies. Space exploration has yielded remarkable scientific discoveries, including understanding the universe's origins, the search for extraterrestrial life, and telecommunications. It promises to unravel some of the universe's greatest mysteries while pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and achievement. What type of discoveries will continued space exploration lead to?
VIDEO GAMES
Qualifying Problem
Steps 1-6 Submitted
Determines qualifiers for State Bowl
Video games are a popular form of entertainment and interactive media that have evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry. They encompass various digital experiences, from action-packed adventures and strategy games to immersive simulations and educational tools. Video games are typically played on computers, gaming consoles, or mobile devices, and they involve players engaging with digital worlds, characters and challenges. Video games offer diverse experiences where players collaborate or compete with others online. They have become a significant cultural phenomenon and are even recognized as art forms. These games push the boundaries of technology, storytelling, and creativity, influencing not only entertainment, but also fields like education, cognitive sciences and virtual reality. How might evolving gaming technology, laws, and consumer expectations impact the business of video games in the future?
SURVEILLANCE
State Bowl Problem
Steps 1-6 Submitted
Determines qualifiers forWorld Finals
Surveillance is the systematic and continuous monitoring, observation, or tracking of individuals, groups, or activities, often conducted by governments, businesses, organizations, or individuals. Surveillance uses various methods, including electronic surveillance, video monitoring, data collection, and even physical surveillance by law enforcement or intelligence agencies. Surveillance can serve legitimate purposes, such as public safety, national security, and crime prevention. However, it also raises significant privacy and civil liberty concerns. In the digital age, issues surrounding surveillance have become increasingly complex as personal data and online behaviors are subject to investigation by both public and private entities. The struggle to balance between security and privacy is an ongoing debate. How might surveillance be used responsibly to balance public safety with privacy and ethical considerations in the future?
WORLD FINALS
Topic announced March 1
DIVISIONS
JUNIOR DIVISION
Grades 4-6
MIDDLE DIVISION
Grades 7-9
SENIOR DIVISION
Grades 10-12