International Problem Solvers

June 16, 2009

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On May 22, three Year 11 students, Alex Holloway, Bren Moushall and myself, set off to the USA to compete in the Future Problem Solving Program International Conference in the Community Problem Solving Division.

The three boys and two teachers, Miss Chan and Mrs Riordan, first stopped in Iowa for homestay, which included experiencing Iowa, meeting many local people and a day in a local school. After five days of living with typical American families, who all offered their hospitality cheerfully and generously, the boys joined the teachers and travelled to Michigan State University, the venue of the competition.

The competition involved presenting the work we have done in our chosen area of concern; Graffiti in the Nudgee College Community. We did this through a written report, booth display, scrapbook, video presentation and an on-site interview with two evaluators. Time was also taken to explore Lansing and the university campus.

We did not receive a place however, this is of no deterrence to us boys who were happy with the effort we gave. For the last leg of the trip, we travelled to Los Angeles for a few days before flying home. Attractions visited included Universal Studios, Venice Beach and Beverly Hills.

With the first attempt at the International Conference completed, the future looks bright for the next Nudgee College Future Problem Solvers Program teams. This includes students in the current Year 10 Personal Enrichment class.

Thank you to all the people who made this trip possible.

-- Michael Potts

The Future Problem Solvers Program challenges bright, motivated youngsters to use their imagination in applying learned information and advance thinking strategies. Nudgee College Year 10 Personal Enrichment students compete in the Future Problems Solvers Program each year as part of their studies.
Students are required to submit reports on their chosen topic to be judged. The teams with the highest scores in the qualifying rounds are invited to attend the national finals which in 2008 were held in Melbourne. The top two teams from the national finals are then invited to attend the International Conference.