Meet the Global Problem Solvers: Adrien, Beela, Cristina, Kelile, Putri, and Satoshi. They are teenagers who each possess a unique skill to solve social problems. Putri, the team leader, summons the teens to an airship and identifies their first challenge: to provide access to clean drinking water in Malawi. With guidance and help from the Malawi people, the team devises a solution: sensor technology that will notify local technicians when a well needs repair.

A massive hurricane has hit the Gulf Coast of the United States. Internet video star Ivy Stormcatcher enlists the help of her friends, the Global Problem Solvers, to devise a solution for students whose schools have shut down as a result. The team develops a solar-powered, emergency classroom kit that will allow a teacher to create a “pop-up” classroom at a shelter. The Global Problem Solvers just need a few small things for the kit to be successful: drivable roads, some sunlight, and a dry, quiet space to conduct a class.

WATCH HOW YOU CAN INSPIRE GLOBAL PROBLEM SOLVERS

Global Problem Solvers: The Series is a free program available from Cisco Corporate Social Responsibility to promote social entrepreneurship in the classroom. Download the Teacher’s Guide now to see for yourself how Global Problem Solvers: The Series can complement your existing curriculum and engage your students in an exciting new way.

Global Problem Solvers: The Series has been designed as a supplemental resource for use by middle school teachers and students in grades 4-8 around the world. Schools have identified its applicability to younger and older students as well.

We always welcome you to share your ideas for how you’re using Global Problem Solvers: The Series in the classroom so that we can share best practices with other educators.

DOWNLOAD THE TEACHING GUIDES:

Season 1: Working Well

Season 2: Storm Force

Global Problem Solvers STEM Lesson Plans from Science Buddies

Additional Video Resources

The Putri Files: Interview with Social Entrepreneur Katherine Clayton (smartphone water testing):

The Putri Files - Katherine Clayton from Global Problem Solvers on Vimeo.

The Putri Files: Interview with Social Entrepreneur Ritish Patnaik (cancer screening device):

The Putri Files - Ritish Patnaik from Global Problem Solvers on Vimeo.

The Putri Files: Interview with Social Entrepreneur Sona Shah (infant vital signs monitor):

The Putri Files - Sona Shah from Global Problem Solvers on Vimeo.

The Putri Files: Interview with Social Entrepreneur Soraya Fouladi (offline education device):

The Putri Files - Soraya Fouladi from Global Problem Solvers on Vimeo.

The Putri Files: Interview with Student Team from Phoenix, Arizona:

The Putri Files - Arizona from Global Problem Solvers on Vimeo.

The Putri Files: Interview with Social Entrepreneur Wawira Njiru (Food for Education)

Mini Documentary: Global Problem Solvers in Phoenix, Arizona Middle Schools

GPS Arizona Documentary from Global Problem Solvers on Vimeo.