"A movement of millions of students imagining and building futures."
Who
Emmy® winning producers, experts in STEAM education, futurists, and a team just crazy-smart enough to make learning this fun!
What
How do we help children meet the future?
By giving them opportunities to practice shaping it.
By giving them opportunities to practice shaping it.
Where
In-school, out-of-school, summer camps, at home, everywhere kids are -- and it's FREE!
When
Sign-Up now!
Future Thing Challenge California Season 3 starts September 2026 - Finale April 2027
Future Thing Challenge California Season 3 starts September 2026 - Finale April 2027
What's included...
Challenge
Surprise
Event
Training
Get Access
Be part of something big
Presenting their vision of the future.
Staff
Students
School Sites
Frequently asked questions
What is Future Thing?
Think the TV show Chopped meets College Game Day. Fun competition with frenzied action!
Future Thing is a team-based experience where students imagine and build solutions for real-world challenges. Working in teams, students work with a mystery box of materials and a surprise prompt. They then have a limited amount of time to collaborate, create, and present their ideas.
Future Thing includes curriculum, training and the SmarterWorld Café. This is our third season of Future Thing Challenge, the first two were wildly successful and we're very excited to bring you Season 3.
In 2026-2027 (Season 3) Future Thing is available throughout California. Other states and countries will be added in the near future.
Future Thing is a team-based experience where students imagine and build solutions for real-world challenges. Working in teams, students work with a mystery box of materials and a surprise prompt. They then have a limited amount of time to collaborate, create, and present their ideas.
More than a competition, Future Thing is an opportunity for young people to practice the skills that matter most in a rapidly changing world: Creativity, Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Communication, and Adaptability. Students learn that they do not need to have all the answers. They simply need the confidence to explore possibilities, work with others, and turn ideas into action.
The goal is not simply to win. The goal is to help students discover that they have the ability to shape what comes next.
Future Thing includes curriculum, training and the SmarterWorld Café. This is our third season of Future Thing Challenge, the first two were wildly successful and we're very excited to bring you Season 3.
In 2026-2027 (Season 3) Future Thing is available throughout California. Other states and countries will be added in the near future.
How do I sign-up?
Easy!! Above these FAQs you'll see "Get Access." Just complete the form--a few basic questions--then hit submit and that's it. You'll get a confirmation from us and access to the Future Thing project materials and curriculum. If you have any questions please contact us at (email) amy@giftcalifornia.org or (text) 831-250-5500.
How does this work?
Future Thing is designed for every student!
At the beginning of the season (around September, once signed-up) students participate in practice challenges where they learn the Future Thing process, work with teammates, and experience the excitement of turning ideas into action. No prior experience is required. Your students can opt-in and join Future Thing at anytime. Note, the later in the school year (season) you opt-in the less time you'll have to practice.
Throughout the season, teams participate in a series of Future Thing challenges. During each challenge, students work with a mystery box, a real-world challenge prompt (there is a surprise prompt too), and materials. Working together, they have a limited amount of time to imagine, design, and build; then present their idea.
Teams earn points throughout the season for creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Top teams advance through local and regional rounds, culminating in the Future Thing Championship California—a celebration of imagination, innovation, and possibility.
The championship event brings together finalist teams from participating schools and communities to compete in live challenges, share their ideas, and showcase their creations. More than a competition, the championship is a celebration of young people who are learning to imagine and build possible futures.
Future Thing is not about finding the right answer. It is about developing the confidence to explore the unknown, work with others, and create what comes next.
Are supplies or materials needed?
Future Thing Standard Kit:
Every school site educator, parent, receives a materials list and a How-To Guide.
Parents, teachers, school / after-school sites collect the materials. Most of these materials are easily found, readily available at school, in classrooms or at home (and offices).
Core Materials
Every site will likely have:
Cardboard
Paper
Paper cups
String/yarn
Popsicle sticks
Tape
Rubber bands
Markers
Scissors
Aluminum foil
Plastic containers
Bonus Materials
Optional:
Pipe cleaners
Craft sticks
Balloons
Clothespins
Bottle caps
Egg cartons
Straws
"Wild Card" Materials Collected locally:
Recyclables
Boxes
Packaging
Natural materials
Now Comes the Twist
The "Mystery Box" isn't really the box.
The mystery is the challenge.
Think about the TV Show Chopped.
It's not about the basket it's about the ingredients. The ingredients matter because they are unusual, not the basket.
In Future Thing the prompt matters more than the materials and the box.
In the Future Thing curriculum are the Prompts (and Surprises). Teachers, staff and/or parents simple print the prompts (or show them on-screen). The Future Thing How-To Guide makes implementing the project super easy and fun.
We recommend:
Each site creates a Future Thing Supplies Bin
One large tub, box or table
All teams draw from the same materials pool.
Then the surprise prompt is revealed.
This dramatically simplifies operations at the school site or at home.
Every school site educator, parent, receives a materials list and a How-To Guide.
Parents, teachers, school / after-school sites collect the materials. Most of these materials are easily found, readily available at school, in classrooms or at home (and offices).
Core Materials
Every site will likely have:
Cardboard
Paper
Paper cups
String/yarn
Popsicle sticks
Tape
Rubber bands
Markers
Scissors
Aluminum foil
Plastic containers
Bonus Materials
Optional:
Pipe cleaners
Craft sticks
Balloons
Clothespins
Bottle caps
Egg cartons
Straws
"Wild Card" Materials Collected locally:
Recyclables
Boxes
Packaging
Natural materials
Now Comes the Twist
The "Mystery Box" isn't really the box.
The mystery is the challenge.
Think about the TV Show Chopped.
It's not about the basket it's about the ingredients. The ingredients matter because they are unusual, not the basket.
In Future Thing the prompt matters more than the materials and the box.
In the Future Thing curriculum are the Prompts (and Surprises). Teachers, staff and/or parents simple print the prompts (or show them on-screen). The Future Thing How-To Guide makes implementing the project super easy and fun.
We recommend:
Each site creates a Future Thing Supplies Bin
One large tub, box or table
All teams draw from the same materials pool.
Then the surprise prompt is revealed.
This dramatically simplifies operations at the school site or at home.
What training is included?
There are FREE trainings available to you. Future Thing is pretty easy to understand so only minimal training is needed. That said, trainings are provided virtually (live and on-demand), as well as in-person sessions scheduled by school sites.
What age or grade is this designed for?
Elementary, Middle School and High students. Although we do not go by "grades" per se, we prefer "Levels" which provides for an entry point into the challenge based on the students skills rather than age or grade. Future Thing Challenge has been designed to match the learning level of students from Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School and High School.
How long does the Challenge take to implement?
Future Thing Challenge can take as little as a few days or can be implemented over a period of weeks or months. The time the project takes depends on how much time you want to give your students to practice. The date for The Future Thing Challenge California finale is in April, 2027.
Practice Challenges and Scoring
"Future Thing Starter Challenge."
Every team can run introductory challenge(s), you can practice as many challenges as you wish. The prompts for practice challenges are included in the curriculum. "Scoring and Advancement to Finale Event" is determined locally by each teacher or after-school staff, often using local industry "experts" as judges. (See list of Awards in the FAQ).
Here are the steps in the process of Future Thing:
Future Thing Season 3 (September - March)
Step 2
Every team can run introductory challenge(s), you can practice as many challenges as you wish. The prompts for practice challenges are included in the curriculum. "Scoring and Advancement to Finale Event" is determined locally by each teacher or after-school staff, often using local industry "experts" as judges. (See list of Awards in the FAQ).
Here are the steps in the process of Future Thing:
Future Thing Season 3 (September - March)
Step 1
Every participating site receives:
- Facilitator Guide
- Prompt Deck
- Scoring Rubric (provided in the curriculum; see below FAQ for list of Awards/Points)
- Certificates)
Step 2
Each site runs:
- 3–5 Future Thing Challenges
- Students practice.
- Compete.
- Build.
- Present.
Step 3
At each school site or after-school program:
Judges score teams.
Top team(s) advance.
That's it.
No statewide leaderboard.
No complicated point system.
Why? Because the question isn't: Which team in California scored XYZ points.
The question is:
Which teams impressed local judges with their innovative and creative thinking enough to advance?
Much simpler.
Much more human.
California Championship (April 2027)
Finale Event features:
Approximately 10-20 teams
Event takes place in Silicon Valley
One-day event.
Big show.
The Travel Question
We do NOT want to require families to fly.
Regional winners travel by:
- Car
- Van
- School or organization bus
- Family transport
Championship location is drivable. (Central Coast California)
Who Pays?
Local organizations pay, in part via local sponsors or funding
Sponsors or Grants
Finale Championship occurs in April. Date TBD
Awards (see next FAQ)
Finale Championship occurs in April. Date TBD
Awards (see next FAQ)
Championship
The Championship feels like a celebration, a festival of imagination!
Opening ceremony. Team introductions. Live challenge rounds. Student showcases. Parent and student audience. Music. Emcee. Awards. Almost like a mini Olympics for future builders!
Teams participate in a finale Challenge with mystery box, prompts and materials provide at the Championship Event.
Industry Experts assign points to each team, awards are given to all teams for demonstration of excellence is a variety of categories (see Awards).
Location of the Championship is planned for Silicon Valley, CA.
Opening ceremony. Team introductions. Live challenge rounds. Student showcases. Parent and student audience. Music. Emcee. Awards. Almost like a mini Olympics for future builders!
Teams participate in a finale Challenge with mystery box, prompts and materials provide at the Championship Event.
Industry Experts assign points to each team, awards are given to all teams for demonstration of excellence is a variety of categories (see Awards).
Location of the Championship is planned for Silicon Valley, CA.
Awards
Future Thing California Awards
Industry experts award points and recognitions across multiple dimensions.
🚀 Future Builder Award For the team whose idea demonstrates the greatest potential impact on the future.
💡 Creativity Award For the most original and imaginative solution.
🔧 Inventiveness Award For the cleverest use of materials and resources.
🌟 Uniqueness Award For a solution unlike anything else presented.
❤️ Human Impact Award For the idea most likely to improve people's lives.
🤝 Collaboration Award For outstanding teamwork and communication.
🎤 Storytelling Award For the clearest and most compelling presentation.
🌍 Global Perspective Award For considering diverse people, communities, or cultures.
🔄 Adaptability Award For responding creatively to unexpected constraints or changes.
⚡ Courageous Thinking Award For taking a bold risk or pursuing an unconventional idea.
🎯 Practical Innovation Award For the solution most likely to work in the real world.
🧠 Systems Thinker Award For demonstrating an understanding of how multiple factors connect.
🌱 Sustainable Future Award For considering long-term environmental and social impact.
🔮 Future Vision Award For the team that most effectively imagined what comes next.
Signature award--The Threshold Award
Presented to the team that demonstrated exceptional imagination, courage, and possibility while stepping into the unknown.
Industry experts award points and recognitions across multiple dimensions.
🚀 Future Builder Award For the team whose idea demonstrates the greatest potential impact on the future.
💡 Creativity Award For the most original and imaginative solution.
🔧 Inventiveness Award For the cleverest use of materials and resources.
🌟 Uniqueness Award For a solution unlike anything else presented.
❤️ Human Impact Award For the idea most likely to improve people's lives.
🤝 Collaboration Award For outstanding teamwork and communication.
🎤 Storytelling Award For the clearest and most compelling presentation.
🌍 Global Perspective Award For considering diverse people, communities, or cultures.
🔄 Adaptability Award For responding creatively to unexpected constraints or changes.
⚡ Courageous Thinking Award For taking a bold risk or pursuing an unconventional idea.
🎯 Practical Innovation Award For the solution most likely to work in the real world.
🧠 Systems Thinker Award For demonstrating an understanding of how multiple factors connect.
🌱 Sustainable Future Award For considering long-term environmental and social impact.
🔮 Future Vision Award For the team that most effectively imagined what comes next.
Signature award--The Threshold Award
Presented to the team that demonstrated exceptional imagination, courage, and possibility while stepping into the unknown.
Still thinking about it? Contact us.
Helping Teachers, Parents and Students Prepare for an Exponentially Changing Future
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