Challenging students across the country to use problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills; Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association have kick off the 24th Annual Toshiba /NTSA ExploraVision program by officially opening a call for entries. Until February 1, 2016, students in grades K-12 can enter to compete for an array of prizes, including a $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond.
“We are very proud to sponsor the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision program for the 24th consecutive year. At Toshiba, we are committed to the growth and development of the next generation of innovators, and we believe that the core of STEM lies in both inspiration and creativity,” said Mr. Yoshi Uchiyama, Toshiba America Inc.’s VP, Business Planning, Corp. Communication & CSR.
Teams of two to four students (accompanied by a teacher and optional adult mentor) will compete in one of four grade level groups: primary (K-3), upper elementary (4-6), middle level (7-9) and high school (10-12). Each team is challenged to conduct scientific research and modern technologies in order to design a realistic technology that could exist in 20 years. Throughout the design process, students are encouraged to implement the science and engineering practices of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) – like Planning and Carrying Out Investigations, and Analyzing and Interpreting Data.
Having developed over 350,000 students’ interest in STEM education since 1992, the program has generated several wining projects radiating scientific innovation and creativity including “a hearing aid product that recharges by converting body heat into electrical charge, a pair of SportaVision smart goggles that create a virtual playing field and an external microbial cleansing device that quickly and efficiently removes bacteria, fungi, viruses and toxins in the blood.”
“The ExploraVision competition highlights the amazing potential of students today,” said Dr. David Evans, NSTA Executive Director. “The caliber of the projects and the ingenuity that comes out of this competition serves as an inspirational reminder of what can come from nurturing students’ natural curiosity in science.”
Enter today!
