Sep 6, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Calling All Future Innovators: Toshiba and National Science Teachers Association Officially Invite Entries into 26th Annual ExploraVision Competition

Today, Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) are kicking off the 26th annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision program, officially opening registration for entries. Sponsored by Toshiba and administered by NSTA, the ExploraVision program challenges participants to use problem-solving, critical thinking and team-building skills to imagine solutions to real-life issues. Student participants will have a chance to win a number of prizes, including $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bonds (at maturity). Registration is now open until February 8, 2018 at ExploraVision.org.

Teams of two to four students are challenged to research scientific principles and current technologies to design innovations that could exist in 20 years to solve a problem facing the world. With support from a teacher and an optional mentor, students simulate real scientific research to outline how they plan to execute their ideas and create mock websites to illustrate their concepts. Last year’s winning projects ranged from a food allergy-detecting watch to an efficient and environmentally-friendly new battery technology.

Since the program launched in 1992, ExploraVision has helped more than 375,000 students across the United States and Canada develop lifelong passions for STEM-related subjects. The competition helps teachers to encourage students and engage them in many of the science and engineering practices found in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) — such as asking questions and defining problems, planning and carrying out investigations, and analyzing and interpreting data.

“We are proud to be a sponsor of the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision program for its 26th consecutive year,” said Fumio Otani, Chairman & CEO, Toshiba America, Inc. “We believe that a passion for STEM education is grounded in inspiration and creativity from a young age. At Toshiba, we are committed to giving the future innovators of the world the opportunity to grow and develop the skills needed to make their incredible visions become the future.”

“Today’s generation of students are more impressive than ever,” said Dr. David Evans, NSTA Executive Director. “Since its inception, the ExploraVision competition has served as a dynamic learning tool for educators, complementing national STEM education initiatives by encouraging participants to advance their problem solving and creative collaboration skills.”

Competition Opportunities & Prizes for Students

Student teams compete in groups based on their grade levels: primary (K-3), upper elementary (4-6), middle level (7-9), and high school (10-12). There are two winner phases to the competition – regional and national. The 24 winning teams from six regions across the United States and Canada will receive a Toshiba laptop for their school, and each member of the team will receive additional science and technology-related gifts.

For the national phase, members of first-place nationally winning teams each receive a $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond (at maturity). Members of second place nationally winning teams will each receive a $5,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond (at maturity). Canadian winners receive Canada bonds purchased for the equivalent issue price in Canadian dollars. All first and second place national winners will receive an expense-paid trip for themselves, their parents/guardians, teachers and mentors to Washington, D.C. for a gala awards weekend in June 2018. Activities will include a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and a Science Showcase during which the students will display and demonstrate their winning ideas, while also being formally recognized for their creativity and accomplishments.

Teachers looking to add project-based learning to your classrooms can visit exploravision.org/tips-for-teachers to receive free PDFs with tips on engaging elementary, middle and high school-aged students in STEM project-based learning.

To register for the 2017/2018 competition, visit www.exploravision.org. Follow ExploraVision on Twitter at @ToshibaInnovate and Facebook www.Facebook.com/ToshibaInnovation for updates on the program.

About Toshiba

For over 140 years, Toshiba Corporation has contributed to a sustainable future by applying innovative technologies to value creation. Today, our business domains are centered on the essential infrastructure that supports modern life and society. Guided by the principles of The Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future”, Toshiba promotes global operations that contribute to realization of a world where generations to come can live better lives.

About Toshiba America, Inc.

Founded in 1965, Toshiba America, Inc. (TAI) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Toshiba Corporation and the holding company of seven Toshiba operating companies that offer a broad range of products and solutions for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The seven companies, which along with TAI are known collectively as Toshiba America Group, are Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (Semiconductor and storage solutions), Toshiba America Energy Systems, Corp. (Power generation solutions), Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (Digital products), Toshiba America Nuclear Energy Inc. (Nuclear power solutions), Toshiba International Corporation (Industrial, power electronics & transmission & distribution solutions), Toshiba America LNG Corporation (Liquid natural gas), and Toshiba America Research, Inc.(R&D).

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence in science teaching and learning, preschool through college. NSTA’s membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business representatives, and others involved in science education.