Returning for its 33rd year of inspiring innovation in the next generation of scientists, the annual ExploraVision science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competition is now open for entries. The program, sponsored by Toshiba and administered by National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), challenges students to use problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork to imagine solutions to real-life issues. Participants will have a chance to win prizes, including $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bonds (at maturity). Registration is open until January 31, 2025, at ExploraVision.org.
Through the competition, teams of two to four students are challenged to identify a problem facing the world, research scientific principles and current technologies, and design innovative solutions that could exist in the next 10 or more years. Semi-finalists then create websites and prototypes to bring these concepts to life. The competition cumulates in Washington, D.C. where winners present their ideas to executives from Toshiba, NSTA and other VIPs. Last year’s winning ideas ranged from AI equipped skin cancer or allergen detectors to genetically modified tree protein and mycelial batteries for sustainable carbon emission reduction and energy storage solutions.
“We are thrilled to continue our sponsorship of the ExploraVision program for the 33rd consecutive year,” said Ken Takagi, Chairman & CEO, Toshiba America, Inc. “As a former engineer, I know firsthand the power of fostering a passion for STEM from a young age. And at Toshiba, we believe this passion is key to empowering the next generation of innovators and to realizing a brighter future for our world. We’re looking forward to seeing what the next generation of STEM professionals invent this year, and our continued partnership with NSTA around this initiative.”
Since the program launched in 1992, ExploraVision has helped nearly 450,000 students across the United States and Canada to cultivate a life-long passion for STEM. The competition provides a turnkey solution for teachers to excite, educate and engage students, virtually and in person, in the science and engineering practices found in the Next Generation Science Standards – such as asking questions and defining problems, planning and carrying out investigations, and analyzing and interpreting data.
“It’s truly inspiring to see what unfolds when students are empowered to fuse their creativity and curiosity with STEM learning,” said Alicia Conerly, Ed.D., president of NSTA. “The possibilities for using science, technology, engineering, and math to shape a brighter future are boundless! ExploraVision challenges students to push the limits of their imagination, tackle real-world problems, and think outside the box to develop extraordinary innovations. I can’t wait to be amazed by what they come up with this year!”
Competition Opportunities and 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 finalist phases to the competition, regional and national. In the regional phase, the 24 winning teams from six regions across the United States and Canada will receive a plaque for their school, and each member of the team will receive a Chromebook and additional prizes.
In 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. If health and safety considerations allow, all first- and second-place national winners will receive an expense-paid trip for themselves, their parents/guardians and teachers or mentors to Washington, D.C. for an awards weekend in June 2025. Activities will include a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and a Science Showcase where 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 the classrooms can visit https://www.exploravision.org/lesson-plans-for-teachers to receive free downloadable STEM lesson plans.
To enter for the 2024/2025 competition, visit www.exploravision.org. Follow ExploraVision on X (formerly Twitter) at x.com/ToshibaAmerica and Facebook www.Facebook.com/ToshibaAmerica for updates on the program.
About Toshiba
Toshiba Corporation leads a global group of companies that combines knowledge and capabilities from almost 150 years of experience in a wide range of businesses—from energy and social infrastructure to electronic devices—with world-class capabilities in information processing, digital and AI technologies. These distinctive strengths support Toshiba in building infrastructure that everyone can enjoy, and a connected data society, and in achieving the Company’s ultimate goal, a future that realizes carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Guided by the Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future,” Toshiba contributes to society’s positive development with services and solutions that lead to a better world. The Group and its 105,000 employees worldwide secured annual sales of 3.3 trillion yen in fiscal year 2023. For more information, follow Toshiba Corporation on LinkedIn.
About Toshiba America, Inc.
Founded in 1965, Toshiba America, Inc. (TAI) is a subsidiary of Tokyo–based Toshiba Corporation and the holding company of three Toshiba operating companies that offer a broad range of products and solutions for the commercial, energy and industrial sectors. The three companies, which along with TAI are known collectively as Toshiba America Group, are Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (Semiconductor & data storage solutions), Toshiba America Energy Systems, Corp. (Power generation solutions), Toshiba International Corporation (Industrial, power electronics & transmission & distribution solutions), and a Toshiba America Company, Toshiba America Business Solutions (Multifunction printers, label and receipt printers, digital signage, managed print services, and cloud solutions).
About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org, or follow NSTA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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