Toshiba Future Tech Competition
Are you an early adopter of new technologies? Do you love to think about what life will be like in the future? Are you amazed to think about how much technology has advanced even in your short life? Consider entering ExploraVision, a competition sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association in which teams propose designs for new technologies that will benefit society. There’s big money at stake - the top two teams win $10,000 and $5,000 savings bonds, respectively.
Jointly sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), ExploraVision encourages collaboration by restricting the competition to group projects. Teams of students in grades K-12 submit designs for new technology that benefits society. A teacher will guide his or her students as they pick a current technology, research it, envision what it might look like in 20 years, and describe the development steps, pros & cons, and obstacles. Past winners have envisioned technologies ranging from a hand-held food allergen detector to a new device to help people who have lost limbs regain movement in real time. Members of first- and second- place teams each receive a $10,000 and $5,000 savings bond, respectively, and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony. Although all participants win gifts and discounts, the top four teams receive US Savings Bonds worth $10,000 for each student.
How do I get started? Click here.
How do I expand this narrative arc? If you are interested in ways to use technology to improve society consider one of these other opportunities to expand and deepen your story:
Join a global collaborative learning adventure to create a vessel that creates zero emissions and zero waste with Project Z-Nev
Build green technology at one of the intensive and highly rewarding summer programs at Cooper Union
Design a nature-inspired solution to a climate change problem in the Biomimicry Institute’s Design Challenge
HOT TIP: Think about bringing ExploraVision or another competition like it into your school. Ask a science teacher to modify the curriculum to encourage the class to participate. It’s a great way to learn on your feet and, as an added bonus, there are major prizes at stake!