About ExploraVision
Designed for K–12 students of all interest, skill and ability levels, ExploraVision encourages kids to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science. All inventions and innovations result from creative thinking and problem solving. That's what ExploraVision is all about.
Since 1992, more than 245,000 students from across the United States and Canada have competed in ExploraVision. But this is much more than a contest. ExploraVision can be the beginning of a lifelong adventure in science, as students develop higher-order thinking skills and learn to think about their role in the future.
Click here to learn more about the entry process
Why should students participate?
- First of all, ExploraVision is fun!
- ExploraVision can help all students — even those who haven't been high achievers — become interested in science and technology as they apply to everyday life (many inventors were average students or had difficulties in school)
- It's an excellent way to learn how to collaborate in groups on an interdisciplinary project
- Everyone who enters is a winner! All entrants have the opportunity to be recognized for their good ideas and to win prizes
"My interest level in the sciences has been growing steadily and, as a 12-year-old student, I have gained a lot of confidence in my capabilities, in large part as a result of your tremendous program..."
— Erica Cwiek, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan (1996 Winner, 7–9 Level)
Why Should Teachers Participate?
ExploraVision is an excellent way to incorporate the National Science Education Standards into your class and is administered by the National Science Teachers Association. At the same time, the competition can motivate your students and help them learn to organize and convey their knowledge more effectively. Students also gain advanced communication skills that will prepare them well for the 21st-century workplace. ExploraVision offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in a nationally-recognized science competition.
"The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards program is a hands-on/minds-on project. It is what science is all about. It permits students to think of themselves as investigators. They learn new ways to approach problems. They learn how to make connections to their existing knowledge base. They learn to visualize and invent in reference to what is known. And most important, they learn how to think and work as a team."
— Diana Celle, Holmes Elementary School, San Diego, California
At East Literature Magnet School in Nashville, Tennessee, every one of the 300 students in grades 6–12 participated in ExploraVision. As part of the process, the teachers and parents created a Saturday "East ExploraVision Symposium." The student teams presented their projects before a panel of four — including a non-science teacher, a parent, a community representative and an expert in science and technology. Every student gained valuable scientific forum experience and greatly strengthened his or her verbal presentation skills.
