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TOSHIBA AND NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION LAUNCH 22ND ANNUAL EXPLORAVISION COMPETITION

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Registration is open for the 22nd annual ExploraVision program, the world’s largest K-12 science competition. The program, sponsored by Toshiba and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), builds problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills that are central to the Next Generation Science Standards. Students have a chance to win $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bonds (at maturity) and other great prizes. Registration is open until January 30, 2014 atExploraVision.org.

ExploraVision encourages K-12 students to imagine what technology might be like in 20 years, helping children expand their imagination and have fun while developing an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education at an early age. To best align with the Next Generation Science Standards, students are required to propose an idea for a new technology based on a challenge or limitation of what already exists, simulate real scientific research to outline how they plan to test their idea and build a webpage to further illustrate their concept. Past winners have envisioned technologies ranging from a hand-held food allergen detector to a new device that helps people who have lost limbs regain movement in real time. Since its inception in 1992, more than 315,000 students from across the United States and Canada have participated in the ExploraVision program.

“Toshiba was founded with a strong commitment to technological innovation, and a passion for science and technology education. The future of our company, and the industry as a whole, depends on it. We are proud to sponsor ExploraVision for the 22nd year and continue to inspire the next generation of scientists and inventors,” said Mr. Masaaki Osumi, Toshiba America Inc.’s Chairman and CEO, and Toshiba’s Corporate Representative for the Americas.

“ExploraVision gives K-12 educators a dynamic teaching tool that complements today’s nationwide education initiatives. By emphasizing teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, ExploraVision helps to promote and strengthen science learning among students while sparking their imaginations in the STEM disciplines,” said Dr. David Evans, NSTA Executive Director.

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Student teams of two to four (with a teacher and adult mentor) 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 Toshiba technology.

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 their parents/guardians, teacher and mentors to Washington, D.C. for a gala awards weekend in June 2014. 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. The highlight of the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision weekend will be a gala awards banquet and ceremony where students will be formally recognized for their creativity and accomplishments.

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Beyond providing a fun, hands-on learning experience, ExploraVision also has benefits for teachers. Teachers can utilize the program broadly and use it as an opportunity to work towards the goals of the Next Generation Science Standards. To help teachers integrate ExploraVision into their curriculum, Toshiba and NSTA will host a free, interactive web seminars calledWhat Is ExploraVision and How Can I Use It in My Classroom?” on September 26 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST. Teachers can sign up at the Learning Center at www.NSTA.org. The teacher who submits the most projects in each grade category will win a Toshiba tablet, and the school that submits the largest number of eligible projects will win $1,000 worth of Toshiba technology.

For more information or an application for the 2013/2014 program, visit www.exploravision.org or e-mail exploravision@nsta.org. Follow ExploraVision on Twitter at@ToshibaInnovate or join the ExploraVision Facebook Fan Page atwww.Facebook.com/ToshibaInnovation.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and employs over 20,000 people in North America and Toshiba America, Inc., is the holding company for five Toshiba operating companies in the United States.

Toshiba’s North-America based companies and some of their chief products are as follows: Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (Semiconductors, Flash Memory-Based Storage Solutions, LCD, custom chips, and Hard Disk Drives);Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (Laptop Computers, Telephony Products, Flat Panel LCD TVs, and portable products);Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (Copiers, Facsimiles, Printers); Toshiba International Corporation (Motors, Motor Controls, Power Electronics, Power Generation Equipment, Automation); Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. (Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance, X-ray and Ultrasound);Toshiba America Nuclear Energy Corporation (Advanced Boiling Water Nuclear Reactors); Toshiba America Foundation (Supports science and mathematics education across the United States) andToshiba of Canada, Ltd. (Made up of four operating divisions).

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association(NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

Contacts

Ketchum
Diana Garrett, (646) 935-4065
Diana.Garrett@ketchum.com
or
National Science Teachers Association
Kate Falk, (703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org

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