Established in 1992, The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision program has become one of the largest and most widely known K-12 student science awards, with approximately one quarter million student participants to date. Sponsored by Toshiba Corporation, the Toshiba America Group Companies and the Toshiba America Foundation, the program is administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

ExploraVision helps students discover the wonders of science and the world. Winners receive generous savings bonds and Toshiba products. In the ExploraVision program, students choose a current technology and imagine what it might be like 20 year in the future.

Student teams work with teachers and mentors to develop their ideas. The program has received widespread support from schools across the country, and helps science teachers provide their students with a challenging and fun educational experience. For more information on the ExploraVision Awards program, including summaries and photos of the 2010 winners, please visit: http://www.exploravision.org

For more information on Toshiba's contributions to education worldwide, click here.

Dr. Amanda Thompson
Dr. Amanda Thompson was in 8th grade when her ExploraVision team was awarded 2nd place in their division at the 1994 ExploraVision Competition. Amanda's team developed a traffic control system for cars they called The Holographic Laser Light Traffic Control System (HL2TCS). The dashboard traffic control system let drivers know about driving conditions ahead of them.

Dr. Thompson credits ExploraVision as a catalyst for her pursuing a career in medicine. When asked about how ExploraVision helped shape her professional career she explained: "When young people, especially ones who are math or science inclined, are introduced to a program such as ExploraVision they have something to work toward and hold on to. The program inspires young minds, and helps build children's self-confidence. When my team won ExploraVision , I was on top of the world. I thought to myself: If I can win a national science competition, I can be a doctor."

In 1995, Eleanor T. Ross and her ExploraVision team were awarded 1st place in the 7-9 grade category in the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program. Her team envisioned "Wheelchairs," a battery-powered motorized wheelchair that could climb stairs. This powerful wheelchair also featured other convenient safety features such as snow tires.

Eleanor has attributed ExploraVision in igniting her interest in scientific research, she explained: "My experience with ExploraVision inspired me to remain curious and think critically about the world. It led to my interest in scientific research, from my simple project examining plant growth in high school, to my current study looking at predictors of surgical outcomes in infants [...]. In my daily work, I employ skills I learned through ExploraVision - brainstorming ideas, developing action plans, working as a team, and helping people." Eleanor is currently in her second year of her three year Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at Chicago Children's Hospital.