Looking for a carrot to inspire your science students? Check out some of the new contests being offered this fall. Samsung kicks off its 7th annual Solve for Tomorrow Competition to raise enthusiasm for STEAM subjects (Deadline: November 15). The contest will award $2 million in Samsung technology. The annual Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards recognizes teachers for innovative use of data-collection technology by awarding each winner $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier products, and up to $1,500 toward expenses to attend the 2017 NSTA National Conference in Los Angeles. (Deadline: November 30). NSTA is also working with Toshiba for the 25th ExploraVision Competition, which challenges participants to use problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills to build solutions to everyday problems. Student prizes include $10,000 in savings bonds, a trip to D.C. for an awards event, and Toshiba laptops for schools (Deadline: February 6, 2017). There are rewards for teachers, too, such as the new “Heart of Education” award program from itslearning, which will honor two K-12 teachers who are using technology in engaging ways with a $5,000 grant each (Deadline: December 17th). Good luck!– Executive Editor, Christine Weiser
