4.02.2004 ET

(CSRwire) ATLANTA – Imagine a “Spa Laboratory” where students study skin reactions to various pH levels. Or a “Clay Animation” project where students produce their own video to learn about abstract physical concepts. These are just two of the creative topics explored by the winners of the 2004 Toyota TAPESTRY grants for science teachers program.

Now in its 14th year, Toyota TAPESTRY awarded nearly $550,000 in grants to 50 teachers who received large grants of up to $10,000 each and 29 teachers who received mini-grants of up-to $2,500 each. The large grant winners also were treated to an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Convention in Atlanta to receive their award and attend workshops during the four-day conference.

“Toyota is very proud of the TAPESTRY program. So many teachers today are developing new and creative ways to present science to our youth. It's rewarding to be a part of that,” said Michael Rouse, Toyota’s corporate manager of philanthropy and community affairs.”

Sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and administered by NSTA, Toyota TAPESTRY is the largest K-12 science teacher grant program in the United States. Toyota awards grants to deserving kindergarten through twelfth-grade teachers each year. Award-winning projects demonstrate creativity, involve risk-taking, and possess a visionary quality. Projects are selected from three critical areas for today’s youth: environmental and physical science, and science applications that promote literacy.

To date, more than $6 million in grants have been awarded to 673 teams of teachers and projects.

NSTA also awarded Toyota with its Distinguished Partner Award this year, which was presented by NSTA Executive Director Gerry Wheeler during the TAPESTRY awards program.

“Toyota has made a significant commitment to science education through the TAPESTRY program,” said Wheeler. “In an environment where school budgets and priorities continually shift, Toyota has ensured that our nation’s teachers of science are supported and rewarded for their outstanding and innovative efforts. We thank them for their partnership and their unwavering commitment to science education.”

By providing financial resources and encouraging employee volunteerism, Toyota has become a partner in enhancing communities nationwide. In 2003, Toyota USA contributed $31 million to U.S. philanthropic programs, with nearly 50 percent going to education.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,415 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motor sports, R&D and general aviation. The company’s main website is www.toyota.com.

About NSTA
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 more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

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