ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eighteen middle and secondary school science teachers have been named district winners in the fifth annual Shell Science Lab Challenge (click to tweet). Sponsored by Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged teachers (grades 6-12) in the U.S. and Canada, who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources, to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000. From the 18 district winners named, five national finalists will be chosen, and from the national finalists a grand prize winner will be selected.
“With little funding and scarce resources these educators have developed innovative educational techniques and inspired science learning in their students,” said Dr. David Evans, Executive Director, NSTA. “We are very proud of all of the 2015 Shell Science Lab Challenge District Winners. Their unique ideas and creative approaches to teaching science produce new awareness and ways for us all to bring about positive change in education.”
“Inquiry-based learning and hands-on experimentation are key elements for encouraging student interest in science,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President, Shell Oil Company Foundation, Manager, Social Investment. “The Shell Science Lab Challenge strives to support inquiry-based instructional practices of our science teachers and excite students about the wonders and possibilities of science through active learning that emphasizes questioning, data analysis, and critical thinking. Exemplary science teaching is more relevant when it occurs in a quality lab environment where science concepts can be explored by students.”
To enter the Shell Science Lab Challenge, science teachers of grades 6-12 in the U.S. and Canada were asked to describe their school’s current laboratory resources, explain why the school’s laboratory facilities might be classified as “limited” resources, and describe their approach to science education instruction utilizing their school’s current lab facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries.
As a district winner, each teacher and their school will receive a $3,000 science lab prize package that includes:
- $1,000 Shell grant to purchase lab equipment and other science education resources;
- $1,000 in donated science lab equipment from Ward’s Science;
- $300 gift certificate to the NSTA Science Store;
- One year NSTA membership for two teachers;
- NSTA Learning Center subscription for two teachers; and
- Paid registration for two teachers to attend a 2015 NSTA Area Conference on Science Education.
Recognizing that the laboratory experience is integral to science education and that many schools, especially schools in urban and rural areas, do not have the resources to invest in quality lab equipment, NSTA and Shell partnered on the Shell Science Lab Challenge to bring much needed lab materials and resources to school districts nationwide and in Canada.
To view the list of 2015 Shell Science Lab Challenge District Winners and for more information about the Challenge, visit the competition web site.
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.
About Shell Oil Company
Shell’s commitment to community and social responsibility has been in place for more than 50 years. During this time, we have contributed more than a billion dollars to support community, health and welfare, environmental, arts and cultural activities, various educational initiatives, including minority education, and diversity and inclusiveness programs in Houston and the U.S.
FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: Shell Oil Company Media Line +1 (713) 241- 4544
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