ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Registration is now open for the Shell Science Lab Challenge. The Challenge, which is sponsored by Shell Oil Company (Shell) and administered by the National Science Teachers Association, encourages science teachers (grades 6-12) in the U.S. and Canada, who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences utilizing limited school and laboratory resources, to apply for a chance to win up to $93,000 in prizes, including a grand prize school science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000. The deadline for submissions is January 23, 2017.
“What these teachers accomplish with limited resources is absolutely extraordinary,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Manager of Social Investment, Shell Oil Company. “We believe that learning and innovation go hand in hand. By providing further resources, this challenge helps to support innovation as well as foster student excitement about science at an early age.”
“Insufficient funding, limited resources and equipment, and an overall lack of facilities are often cited problems by science teachers trying to provide high-quality lab experiences to their students,” noted Dr. David Evans, NSTA Executive Director. “To help meet the needs of these teachers, NSTA and Shell—through the Shell Science Lab Challenge—are providing resources, lab equipment, and professional development so that teachers can provide an environment for their students that foster inspiration, creativity, and opportunity.”
Judges will evaluate entries based on various criteria, including demonstrated science inquiry and innovation in the middle or high school classroom with limited laboratory equipment, materials, and resources; demonstrated impact and engagement with students and the school community; and demonstrated need for support to improve science laboratory experiences. Up to 54 NSTA district finalists will be chosen and asked to make a 3-5 minute video displaying their current science lab facilities and provide an explanation of how winning equipment and resources would make a difference in the science teaching and in the learning experiences for their students. The judging panel will pick 18 NSTA district winners from these finalists, and then 5 national finalists will be chosen. From there, a grand prize winner will be selected.
All winners will receive science lab equipment, Shell cash grants, membership to the NSTA, and support to attend NSTA Conferences on Science Education. The grand prize winner and four national finalists will be honored at a special banquet and ceremony at NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education in Los Angeles, March 30-April 2, 2017.
For more information about the Shell Science Lab Challenge or to apply, visit http://www.nsta.org/shellsciencelab/.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association 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.
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