ARLINGTON, Va.—May 12, 2020—Eighteen middle and secondary school science teachers have been named district winners in the Shell Science Lab Challenge. Sponsored by Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teaching 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.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s district winners. Their innovative approaches, creative ideas, and unwavering commitment to give their very best to their students—and to the community, as they engage and motivate the STEM leaders of tomorrow—is commendable and inspiring,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Director, Workforce Development Diversity Outreach. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to partner with teachers to help in furthering quality science education in the classroom.”

“We are humbled by the passion of these trailblazing teachers to create high-quality lab experience for their students,” said Dennis Schatz, NSTA President. Their innovative ideas and unique approaches to teaching science transform learning into an exciting adventure.”

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 donated by Carolina Biological Supply Company;
• $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 future NSTA Area Conference on Science Education.

To view the list of 2020 Shell Science Lab Challenge District Winners and for more information about the Challenge, visit the competition website.

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teaching Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence in science teaching and learning, preschool through college. NSTA’s membership includes approximately 50,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business 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 832-33-SHELL

Contact

Kate Falk, NSTA
(703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org

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