ARLINGTON, Va.—August 24, 2022—The sixth annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge is now accepting applications for the 2022-2024 program. The Challenge—sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. and administered by the National Science Teaching Association—encourages science teachers (grades K-12) in select communities located throughout the U.S. 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 $330,000 in prizes, including school science lab makeover support packages valued at $15,000 (for the elementary level) and $20,000 (for the middle and high school levels). The deadline for submissions is February 17, 2023.

“Shell USA, Inc. is pleased to support science educators with science resources providing students access to lab equipment to support their inquisitive interests. Encouraging students to ask questions, explore, construct, test and interpret observations are important skills that may lead to them pursuing science disciplines,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson Director, Workforce Development Diversity Outreach, Shell USA, Inc. “The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge equips school labs with equipment to increase quality educational outcomes, especially for science teachers who create innovative experiences for students despite limited lab environments.”

Judges will evaluate entries based on various criteria, including demonstrated science inquiry and innovation in the classroom with limited equipment; demonstrated impact and engagement with students and the community; and demonstrated need for additional professional development and science materials. Twenty-seven regional winners will be selected: nine at the elementary level, nine at the middle level, and nine at the high school level. Of the 24 winners, three grand prize winners—one at each level—will be selected.

“All students deserve a high-quality science education that includes access to lab experiences that help them to make sense of the world around them and to be scientifically literate,” said Elizabeth Mulkerrin, Ed.D., president, NSTA. “Yet, scarce funding, inadequate resources and equipment, and insufficient training limit teachers from being able to provide the lab experience their students deserve. The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge will not only provide teachers with the resources necessary to improve their existing lab capabilities but will also provide the professional learning needed to support their instruction in the classroom.”

The elementary level regional winners will each receive a school science lab makeover support package valued at $15,000 and middle and high school level regional winners will receive a school science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000. Each grand prize winner will receive an additional $5,000 of support to attend a future NSTA National Conference on Science Education, where they will be honored during a special evening celebration.

For more information about the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge or to apply, visit https://www.nsta.org/shell-science-lab-regional-challenge.

About Shell USA, Inc.
Shell USA Inc.’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 USA, Inc. Media Line +1 (832) 337-4355

About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field.

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