ARLINGTON, Va.—October 4, 2023—The seventh annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge is now accepting applications for the 2023–2024 program. The Challenge—sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. (Shell), and administered by the National Science Teaching Association—encouragesscience teachers (grades K-12) in select communities located throughtout the United States who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences using 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 shcool levels). The deadline for submissions is March 11, 2024.

“These teachers are passionate, and their support is essential for students. And, their dedication to providing science-based reasoning skills in the classroom makes them outstanding,” says Frazier Wilson, Director, Shell Workforce Development & Diversity Outreach. “Equipping every student with technical competencies, scientific experiences, and critical thinking will prepare them for a successful future. At Shell, we believe students can reach new heights when they have access to the right tools.”

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 27 winners, three grand-prize winners—one at each level—will be selected.

“Shell’s dedication to this NSTA award represents their long-standing commitment to science teachers. Those receiving these awards highlight what science teachers do best: innovate to ensure the learning of their students. At NSTA, we recognize that these teachers are instructional leaders who will guide the work of others,” says Julie Luft, Ph.D., president, NSTA.

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 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. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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