ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The sixth annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge is now accepting applications for the 2022-2024 program. Challenge – sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. and administered by the National Science Teaching Association – encourages science teachers (grades K-12) in select communities across the US who have found innovative ways to provide quality laboratory experiences using schools and laboratories of limited resources, to apply for a chance to win awards of up to $330,000, including school science lab improvement support packages valued at $15,000 (for the elementary level) and $20,000 (for the high school level and secondary). The deadline for submissions is February 17, 2023.
“Shell USA, Inc. is pleased to support science educators with science resources by providing students with access to laboratory equipment to support their inquisitive interests. Encouraging students to ask questions, explore, build, test and interpret observations are important skills that can lead them to pursue scientific disciplines,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Director, Workforce Development Director, Shell USA, Inc. “The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge equips school laboratories with equipment to enhance quality educational outcomes, especially for science teachers who create innovative experiences for students despite limited laboratory environments.”
Judges will evaluate entries based on various criteria, including demonstrated science research and innovation in the classroom with limited equipment; demonstrated impact and engagement with students and the community; and demonstrated the need for additional professional development and scholarly materials. Twenty-seven regional winners will be selected: nine at the elementary level, nine at the middle school level and nine at the high school level. From the 24 winners, three grand prize winners—one in each tier—will be selected.
“All students deserve a high-quality science education that includes access to laboratory experiences that help them understand the world around them and be scientifically literate,” said Elizabeth Mulkerrin, Ed.D., president, NSTA. “However, scarce funding, inadequate resources and equipment, and inadequate training limit teachers from being able to provide the laboratory experience their students deserve. The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge will not only provide teachers with the resources needed to improve their existing lab skills, but also provide the professional learning needed to support their classroom learning.
The elementary level regional winners will each receive a school science lab renovation support package valued at $15,000 and the middle and high school level regional winners will each receive a school science lab renovation support package valued at 20,000 dollars. Each grand prize winner will receive an additional $5,000 in support to attend an upcoming 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.
Engagement of Shell USA Inc. to community and social responsibility has existed for more than 50 years. During that time, we have contributed more than one billion dollars to support community, health and wellness, the environment, arts and cultural activities, various educational initiatives, including minority education, and diversity and inclusion programs in Houston and US
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About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 educators and science professionals dedicated to best practices in science teaching and its impact on student learning. NSTA provides high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators can grow professionally and excel in their careers. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues nationally, connect with leading mentors and researchers, and learn from the best in the field.