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Shell Science Lab Challenge Announces 2017 District WinnersEighteen 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 Teachers 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. "Inquiry-based learning and hands-on experimentation are key elements for encouraging student interest in science," said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President, Shell Oil Company Foundation, Manager, Social Investment. "The Shell Science Lab Challenge strives to support inquiry-based instructional practices of our science teachers and excite students about the wonders and possibilities of science through active learning that emphasizes questioning, data analysis, and critical thinking. Exemplary science teaching is more relevant when it occurs in a quality lab environment where science concepts can be explored by students." "The talent, resourcefulness, and commitment shown by these teachers is inspiring," said Dr. David Evans, Executive Director, NSTA. "These incredible educators have developed imaginative and innovative educational techniques with little funding and scarce resources, while continuing to motivate and provide high-quality lab experiences to their students. Congratulations to all of the district winners and best of luck in the next pase of the competition." 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:
Recognizing that the laboratory experience is integral to science education and that many schools, especially schools in urban and rural areas, do not have the resources to invest in quality lab equipment, NSTA and Shell partnered on NSTA's Shell Science Lab Challenge to bring much needed lab materials and resources to school districts nationwide and in Canada. Announcement of the national finalists and grand prize winners will be on Monday, March 20, 2017. To view the list of 2017 Shell Science Lab Challenge District Winners and for more information about the Challenge, visit the competition web site. About NSTA The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence in science teaching and learning, preschool through college. NSTA's membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business representatives, and others involved in science education. About Shell Oil Company Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs more than 20,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future.
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