ARLINGTON, Virginia – (COMMERCIAL THREAD) – Thirty-six science teachers have been named regional winners of the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K-12 teachers who found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with school resources and limited labs, to share their approaches for a chance to win. a package to help renovate a school science laboratory.

“We are extremely proud of the winners of this year’s Lab Challenge. Their innovative approaches, creative ideas, and unwavering commitment to giving the best of themselves to their students – and the community, as they engage and motivate the STEM leaders of tomorrow – are commendable and inspiring, ”said Dr Frazier Wilson, vice president of Shell. Director of the Oil Company Foundation, Workforce Development and Diversity Awareness. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with teachers to help promote quality science education in the classroom. ”

To participate in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, K-12 science teachers located in select school districts near Shell assets were asked to describe their school’s current lab resources, explaining why supporting to upgrade the lab is required and describe their approach to teaching science using their current school lab facilities. A panel of science teachers then reviewed and selected the best applications.

“In an incredibly difficult and unprecedented year, these amazing educators have gone above and beyond to teach and engage their students in science. I am inspired by their resilience and resourcefulness, ”said Dr. Elizabeth Allan, Past President of NSTA. “Congratulations to all the regional winners and good luck for the next phase of the competition. ”

The regional winners each received a support kit for the renovation of a school science laboratory valued at $ 10,000 (for elementary and intermediate levels) and $ 15,000 (for secondary level). . The winning teachers now advance to the national phase of the competition, where they will have a chance to win an additional $ 5,000 to attend a future NSTA National Science Education Conference, where they will be honored at a Shell reception. and a teachers’ awards gala. .

Regional winners of the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge

Active Carson

• Elementary level: Dan Bonn, Towne Avenue Elementary School, Carson, CA
• Average level: Brendan Leyden, Andrew Carnegie Middle School Carson, California
• High school level: Matthew Medrano, Carson Senior High School (ESET), Carson, CA

Assets of the convent

• Elementary level: Amanda Robinson, Doyle Elementary School, Livingston, Louisiana
• Elementary level: Karen Parrino, North Live Oak Elementary School, Watson, Louisiana
• High school level: Courtney Blanchard, Lycée Lutcher, Lutcher, Louisiana

Active deer park

• Average level: Jeffrey Gale, Fairmont Junior High School, Pasadena, Texas
• High school level: Cody Tilton, Deer Park High School – South Campus, Deer Park, Texas
• High school level: Sanjay Gupta, The Summit High School, Pasadena, Texas

Active Geismar

• Elementary level: Kali Rogers, Wildwood Elementary School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Average level: Jaimie McQuarn, Lowery Middle School, Donaldsonville, Louisiana
• High school level: Rhonda Matthews, McKinley Senior High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Houston asset

• Elementary level: Ritu Gandhi, Morales Elementary School, Pasadena, Texas
• Average level: Karina Patterson, Houston T-STEM and Early College Middle School, Houston, Texas
• High school level: Kristy Hyatt, Waller High School, Waller, Texas

Active Kermit / Permian

• Elementary level: Kara Murrow, Greathouse Elementary School, Midland, Texas
• High school level: Jessica Thomas, Pecos High School, Pecos, Texas
• High school level: Erica Reagan, Midland High School, Midland, Texas

Mobile asset

• Elementary level: Gwenevere Jones, Craighead Elementary School, Mobile, Alabama
• Average level: Patricia Houston, Clark Shaw Magnet School, Mobile, Alabama
• High school level: Rebecca Mullins, Murphy High School, Mobile, Alabama

Active of Monaco

• Elementary level: Karen Medved, Riverside Elementary School, Riverside, Pennsylvania
• High school level: Craig Whipkey, Central Valley High School, Monaca, Pennsylvania
• High school level: Michael Benedum, Rochester High School, Rochester, Pennsylvania

New Orleans asset

• Elementary level: Kimberly Savoy, Einstein Charter School – Sherwood Forest, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Average level: Kristie Fraught, St. Tammaney Junior High School, Slidell, Louisiana
• High school level: Kevin Daly, International High School of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana

Norco Active

• Elementary level: Tracy Cambre, Norco Elementary School, Norco, Louisiana
• Average level: Jennifer Green, RK Smith Middle School, Luling, Louisiana
• High school level: Allison Breaux, Destrehan High School, Destrehan, Louisiana

Port Allen Asset

• Elementary level: Dereka Duncan, Cohn Elementary School, Port Allen, Louisiana
• Average level: Samantha Mendenhall, Port Allen College, Port Allen, Louisiana
• High school level: Brittany Nelson, Port Allen High School, Port Allen, Louisiana

Puget Sound Asset

• Elementary level: Sue Malone, Clear Lake Elementary School, Clear Lake, Washington
• Elementary level: Roberta Carlson, Jefferson Elementary School, Mont. Vernon, Washington
• High school level: Scott Conlan, Sedro-Woolley High School, Sedro-Woolley, Washington

For more information on the Challenge, visit the contest website.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science teachers and professionals committed to best practices in science education and their impact on student learning. The NSTA provides high quality science resources and lifelong learning so that science teachers grow professionally and excel in their careers. For new and experienced teachers, the NSTA community provides the opportunity to network with like-minded peers nationwide, connect with leading mentors and researchers, and learn from the best in the field.

About Shell Oil Company

Shell Oil Company is a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies present in more than 70 countries. In the United States, Shell operates in 50 states and employs more than 20,000 people who help meet the challenges of the new energy future.