Middle and high schools with limited laboratory resources are invited to apply for a chance to win a $20,000 lab makeover through the Shell Science Lab Challenge. If this is of interest to you and your audience, we ask that you kindly distribute this information through your networks as soon as possible. The deadline this year is October 21, 2011. The new streamlined application makes it easy to enter!
A copy of the application is attached and can also be found at http://shellsciencelab.nsta.org along with the prize structure for 18 winners and more information.
Applicants are asked to submit their ideas for innovative, replicable strategies to deliver quality lab experiences with limited equipment/resources. The program will award teachers/schools submitting top entries with additional tools, resources, and rich professional development opportunities needed to support high-quality science teaching and strengthen their existing capabilities.
In addition to the grand prize $20,000 package that includes a cash grant for the school, laboratory equipment and expense-paid trips for winning teachers to attend NSTA conferences, 18 schools will win a $3,000 prize package at the regional level before competing to become a national finalist ($8,500 prize package) or the grand prize winner ($20,000 prize package). The program encourages urban and rural schools, as well as schools with underrepresented populations, to apply. A school may enter multiple applications via submission by various teachers on staff; however, a teacher may only be listed on one application per year. Download or request an application soon—the deadline for applications is October 21, 2011.
You are also invited to participate in a Web Seminar on September 22, 2011, 8:15 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Eastern time to learn more about the streamlined 2011-12 Shell Science Lab Challenge application process and how you can win a $20,000 lab makeover for your school. The web seminar will feature presenter Ruth Ruud, a past- and present chair of a number of awards and recognition committees, who will share insight into completing your application and provide tips for strengthening your submission for a chance to win one of 18 lab makeover and professional development support packages.
Register for the web seminar now at http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSShell11_Sep22
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Marie C. Wiggins Senior Director, Science Education Competitions & Teacher Awards National Science Teachers Association 1840 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 312-9241 www.nsta.org