2026 - 2027 NSTA Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge Application

Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge

A Program of NSTA

Challenge Summary

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have partnered to recognize outstanding elementary, middle, and high school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited school and laboratory resources. The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge will showcase the work of teachers, representing their schools, who submit innovative, replicable strategies to deliver quality lab experiences with limited equipment/resources, and award teachers/schools with additional tools, resources, and rich professional development opportunities needed to support high-quality science teaching and strengthen their existing capabilities.

Award

★Elementary School Prize Winning Schools will each receive a lab makeover support package valued at $15,000.

★Middle and High School Prize Winning Schools will each receive a lab makeover support package valued at $20,000.

★A grand prize school will be selected for each grade band, including principal recognition at the National Conference.

★Prizes include Flinn Scientific products, including for K-8 the Smithsonian Curriculum, NSTA memberships, Shell Educators Cohort, mentorship, support to attend NSTA conferences on science education.

★The Grand Prize Winners and their principals will be honored at the Shell Reception at NSTA’s spring National Conference on Science Education, during the second year.

Eligibility

★Applicants will be individual teachers of science in grades k-12, representing their schools in the following targeted areas near Shell assets:

• Carson, CA (LAUSDs in Carson, Mormon Island,  Van Nuys, Colton, Long Beach)
• Port Allen, LA (West Baton Rouge Parish, Iberville Parish, Point Coupee Parish)
• Geismar, LA (Ascension Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, St. James Parish)
• Norco, LA (St. Charles Parish, St. John Parish)
• New Orleans, LA (Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, Terrebonne Parish, LaFourche Parish, St. Tammany Parish, La Fourche Parish, St. Bernard Parish, Plaquemines Parish)
• Monaca, PA (Cen. Valley, Aliquippa, W.Beaver, Beaver, Rochester, N. Brighton, Riverside, Beaver Falls, Blackhawk)
• Deer Park, TX (Deer Park ISD, Pasadena ISD, LaPorte ISD)
• Houston, TX (Region 4 Education Service Center)

★Each teacher is limited to one application per year, funding is provided for the primary applicant
★Schools may submit an unlimited number of science teacher applications annually: each school is limited to winning two prize packages in total. 

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS:

• Focus on what students do, not just the activities you teach.
• Highlight inquiry, problem-solving, and student thinking.
• Be specific about limited resources and how you adapt creatively.
• Include evidence of student engagement or community impact.
• Use NGSS/three-dimensional learning language when possible.
• Describe authentic, hands-on investigations.
• Explain how additional resources would directly benefit students.
• Include safety practices as part of everyday instruction.
• Share how you support diverse learners and equitable access to STEM.
• Use clear examples instead of broad statements.
• Connect science learning to real-world or local issues.
• Stay within character limits and avoid repeating ideas.
• Write in a student-centered voice.
• Proofread carefully for clarity and strong action verbs.
• Show passion, innovation, and resilience in your science teaching.

Questions to consider:

Science Teaching Philosophy and Instructional Strategies section

Elementary

1. How do students learn science through hands-on inquiry?
2. How do you teach science creatively with limited resources?
3. How do you use NGSS or three-dimensional learning?
4. How do you support student engagement and safety?

Middle School

1. How do students investigate real-world problems or phenomena?
2. How do you promote collaboration, data analysis, and problem-solving?
3. How do you align instruction to NGSS practices?
4. How do you build a safe and inclusive science classroom?

High School

1. How do students engage in authentic scientific investigation?
2. How do you maintain rigorous inquiry with limited equipment?
3. How do you connect science learning to STEM careers or community issues?
4. How do you ensure laboratory safety and student responsibility?

Current and Desired Lab Resources section

Elementary

1. What science materials and spaces are currently available?
2. What resource challenges limit hands-on learning?
3. How do you creatively adapt with limited materials?
4. What additional resources would most improve student learning?

Middle School

1. What current equipment supports science instruction?
2. What shortages or outdated materials limit investigations?
3. How do these limitations affect student participation?
4. What resources would strengthen inquiry-based learning?

High School

1. What laboratory equipment is currently available?
2. What limitations affect advanced investigations or student independence?
3. How do teachers adapt to limited resources?
4. What updated equipment would most improve STEM opportunities?

Laboratory Activity section

Elementary

1. What question or phenomenon did students investigate?
2. How did students collect evidence or solve problems?
3. How did the activity connect to NGSS or real-world learning?
4. What safety procedures were taught?

Middle School

1. What investigation or engineering challenge did students complete?
2. How did students analyze data and explain findings?
3. How did the activity connect to community or environmental issues?
4. What safety practices were used?

High School

1. What authentic scientific problem did students investigate?
2. How did students design experiments or analyze results?
3. How did the activity reflect real scientific practices?
4. What laboratory safety procedures were followed?