Texas Science Teacher Named Regional Winner in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge

Pasadena, TX - Jeffrey Gale, a science teacher at Fairmont Junior High School in Pasadena, TX, has been named a regional winner in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K-12 science teachers 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. Gale is one of 36 regional winners named, from which three grand prize winners will be selected.

Jeffrey Gale believes that all students must have a stimulating science education environment. Students learn science best when conducting real-world investigations that they experience in their lives to make connections. A large number of Gale’s students include English Language Learners with home languages from Spanish to Vietnamese. To facilitate learning in the science classroom and academic language, science experiments are designed to be hands-on for the students to explore problems they encounter every day. Hands-on activities are used to develop problems and experiment with issues that require critical thinking to develop a solution to the overall problem. Regardless of the student’s primary language, students tie in their current knowledge of the world and apply it. Grant funds can provide updated laboratory equipment that can be used to explore and build students’ knowledge of science and engineering. With a lab equipment upgrade, students will be able to design, build, and conduct laboratory experiments. With these experiments, they will be better equipped to analyze data and build their critical-thinking skills.

“We’re thrilled to see Jeffrey Gale named a regional winner of the Shell Science Lab Challenge,” said Jessica Blackmore, External Relations Manager at Shell Deer Park. “We’re grateful to our teachers who continue to step up and foster a love of science, technology, engineering and math through innovation and creative learning experiences. I’m excited for students in our community who will benefit from the work of our regional winners as they equip their labs with more unique and exciting activities furthering quality education.”

To enter 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 laboratory resources, explain why laboratory upgrade support is needed, 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. The regional winners each received a school science lab makeover support package valued at $10,000 (for the elementary and middle levels) and $15,000 (for the high school level).

“During an unbelievably challenging and unprecedented year, these amazing educators went above and beyond to teach and engage their students in science. I am inspired by their resilience and resourcefulness,” said Dr. Elizabeth Allan, NSTA Retiring President. “Congratulations to all the regional winners and best of luck on the next phase of the competition.”

Gale now advances to the national phase of the competition, where he will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 of support to attend a future NSTA National Conference on Science Education, where they will be honored at a Shell reception and Teachers Awards Gala.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field.

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.

FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: Shell Oil Company Media Line 832-33-SHELL

Contact:
Kate Falk, NSTA
(703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org