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

Pasadena, TX - Sanjay Gupta, a science teacher at The Summit 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. Gupta is one of 36 regional winners named, from which three grand prize winners will be selected.

In Sanjay Gupta’s class, students build their scientific knowledge in a learner-centered environment. While investigating and designing solutions for real-world problems, students discuss their misconceptions sensitively, ready to adjust their thinking. All students at The Summit High School are classified as at-risk, and more than one in three students are English Language Learners. Project and inquiry-based learning is key to student success, giving students opportunities for feedback and revision. With SIOP strategies, Gupta uses diagnostic teaching where students start from basic knowledge and then through observation, questioning, and conversation they reflect on the outcome of their learning. In his current lab, basic supplies for labs and activities are consumed very quickly, and certain equipment isn’t available for achieving a higher standard of learning. The instruction of science requires many of these basic items to facilitate and extend on basic concepts. Grant funds would be used to purchase enough electronic accessories such as tablets and headphones for student use.

"We’re thrilled to see Sanjay Gupta 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.”

Gupta now advances to the national phase of the competition, where they 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.

For more information about the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, visit the competition web site.

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