La Conner science teachers winners in Shell science lab regional challenge

Todd Hinderman, Steve DeLeon and Ari Landworth, science teachers at La Conner’s high and elementary schools, are regional winners in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teachers Association, 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. Hinderman, DeLeon and Landworth represent two of 39 regional winners, from which three grand prize winners will be selected.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s regional winners. Their innovative approaches, creative ideas, and unwavering commitment to give their very best to their students – and to society, as they engage and motivate the STEM leaders of tomorrow – is commendable and inspiring,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Director, Shell Workforce Development and Diversity Outreach. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to partner with teachers to help in furthering quality science education in the classroom.”

For the Challenge, K-12 science teachers located in districts near Shell assets were asked to describe their school’s 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 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).

“These science teachers have implemented truly remarkable science programs, providing high-quality lab experiences for their students with very little resources, often using their own funds to acquire them,” said Dr. David Evans, NSTA Executive Director. “We commend all of the regional winners for their creativity, resourcefulness and commitment to their students.”

Hinderman, DeLeon and Landworth now advance to the national phase of the competition, where they will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 of support to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in St. Louis, Missouri, next April.