Arlington, Va.,—April 4, 2012—Shell Oil Company and the National Science Teachers Association today announced that Joseph Ruhl, a science teacher at Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Ind. is the recipient of the 2012 Shell Science Teaching Award. Ruhl received his award at a special banquet and ceremony at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education held March 29- April 1, 2012 in Indianapolis.
“Science education combines the use of observation, intuition, experimentation and analysis—all necessary skills for independent and critical thinkers,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President, Shell Oil Company Foundation and Director, Social Investment, Shell Oil Company. “As our society becomes increasing dependent on technology, these skills create the foundation for science careers, as well as scientific thinking, to bear on issues that impact all citizens. As Shell celebrates the 21st anniversary of the Shell Science Teaching Award, we salute Joseph Ruhl for inspiring the next generation of science innovators that will help meet future global energy needs.”
Ruhl not only teaches his students biology, he also educates them about wonder and discovery. He uses demonstrations to engage students with the subject matter and help them make connections with the real world. He understands that most of his students will not become professional scientists, but they do live in a world in which the quality of life of its inhabitants hinges on scientific literacy and their problem-solving and decision-making skills. Ruhl shares his knowledge of and skills in conducting demonstrations in the workshops he presents to teachers at local, state and national conferences.
Ruhl has also developed methods of teaching the life sciences that serve as models for other life science teachers. Lafayette is a diverse community that abuts a tier-one research university. By his reputation in this community, Ruhl has helped create an environment where the schools and teachers are in demand to engage in research projects. This has resulted in several teachers and many students participating in a number of National Science Foundation (NSF) and other research grant-funded projects.
In his 33-year career teaching science, Ruhl’s passion for the subject drives him to continually seek more knowledge, resources and group activities to help him reach every single student he teaches. It is truly only his dedication to his students that outweighs his love of science.
“Joseph Ruhl represents the best and brightest in science education,” said Dr. Francis Eberle, Executive Director, NSTA. “We offer our congratulations and thanks to Mr. Ruhl for his lifelong commitment to science education and for his innovative and creative approach to teaching our students science.”
Ruhl received the Shell Science Teaching Award for his positive impact on his students, school and community through exemplary classroom science teaching. He received a $10,000 cash prize from Shell and an all-expense paid trip to attend the NSTA National Conference.
In addition to Ruhl, two finalists were selected. Gregory Benedis-Grab, an elementary science teacher at The School at Columbia University in New York, N.Y. and Glenn Wagner, a science teacher at Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus, Ontario, Canada received all-expense paid trips to attend the conference and were recognized for their achievements at the awards banquet and ceremony in Indianapolis.
For more information about the Shell Science Teaching Award and the NSTA Teacher Awards Program, please go to http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnav.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), www.nsta.org, is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
About Shell Oil Company
Shell’s commitment to community and social responsibility has been in place for more than 50 years. During this time, we have contributed more than a billion dollars to support community, health and welfare, environmental, arts and cultural activities, various educational initiatives, including minority education, and diversity and inclusiveness programs in Houston and the U.S.
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Contact
Kate Falk, NSTA
(703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org