Educators at Houston Independent School District’s Westside High School recently were surprised with Devon’s $25,000 Science Giants award. Sherman Elementary and Dodson Elementary were also recognized and received $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The award annually recognizes schools for helping students excel in science and preparing them for college and future careers.
Widely known as the energy capital of the world, Houston’s economy relies significantly on science. Devon relies heavily on highly educated scientists and recognizes that science teachers are the key to improving students’ understanding of science. They turn students into informed 21st century citizens and lead some to a life of remarkable scientific discoveries.
“We’re proud to name these schools as Devon Science Giants and recognize the hard work of their teachers, students and parents,” said Bill Van Wie, Devon senior vice president, exploration. “These schools are doing an outstanding job preparing students for exciting careers in science. Some of these students will be the future of the natural gas and oil industry.”
Westside High School was chosen as the top school from dozens of Houston-area schools that applied for the award. The school has shown tremendous initiative in preparing students for potential careers in science. For example, students participate in discussions with geology and petroleum industry experts through the school’s recently established Westside Engineering and Geosciences Academy. Additionally, teachers in the academy have on their own time completed more than 540 hours of energy and geosciences-related professional development over the past two years.
Sherman Elementary and Dodson Elementary schools also were recognized for tremendous gains in science. Recently, both schools significantly increased their Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) science results. Last year, Sherman Elementary increased its passing rate in the subject from 93 percent to 97 percent. Dodson Elementary in the same year increased its science pass rate from 64 percent to 100 percent.