The Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence (AASTE) is an annual awards program that recognizes extraordinary contributions by K-12 educators across the United States and Canada who are elevating the level of science literacy through creativity in the classroom and motivation of students. An independent panel of judges selects the winners based on the following criteria: creativity and effectiveness of teaching methods; plans for the use of grant money to improve science education resources in their schools; and submission of a science lesson plan showcasing innovative methods in the classroom.