What does your school need?
The What Our School Needs contest is being run by the Bing team at Microsoft. You are using Bing for your Internet search needs right? Well even if not (and you do what to check it out) you will be interested in this contest. Microsoft wants to hear from teachers and students about what their school needs most. Look around your school and think about how it would benefit from winning $100,000.
There are a number of entries there already and it is interesting to see what schools need. I expected the requests for new computers or more technology. On the other hand schools are also in need of better playgrounds and better cafeteria spaces. I think we often underestimate the importance of those environments for students and how they learn. Entering is not complicated and in fact may be something you can involve your students in.
What To Do
Students can work in groups, classes, or even school-wide to write an essay and take pictures finishing the sentence "Our School Needs: ___________." To enter:
- Write an essay (500 to 800 words)
- Take pictures (3 to 5 photos)
- Film a video (not required, but fun! Maximum of 3 minutes in length)
Who Can Enter
Any student or teacher from a K-12 school can enter. While students under 18 are encouraged to create the entry, a parent, legal guardian or a teacher must submit it.
What Could Our School Win?
Bing will award a quarter-million dollars, divided among four schools—$50,000 to three first-prize winners, and one $100,000 grand prize.