How big really is a billion? That’s the question. I know the first thing that comes to my mind is “that’s a lot!” But “a lot” doesn’t even begin to cover it. And did you know that every year Americans leave a billion dollars on the table when they do their own taxes. A BILLION DOLLARS!!! Yikes! To help people understand just how much money a billion dollars really is, H&R Block has introduced its “How Big is a Billion?” contest, asking teachers to turn the idea of a billion dollars into a math assignment for their students for a chance to win a $3,000 grant.
The contest rules are simple:
* You must be a teacher (that’s the hardest part to this contest.)
* Submit a real-life example that illustrates the concept of a billion dollars. (For example, $1 billion is enough to fill 2,983 bathtubs or $300 of classroom supplies for every public school teacher in the U.S.)
* Go to the H&R Block Facebook page to enter.
It’s that simple!!! Here are some of the more detailed “details” about the contest so you can start creating ideas with your students. The contest ends on March 14th so don’t delay! So put on your thinking caps and start talking with your students.
- The contest runs through March 14, 2014 and to participate, teachers must submit a brief explanation and image of the creative concepts. To access the application, “like” the H&R Block Dollars & Sense Facebook page.
- Submissions should be square image, minimum size 650×650 pixels, with description of math and research utilized to create the example of the size of $1 billion.
- There are three prize categories: Elementary School, Middle School and High School and each level will be awarded a Grand Prize ($3,000 grant), 2nd place ($2,000 grant) and 3rd place ($1,000 grant).
- The first 50 entering educators will receive a $50 gift card!
- H&R Block has teamed up with WeAreTeachers, an online resource for lesson plans, professional development resources, grants and contests for teachers, to select the finalists and help encourage participation. H&R Block will select the grand prize winners.
- Entries will be evaluated based on accuracy and creativity.
- The contest is open to teachers and homeschool educators.
- Each participant can submit up to eight entries.
- H&R Block Dollars & Sense provides educators and students with personal finance curriculum and resources to increase financial literacy among teens.
- What spurred all this? Check out the new H&R Block commercial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3tlVzjcQiA
So what’s stopping you from entering. Oh yeah, and here’s another reason to go enter right now! The first 50 educators to enter will receive a $50 gift card from H&R Block.
H&R Block is also hosting a Twitter party. That’s another way to win!
When: Tuesday, March 11, at 12p ET / 11a CT / 9a PT
Alicia, Making Time for Mommy – @aliciamarie112
Disclosure: I am working with H&R Block on a paid basis, but opinions are my own.
