2009 Doodle 4 Google Contest

Google has announced its second annual "Doodle for Google" contest, in which kids compete to design the next Google logo. Last year's theme was "What if." This year Google decided to inspire the kids with "What I Wish for the World."

Kids in grade Kindergarten on up to grade 12 can enter the contest through their teachers at school. There are four grade level brackets: kindergarten to grade 3, grade 4 to grade 6, grade 7 to grade 9, and grade 10 to grade 12.

Teachers must enter their students into the "What I Wish for the World" 2009 Doodle 4 Google contest. Complete and eligible entries should consist of the doodle for each participating student, a title, a statement supporting the reason the entry relates to the "What I Wish for the World" theme, and an entry and consent form.

Each school can submit up to 6 entries. Each homeschool can submit up to 2 entries.

As a homeschooling mom, I personally think it's great that homeschooled kids are allowed to participate. This shows Google's efforts to include all students. Not all contests are always open to homeschooled students. Sometimes when there's an interesting one that my kids like, it's frustrating to find out later that they won't be able to enter, simply because their school is not a traditional institution.

I asked two of the kids what they thought about entering the Doodle 4 Google contest. The 11 year old said "I think it's cool that people get to use their own imagination and maybe see it on Google." The 10 year old said "I think it's cool 'cause you get a scholarship and you could win a laptop. Your idea could also make people think about changing the world."

For schools that have more students than are allowed to enter, I think a great idea would be to hold a school contest and pick the best submissions. That way, everyone can still participate in some way. In a time where many things in the world need changing, this also can be a great addition to school lessons on changing the world.

Registration must be done by March 17, 2009. Entries must be received by March 31, 2009, so hurry and get your students doodling for Google. For complete rules, registration forms, and the required Google template, head over to Google.com/Doodle4Google.

Sources:

http://www.google.com/doodle4google

Personal Experience