Google Doodle...With Crayons

  • By Margo Pierce
  • 02/05/13

One of the world’s largest cloud services providers is shooing children away from their computers and back to their drawing boards, crayons, markers, colored pencils, and other art supplies. The Doodle 4 Google contest launched on Jan. 15 with the announcement of the 2013 theme, "My Best Day Ever...”

“This contest gives students a blank canvas to exercise their creative imagination and doodle about their best day ever—be that in the past, present or future,” the announcement said. “Google is excited to see moments or thoughts that range from small and personal to broad and far reaching—maybe even out of this universe.”

K-12 students from the US can submit doodles via US mail or online until March 22, 2013. One winner from each US state will be announced May 1. Children can submit as many doodles as they want, and classrooms can also participate. The winner will earn a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for the winner’s school, and the winning doodle will also be posted to the search engine’s homepage.

This year’s guest judges include journalist and TV personality Katie Couric; Chris Sanders, writer and director of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train your Dragon; Brian Henson, writer, director, producer, puppeteer, and chair of the Jim Henson Co; Pendleton Ward, creator of Adventure Time; Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, a drummer, DJ, and member of The Roots; Kazu Kibuishi, author and illustrator of the graphic novel Amulet series; and photographer Deborah Feingold.  

“On May 1 we’ll put the 50 state winners up for public vote, all 50 of which will be flown to New York City for a national awards ceremony on May 22, with the winning doodle appearing on May 23,” the announcement said.

For more information, visit the Doodle 4 Google blog.

About the Author

Margo Pierce is a Cincinnati-based freelance writer.

Featured

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • laptop on a desk with its screen displaying numerous colorful educational app icons

    Survey Finds Majority of Schools Using 10 to 15 Educational Apps

    A new report points to the fragmented digital landscape of educational apps in use at schools and districts across the country.

  • laptop displaying AI-powered educational content

    Kira Introduces AI-Generated Lesson Tool

    AI company Kira has announced a new AI-powered lesson generation tool that it says delivers complete, standards-aligned lessons that are personalized to each student.