NGPF 2018 PAYBACK Challenge (Supplimental S2)

Featured in the New York Times, our paying-for-college game PAYBACK has been played by over 150,000 students in just 3 months since launch! Teachers are saying, “It was an amazing game. All of my students were so highly engaged that it was time to go to lunch and none of them wanted to leave," AND "They loved that the game made them confront the money challenges of college but also helped them build the skills to survive and thrive.”  Students can win cash awards and other prizes.  There is the possibility of representing your state as a National Award Winner!

Here is how to play (Yes, This is a class assignment as well):

Students Play PAYBACK

• In Class Option: A single game-play takes 15-20 minutes, but you may also use a full 50-minute period by playing the game twice
  • Teachers: You can also use this corresponding classroom activity to support your students as they play the game.
• At Home Option: Your students can play the game at home, too.

Students Write Short Essay (GOOGLE DOCUMENT)

• Use this Essay Template to collect 250 word essays that respond to this writing prompt: 
  "How could you use the online game, PAYBACK, to have a conversation with your parent/guardian about paying for college?"
• CRITERIA: Essays will be evaluated by NGPF staff based on the following:
  
  
• Indicates an understanding of key concepts learned by playing the game PAYBACK.
• Addresses concerns their parents/guardians may have about this sensitive topic.
• Takes a creative approach to engaging parents/guardians in a conversation about college.

MAKE SURE YOU USE THE R.A.C.E.S METHOD TO ANSWER THE WRITING PROMPT:

R-Repeat The Question, A-Answer The Question, C-Cite Your Evidence/Examples,

E-Explain Your Evidence/Examples, S-Summarize Your Thought (Wrap-Up)

SHARE Your Essay With Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) For Credit!

Oh, and about the money...over $150,000 in cash prizes are available and EACH state will be represented on the podium!

Student Awards:

• National Grand Prize Winners - 10 at $5,000 each
• Honorable Mention Awards: 150 at $500 each
• A minimum of 2 student essays from each of the 50 states + District of Columbia

Contest Deadline: March 23rd at Midnight!  (Assignment Deadline:  End of MP3)

Later This Marking Period We Will Complete Other NGPF Assignments/Lessons!

ACADEMIC/LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Scholars will use the online simulation "PAYBACK" to begin learning about the basics of how the choices they make for higher education can affect them financially.  This simulation, and associated standards for this assignment, will help them meet PA CEW Academic Standards, and also help students hone their skills for writing and information retention after participating in the simulation.  Students should reflect on this simulation, and use it as a prompt for conversation at home about the real costs associated with higher education, careers, and their future choices.

SCHOLARS WILL ENTER THE CLASS QUIETLY AND BEGIN WORKING!

Scholars will follow all directions log into their Google Account and then begin working on the NexGen Personal Finance Simulator (PAYBACK).  Scholars will spend 15-20 minutes completing the simulation.  When complete, scholars will download a copy of their final worksheet.  This image will be uploaded to their "CEW Evidence 515" folder in their Google Drive and SHARED, for credit, with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us).  Scholars will then create a GOOGLE DOCUMENT titled 

"(LastName) PAYBACK P? S2" and write a 250-word essay using the prompt listed above.  

Scholars may use the EXAMPLE for reference, but must write this essay in their own words.

The essay must be SHARED with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit as well.