Freebies offers opportunities for you and your students. Remember: We do not screen products for subtle or not-so-subtle plugs.

You don't pay

Freebies, software discounts, supply samples and other items for the classroom such as after-school safety tips, educational CDs for home and school, and government educational resources are available at www.idontpay.com/teacher.html.

Being an American

The Bill of Rights Institute is sponsoring an essay contest on what it means to be an American. Cash prizes for students top out at $5,000, and the top 27 student winners will get an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Go to www.beinganamerican.org for entry details. Deadline is Dec. 1. Winners will be announced in late March.

Maps and more

At www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr109.shtml, you will find a collection of free items, including maps and materials for science and language arts.

Cash for concepts

Young inventors ages 6 to 19 are invited to compete in "Invention Dimension," a contest in which they submit their own concepts for future toys, indoor/outdoor games, board games and sporting equipment.

If a winning student names you their inspiration, you'll receive $200 worth of JAKKS Pacific classroom supplies.

Get details at www.bkfk.com/inventiondimension/states. Deadline for entries is Jan. 29

Fun with finance

Are you searching for ways to let your students have fun while learning important financial lessons for the future?

The nonprofit Alliance for Investor Education is highlighting 10 Web-based resources for educating children about saving and investing.

At www.investoreducation.org/backtoschool, you'll find links to resources such as The Stock Market Game, Just for Teachers, and FSI: Fraud Scene Investigator, to name a few.