Students across Texas helped raise $11,367 to the American Red CrossWest, Texas Relief Fund.
How'd they do it? By solving math problems.
Over a two-week period in late April and early May, students completed math problems electronically using a Web-based math program, Think Through Math. The company donates one dollar for every 5,000 points scored by solving equations. In three weeks, students donated $6,376. Think Through Math matched the student donations with an additional $5,000.
Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams jointed Think Through Math officials today to present the money to the Red Cross.
“It is heartening to see that, given this unique option, students actually took the time to tackle additional math problems on their computers as a way to help the community of West,” said Commissioner Williams in a statement. “This speaks volumes about the heart and spirit of our students and their desire to help one another.”
The top contributors were elementary and middle school students from Kingsville ISD, Pasadena ISD, Denton ISD, Dallas ISD, Calhoun County ISD and Mesquite ISD.
The money will help disaster relief in West, Texas after a fertilizer plant explosion there last month killed 15 people and injured hundreds. The blast was caused by a fire that started in the plant. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
