Production of Thirteen/WNET New York and Nelvana
Cyberchase is a new, daily, animated adventure series that engages 8- to 11-year olds in the fun and challenge of mathematics. In each episode, three young Earth kids embark on exciting missions and travel to thrilling locations where they must use math and problem-solving skills to save the day. Each program ends with a catchy live-action segment, "Cyberchase for Real," which explores the show's topic in the real world. Two charismatic young hosts employ the math content featured in the animated episodes as they face everyday situations.
Funders (and resulting constraints)
National Science Foundation, PBS, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the Kettering Family Foundation, and The Volckhausen Family
Educational Outreach Budget Range
Educational Outreach "Producers"
Thirteen/WNET staff created all the educational outreach elements.
The American Library Association, EQUALS/Family Math, the Association of Science and Technology Centers, and PBS stations nationwide offered training sessions, workshops and computer resources, distributed materials to after-school programs and other community-based organizations that work with kids 8 to 11 years old, and promoted the project in newsletters, Web sites, and at conferences.
Thirteen will distribute project materials through the National Teacher Training Institute, one of the nation's largest grassroots professional development projects, which to date has trained more than 130,000 teachers to use technology effectively in the classroom.
Thirteen's community partners, including the Girl Scouts, the Boys & Girls Club, and The Urban League, participated in the educational outreach efforts by distributing materials to their constituents and promoting the series, Web site, and educational outreach materials to their local affiliates.