View, Do and Read

Cyberchase takes the mystery out of math
Edited for Applause Online by Mary Eileen O'Connor

Cyberchase, the hit math mystery cartoon series airing weekdays at 4:30 p.m. on WHYY TV12, engages kids in the fun and challenge of problem solving. In each episode, three young heroes -- Jackie, Matt and Inez -- and their pal Digit use their brainpower to thwart the dastardly villain Hacker in his mad quest to take over the cyberworld.

Kids can view the all-new Cyberchase episode "EcoHaven CSE" and then get ready to discover some surprising body math as they do Bianca's activity below!

View
In "EcoHaven CSE," airing Monday, May 3 at 4:30 p.m. on TV12, someone has stolen Choocroca -- the giant, metal-eating cyber-croc -- from the cybersite EcoHaven. Suspecting Hacker is up to his dirty tricks, the kids and Digit are on the case! Don't miss the suspense as the CyberSquad turns a single footprint into a major clue that solves the mystery.

Do
Bianca's Body Math Hey CyberFans, take off your shoes! My foot is about the same length as my forearm, and I can find other body matches, too. Can you? Let's measure!

What You'll Need:
Piece of string (a little longer than your height)
A marker
A friend to help you

Instructions:
1) Start at the end of your string and mark off seven of your foot lengths.
2) Now use the string to measure these body parts. Have a friend help. How do your measurements (and your friend's) compare to Bianca's?

Measure	About how many foot lengths?	Bianca's measurements (in foot lengths)
From wrist to elbow	_________	1
Around widest part of your fist	_________	1
Around your forehead	_________	2-3
From head to toe	_________	6-7

Wait, There's More! Stretch out your hand. The length from your thumb to your middle finger is another body measure. How many times does it go around your wrist? How about your neck? (Hint: Try using both hands.)

What's the Math? Measurement; proportional reasoning.

Read
The Search for the Power Orb by Adam Rudman (Scholastic, 2003) Hacker is on a hunt for the Power Orb, and if he finds it, nothing will be able to stop him! That means Jackie, Matt and Inez must find the Orb before it's too late. These kids are brave, bold and brainy -- but do they have what it takes to win this Cyberchase?

Applause Online Extra: For more math fun, visit Cyberchase.