Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Formative

Formative Evaluation of Cyberchase: The Poddleville Case - FULL REPORT

May 23, 1999 | Media and Technology
This formative evaluation gathered feedback from third and fourth graders in response to the Cyberchase pilot episode, The Poddleville Case, which focused on pattern problem solving. The general goals for the research were To evaluate appeal of the program as a whole as well as specific program elements like the team of kids; To establish age appropriateness; To estimate motivational impact by looking at student interest in trying to solve similar pattern problems and interest in seeing another show in the series; To explore comprehension of the main plot events; To determine what viewers felt they learned; To assess changes in pattern solving ability; To examine children's understanding of pattern problems. Cyberchase is the Emmy Award-winning mathematics series and website on PBS KIDS GO! using broadcast, web, new media and educational outreach to impact millions nationwide. Designed for children ages 8 to 11 and packed with mystery, humor, and action, Cyberchase's mission is to improve kids' problem-solving and math skills, and inspire them with confidence and enthusiasm toward math. The TV series airs daily on PBS KIDS GO! across the country, and the website (pbskidsgo.org/cyberchase) offers over 100 math games and activities for kids, video streaming of full episodes and clips, and a Parents & Teachers site with lesson plans, activities and tips for adults. Cyberchase reaches across platforms with apps for the SMART Board and iPhone. The traveling bilingual museum exhibit, Cyberchase: The Chase Is On!, continues to tour the country and is permanently installed at the Children's Museum of Houston.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • 2013 06 04 B Flagg Photo
    Evaluator
    Multimedia Research
  • Thirteen/WNET
    Contributor
  • vkw
    Evaluator
    Knight-Williams Research Communications
  • Citation

    Funders

    NSF
    Funding Program: AISL
    Award Number: 9725610
    Funding Amount: 450000
    Resource Type: Evaluation Reports
    Discipline: Education and learning science | Mathematics
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Broadcast Media

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.