Cyberchase

Cyberchase is an animated TV show that first aired on PBS in 2002. It follows three kids named Matt, Jackie, and Inez who travel into cyberspace. They work with a bird named Digit to stop the evil Hacker from taking over the digital world. The show teaches kids math and problem-solving skills.

The Heroes and Villain

Matt, Jackie, and Inez are regular kids who get pulled into cyberspace by Motherboard, a powerful computer. Digit is a cybird who helps them on their missions. The Hacker is a green-skinned villain who wants to rule cyberspace with his henchmen Buzz and Delete.

Cyberchase kids use math to save a world called Cyberspace.
Cyberchase kids use math to save a world called Cyberspace. (Thirteen, WNET / Wikimedia Commons)

Math Saves the Day

Every episode uses math concepts to solve problems and defeat the Hacker. Topics include geometry, measurement, estimation, and data analysis. The show ends with a real-world segment called Cyberchase For Real that shows how math is used in everyday life.

Fun Facts

  • Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown in Back to the Future, voices the Hacker.
  • Cyberchase has been on the air for over 20 years.
  • The show was one of the first to combine math education with adventure storytelling.

Did You Know?

Cyberchase was created because studies showed that many kids, especially girls, lost interest in math around third grade. The show was designed to make math cool and to show that everyone can be good at math!