Rad

Extreme sports and the practical application of math skills combine in an action-packed PBS series that disputes the notion that math is just for eggheads. Aimed at children ages 6 to 11, Cyberchase features a trio of kid sports enthusiasts and their bird Digit (Gilbert Gottfried) who use their knowledge of math concepts to solve real problems and save Cyberspace from the evil Hacker (Christopher Lloyd). In "Totally Rad," Hacker proclaims himself King of Radopolis and turns this land of skateboarding into a no-skate zone. When the Cyberchase gang arrives, Hacker challenges them to a skate-off that should pose no challenge to the kids--problem is, the shape of the field keeps shifting. Can the kids use their knowledge of perimeter and area measurement to solve the shape-shifting mystery? "The Borg of the Ring" finds Hacker in possession of a magic ring that could mean the end of Cyberspace. This time the Cyberchase gang and a kid from Radopolis use math concepts to make a wheel by drawing a perfect circle without a compass, measure different radiuses to create a convincing fake ring, and find the exact center of a circle to ensure the real ring's safety. In "Fortress of Attitude," Cyberspace is awash with the obnoxious voice of Hacker as he attempts to render all Cybersites in Cyberspace useless. Digit and the kids storm the statue that's broadcasting Hacker's voice and, by using some very creative homemade measuring devices, snake their way through laser beams and trap doors in an effort to silence Hacker's broadcast forever. --Tami Horiuchi