Cyberchase Museum Outreach Initiative Needs Assessment – FULL REPORT

WNET planned an initiative to involve museums in the outreach associated with Season V of Cyberchase. A written feedback survey gathered information from 32 museums as to their current practices and recommendations with respect to museum kits, discovery carts, discovery boxes, video screenings and educational computer games. The goal of the survey was to assess the needs of the museums and to guide the development of an outreach plan for Season V. 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.