(NAPSA)—America’s youngsters need help improvingtheir literacy in mathematics, according to U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige. CYBERCHASE, the daily math mystery cartoon on PBS Kids meets this need, taking kids on a thrilling ride through cyberspace where they are challenged to use the power of math to solve problems. CYBERCHASE helps kids discover that math is fun andit’s all around us—evenin the kitchen! Try this favorite “recipe” from Digit LeBoid, the program’s popular cyberbird. Using this craft recipe and some creative thinking, kids can create wild cyber-creatures that make great non-edible gifts for family, friends or teachers. Digit’s CyberDough You need: Salt: 1/4 cup Flour: Four times the measure of salt Water: Same as the measure of salt Vegetable oil: 1/2 the measure of salt Food coloring: Different colors, a few drops each Medium-size mixing bowl Wax paper Directions: 1) In a medium-size bowl, mix salt and flour. 2) Add water slowly while mixing, then oil. Mush with your fingers until the mixture feels like clay. (If your clay feels too sticky, add morefloura little at a time until it feels right. Too stiff? Add a little water.) 3) Break the clay into smaller balls. Working on a piece of wax paper, add drops Create wild cyber-creatures and have fun with math using a simple craft dough recipe. of food color to make different color balls. Work the color into each ball and you’re ready to go! (Note: To save clay creation, bake at 300 for 30-40 minutes, or until it is cooked through. For crafts only, not intended to be eaten.) What’s the math? Youngsters practice measurement, problem solving, proportional reasoning, and fractions. For design sugges- tions to create cyber-creatures and more fun math games, activities and stories, visit CYBERCHASE http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/ cyberdough/. CYBERCHASE takes learning beyond the TV screen and brings it directly to kids through their computers, libraries, schools, and at special events around the country. Studies show viewers develop positive attitudes about math, and improve their comprehension and confidence with problem-solving.
