“Do the Math” Debuts New Studio Set for 23rd Season Beginning Sept. 10 

“Do the Math” hosted an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday.

For more than two decades, Kern County students in need of a little extra help with their math homework have tuned in to “Do the Math,” a standards-based mathematics TV show and free tutoring program produced by KCSOS’s Kern Education Television Network (KETN). The 23^rd season begins on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

During the off season, the “Do the Math” studio received a much-needed makeover after 22 seasons. With the help of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School district, “Do the Math” now has a Promethean Activ Panel 9 to accompany the show’s Smart Board, helping to create a dynamic set using the latest technology. The demonstration area has been expanded to welcome more guests and showcase the great careers and activities happening throughout Kern County.

“The rainbow of numbers that once adorned the walls have come down to make way for a more sophisticated and modern look,” said host and executive producer Michael Cushine. “The new space pays respect to the past two decades but elevates the show to reflect the updated content we have been offering over the past few years.”

On Wednesday, “Do the Math” hosted an open house to show off its new digs and thank longtime supports like Valley Strong Credit Union, Chevron, Chick-fil-A, and others. Representatives from the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Goh were on hand for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The original “Do the Math” cast in 2002.

While mathematics is the core of “Do the Math” programming, the show has evolved into all things STEAM, with an emphasis on how science, technology, engineering, arts, and of course, math is applied within real-world situations and careers. A segment called “Math in the Real World” features on-location segments at local businesses, organizations and other community locations where industry professionals demonstrate practical applications of STEAM concepts in their everyday jobs. 

“The idea is to get young people to understand that what they are learning in school will serve them well when they get into a career,” Cushine said. “It isn’t just about crunching numbers any longer. It’s about collaborating with others to find different strategies when approaching a problem.” 

During the show, Cushine, along with several math tutors, work with students on air to solve their homework and other standards-based problems. Parents are also invited to speak with tutors on how to better help their children at home.

The live TV show airs from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. most Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the school year. Free, phone-in tutoring is available from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by calling (661) 636-4357 or toll free at (866) 636-6284. Students can also email their questions to dothemath@kern.org.  
 
“Do the Math” can be seen in Bakersfield and Tehachapi on Spectrum Cable Ch. 15.

For more information, visit www.dothemathonline.net. You can also follow “Do the Math” on social media: Facebook: @dothemathbakersfield, Instagram: @_dothemath_, X: @dothemathbako, TikTok: @_dothemath_, and LinkedIn: Do the Math.