Ben Franklin Elementary
Large scale interactive math games
Like many Philly schools, the playground at BFES was once a sweltering asphalt expanse. During its revitalization into a playful learning space, the community identified math as the subject for which students needed exciting, engaging access points. That’s where we came in.
Client
Trust for Public Land
Collaborators
Jason Killinger
Disciplines
Playful learning
Ground mural
Design & installation
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Year
2019
We developed math games that would engage a variety of personality types and play styles. They each offer a different opportunity for using the body as a ‘manipulative’ in collaborative, paired or solo formats. Using the body deepens learning.
Over 6 weeks, we laid out and hand painted the games in the new playground.
Before
After
This colossal project came together by the grace of many friends, community members, and coworkers. Huge thanks to Dan Murphy and Josh Smith for their mural installation skills, to Gretchen Trefney for being a positive and hands-on project manager, to Anna Forrester for her playful learning insights, and to the friends and community members who jumped in on the painting.
Photos by Bradley Maule and Elyse Leyenberger.