Marie Wilkinson Community Garden
Aurora, IL

In the nearby city of Aurora, Chicago Children’s Museum created a permanent outdoor interactive space that encourages math learning via a community garden. Positioned along the sidewalk and fence, the installation uses the natural environment and visual, tactile, and auditory components to invite playful exploration of math concepts.

A series of decorative birdhouses installed on the fence (made non-functional so that birds do not actually dwell in them) demonstrate a variety of sizes, shapes and patterns that serve as a rich math conversation piece for children and caregivers. While an activity table provides a space for families to relax and settle in for some math learning. Colorful math stools are available for children to sit, climb or stand on—aiding their view into the Garden to observe and talk about what they see. Some children might even use them to compare their own height to that of a family member!

Chicago Children’s Museum collaborated with SPARK - Fox Valley United Way (Strong, Prepared and Ready for Kindergarten), Playful Learning Landscapes, and Metropolitan Family Services to conceptualize the math learning experience in Aurora.

For any inquiries regarding Playful Learning Landscapes, please contact our Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Amy Spar, at amys@chicagochildrensmuseum.org