Bringing proven ideas to communities
ChangeX + Playful Learning Landscapes
Playful Learning Landscapes partners with ChangeX, a global platform that empowers communities to launch proven social innovations with seed funding and support. Through this partnership, applicants on the ChangeX platform can apply to bring Playful Learning projects like Fraction Ball and Urban Thinkscape to their neighborhoods. Fraction Ball transforms basketball courts into dynamic math learning spaces, while Urban Thinkscape reimagines public infrastructure, such as bus stops, as hubs for playful learning. Playful Learning Landscapes provides technical assistance to ensure that each project is adapted successfully to its community context, helping families worldwide experience the benefits of joyful, research-based learning in everyday spaces.
The Learning Goals
Fraction Ball helps children build strong foundations in math fluency by combining physical activity with problem-solving. As players shoot baskets, they must calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages to track their scores, making abstract concepts tangible through movement. The game encourages critical thinking and strategic decision-making as players select shots to reach target scores, while also promoting collaboration and communication as teams work together. By linking math to play, Fraction Ball builds confidence in learning and demonstrates how academic content can be integrated into joyful, everyday activities.
Urban Thinkscape transforms everyday public infrastructure into opportunities for learning, connection, and exploration. Activities like puzzles, story prompts, and jumping patterns support early literacy, spatial reasoning, and scientific thinking while encouraging families to talk, imagine, and problem-solve together. By turning waiting time into learning time, Urban Thinkscape strengthens caregiver–child communication and fosters creative innovation in how communities use shared space. The project promotes social connection across generations, ensuring that public places become environments where children and adults alike can learn as they play together.
The Team
The ChangeX partnership is led by ChangeX and the Playful Learning Landscapes. ChangeX provides the global platform that connects communities with opportunities to launch proven projects, while PLLAN serves as the social innovator, offering research-based design expertise and technical assistance to ensure that each installation is adapted successfully to its local context. Together, ChangeX and PLLAN make it possible for playful learning projects like Fraction Ball and Urban Thinkscape to spread worldwide, turning everyday spaces into opportunities for joyful learning.
Supporters
The ChangeX model is powered by philanthropic and corporate funders who make it possible for communities worldwide to access seed funding for proven ideas. Through this support, projects like Fraction Ball and Urban Thinkscape can be brought to life in neighborhoods across the globe. These investments ensure that playful learning is not only innovative but also accessible, helping families everywhere experience joyful, research-based opportunities to learn through play.
