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ABSTRACT
The Laboratory of Comparative Human Cognition (LCHC) developed the Fifth Dimension (5D) prototype play/learning environment in 1982 in order to study the role of context in human cognition. The prototype, which blended play and learning with computers, children and college students acting as intergenerational teams, and university/community partnership, was first implemented in comparative community contexts in 1987. Since that time, the prototype has been implemented by researchers across California, the US, and the globe with the goal of integrating research, teaching, and community outreach. This commentary uses practice theory and bioecological systems theory to consider the process by which this research prototype contributed to the emergence of a multigenerational social and cultural practice. The emergent practice of 5D implementation and research is consistent with and has been supported by LCHC’s underlying concern with equity and social justice in education and a research approach characterized by intellectual and cultural openness, collaboration, and a historical lens on phenomena under study and the research itself.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.