Engaging EL and SPED Learners Through Hands-On STEAM

For the past two summers, RAFT has partnered with Milpitas Unified School District to bring hands-on STEAM learning to the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) summer program. This past summer, 230 fourth- through sixth-grade Special Education (SPED) and English Learner (EL) students became environmental engineers—designing water filtration systems, building electric wind generators, and documenting their discoveries through nature journaling.

Students built wind generators using RAFT's STEAM Kits.
Students built wind generators using RAFT's STEAM Kits.

Student Engagement

When students physically engage with their learning, abstract concepts become tangible realities. This approach is particularly powerful for special education students, who benefit from using multiple senses and working at their own pace. As they prototype real solutions to environmental challenges, students develop not just comprehension, but also motor skills and confidence.

Teaching and Learning

RAFT has eliminated the logistical barriers that often hinder hands-on learning. Free from the time-consuming tasks of sourcing and preparing materials—RAFT provides everything from activity kits to ready-made slide decks—educators can fully immerse themselves in the teaching and learning process. Working alongside their students, they offer immediate guidance, demonstrate problem-solving strategies, and create a supportive environment where students feel safe to experiment and grow.

For the ESY program, RAFT provided over 60 hours of hands-on STEAM content, serving as the primary content provider for SPED and EL learners. The program supported 9 teachers through extensive training and resources, ensuring effective implementation.

One of the many environmental stewardship projects students created.
One of the many environmental stewardship projects students created.

RAFT’s DreamBox content allows districts to customize support for all learners. With materials, activities, and content provided, districts can focus on instructional best practices to accelerate student outcomes.

Interested in bringing STEAM DreamBox to your district or school? Contact us today at education@raft.net to learn more!