RAFT Blog, News, and Events

Featured Articles and News

Bringing Hands-On STEAM Learning to San Diego Educators

May 18, 2025

RAFT recently had the pleasure of participating in the San Diego STEAM Educators Conference at the University of San Diego from May 16-17. The event brought together hundreds of teachers from across the state committed to advancing STEAM education across Southern California. Nancy McIntyre, RAFT’s new Community Engagement Manager, represented our team at the conference,…

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From Honoree to Advocate: A STEAM Award’s Ripple Effect

May 14, 2025

At RAFT, we believe in celebrating educators who bring STEAM to life through hands-on learning. Our STEAM Teachers and Administrators of the Year Awards honor those who go above and beyond-and sometimes, that recognition inspires something even bigger. Just ask Bryan Williams, a past STEAM Teacher of the Year award recipient who later nominated another…

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DreamBox Impact Series: Milpitas Unified School District

April 1, 2025

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…

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Bringing Stories to Life: RAFT’s Intersession Program at Northwood Elementary

March 18, 2025

This winter, Northwood Elementary students in Berryessa School District embarked on a creative journey through RAFT’s three-day Intersession program. Designed to spark imagination and hands-on learning, the program engaged 66 students in grades K-5 in the art of puppet-making, storytelling, and performance, culminating in a special showcase for families. Student-made marionette puppets displayed with crafting…

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RAFT’s Winter STEAM Lab Uses STEAM Activities to Take Students to the Stars

Jan 15, 2022 | Comments Off on RAFT’s Winter STEAM Lab Uses STEAM Activities to Take Students to the Stars

We’ve said before that it’s a great idea to kick off the new year with some STEAM learning, and we’re so happy to say that the RAFT Education Team helped the students of Luther Burbank Elementary School in San Jose do just that. In…

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Launch into January with our Puff Rocket STEAM Activity!

Jan 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Launch into January with our Puff Rocket STEAM Activity!

Our “Puff Rocket” is our STEAM activity of the month, and it’s the perfect kit to launch 2022 with some great STEAM learning. Like all of our quality kits, it guides you through fundamental lessons with some really fun challenges, all while being made…

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RAFT’s Maker Mobile Brings Hands-on STEAM Activities to Local Boys & Girls Clubs

Dec 21, 2021 | Comments Off on RAFT’s Maker Mobile Brings Hands-on STEAM Activities to Local Boys & Girls Clubs

We at RAFT are immensely glad to provide STEAM activities for the community, and one of the amazing ways we do this is with the Maker Mobile Van. Equipped with all the tools, materials, and staff necessary to bring STEAM activities everywhere it visits,…

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Discover the Potential of STEAM Learning on National Energy Conservation Day!

Dec 14, 2021 | Comments Off on Discover the Potential of STEAM Learning on National Energy Conservation Day!

Today, India celebrates National Energy Conservation Day, so let’s take a page out of their book and do the same! Turn off the lights when you leave the room, unplug any devices you’re not using, and see if you can walk, bike, or take…

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RAFT’s STEAM Project Kit Subscription Service: Affordable and Responsible STEAM Learning Made Easy

Dec 8, 2021 | Comments Off on RAFT’s STEAM Project Kit Subscription Service: Affordable and Responsible STEAM Learning Made Easy

Just two weeks ago, we at RAFT launched our brand new STEAM Project Kit Subscription Service, the perfect way to get regular access to our quality STEAM learning kits and activities. This service is the latest way for us to share our dedication to…

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Computer Science Education Week: Finding the STEAM Inside and Outside our Devices

Dec 6, 2021 | Comments Off on Computer Science Education Week: Finding the STEAM Inside and Outside our Devices

Today marks the beginning of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), a week to inspire K-12 students to dive into their devices and uncover the science within. Not only this, but this week is also about promoting equity and recognizing the contributions of everyone in…

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