A makerspace does not have to be a room. It can be a well-designed cart full of upcycled building materials, a reimagined storage closet, a single wall, or an entire workroom. RAFT helps schools work out which one they can actually sustain, then helps them build it.
Design consultation and an implementation plan
RAFT works with your school community to co-design a custom on-site makerspace, usually starting small and scaling up as the school grows into STEAM and maker pedagogy.
Community Makerspace Builds
RAFT facilitates one-day builds. Over one or several school days we engage and train students and volunteers to build makerspace furniture and storage solutions. RAFT brings all the tools and experienced staff to run it safely.
Support once it exists
A space is only useful if people are comfortable using it. Drawing on a long list of short design challenges, RAFT helps teachers and students get used to managing materials and running student-led activities, until teachers are building their own inquiry-based lessons and sharing them with colleagues.
Materials and materials management
Too often schools lack the resources for meaningful project-based learning. RAFT supplies upcycled materials directly to schools, including starter packs for classrooms and whole schools that cover the common materials projects, maker activities and genius hours need.
Sustainability is not a side note here. Cheaper, greener materials are what make it possible for a school to keep doing this after the first term.
To talk about a makerspace, email education@raft.net. For field trips to RAFT or RAFT coming to a community event, use the same address.