RAFT Institutes (Math, Science, and Innovation multi-day sessions) will inspire and encourage you to engage in a variety of hands-on teaching methods through practical exercises using commonly found materials.

Thanks to generous donor support, the Summer Institutes are offered at no charge to RAFT members!

RAFT is holding a variety of workshops over the summer covering common core, curriculum support, and classroom skills at our San Jose and Redwood City locations.

7/13 Two Books by Two Gals: We will present two very different styles of mini books for classroom use. Both books will be variations of the greeting cards introduced in previous workshops. Students will used these basic books for reporting, story writing, illustrated poems, and/or scrap-booking.

7/20 Quilts for Classrooms: In this workshop instructors will cover the fundamentals of quilt making and the history of quilts in America. Teachers will learn how to use basic geometric shapes to achieve an array of design possibilities.

7/25 The Magic and Mystery of Magnets: Come learn ways to demonstrate and teach the basics, and more, about magnetism through a range of student engaging, hands-on activities. See how magnetism fits in the common core standards and in addition explore the unique properties of diamagnetism.

Register today at http://www.raftbayarea.org/workshops.

Our workshops are for educators of all types: preschool, TK-12th grades, home-school, after-school, and community groups. Earn credit and have fun in RAFT’s hands-on workshops! All RAFT workshops offer you the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from San Jose State University.

If you have any questions about our workshop program, please contact Vanessa at workshops@raft.net or (408)213-7209.

Germinator

Create a reusable germinator from a CD case that gives students an unobstructed view of sprouting seeds.  Graph data, test environmental variables, or simply “enjoy the magic” as the seeds transform into growing plants!  This provides the perfect opportunity to discuss such topics as photosynthesis, germination, phototropism, geotropism, and experimental design.  The Germinator provides an enjoyable learning experience and is ideal for grades K – 8.

RAFT Activity Kits and Idea Sheets

Making STEM Connections! RAFT Activity Kit demos for Saturday, July 13th

• Reason Abstractly and quantitatively: Frack Jack
• Use appropriate tools strategically: Whimsical Wind Vane
• Attend to precision: Mini Magnet Wands
• Look for and make use of structure: Price a Piece of Pizza
• Construct viable arguments & critique the reasoning of others: The Germinator

Ask our RAFT mentors, Jeanne Lazzarini and Eric Welker, for clever ways you can use hands-on RAFT ideas in your classroom! You can join myRAFT, our online community, and ask questions regarding RAFT Activity Kits, demonstrations, or other hands-on education related topics.