Resources Available Through RAFT
RAFT leverages community donations and bulk purchasing to offer a wide range of low-cost materials, hands-on teaching tools, and school supplies at our educator resource centers. In addition to teaching basics such as markers and paper, we offer many creative reuse materials in bulk.
Resource Centers
Resource centers are also equipped with the Green Room, a creative workspace providing RAFT members with equipment, ideas, and expert assistance.
What’s in the Green Room?
- Large collection of Ellison dies
- Paper cutters
- Book binding equipment
- Laminators
- Button Maker
- Computer with printer
- Photocopier
The newest addition to our San Jose resource center is the RAFT Makerspace, equipped with a Universal Laser Systems VLS4.60 Platform. This laser system is a versatile device that can cut or etch a variety of materials, from plastics and glass to more natural products such as wood, leather, and paper. Educators must attend a RAFT Laser Cutter Certification Workshop and become certified before using the laser system.
Visit a RAFT Bay Area location to see all that we have to offer!
Food and drink are not permitted in the Green Room or Makerspace.
For safety reasons children under 12 are not allowed in the Green Room at any time.
Teaching Tip Sheets
New to hands-on teaching? Looking for ways to save time? Get practical advice that will make your job easier! For pointers on using hands-on teaching with your students, check out Hands-on Teaching RAFT Tip Sheets filled with useful information to make it easy and fun.
Workshops
Low-cost training at RAFT locations in STEAM, ECE, & Classroom Skills to meet individual teacher needs and focuses on hands-on teaching techniques that directly support current best practices in education. RAFT’s material-based, hands-on workshops are unique in that each workshop attendee receives RAFT materials to support implementation of the activities shared in the class.
Idea Sheets
RAFT Idea Sheets are easy-to-use hands-on experience guides linked to core curriculum topics. Download for free and use commonly found materials to create engaging learning experiences.
Every Idea Sheet is cross-referenced to one or more of the curriculum subjects listed in the Content Standards. Use this Idea Sheets Search Tool to rapidly pinpoint activities that are perfectly suited to the grade level, subject area, and content standard you want to cover.
Idea Sheets are based on readily-available, low-cost materials such as cardboard tubes, bottle caps, old CD’s, etc.
Activity Kits
These affordable, ready-to-use activity kits take the prep work out of teaching with hands-on activities. Activity Kits come with all required materials and step-by-step instructions to bring engaging math, science, and art experiences to your students. Many are available in both singles and 10 packs to help you reach student audiences of all sizes.
A detailed Idea Sheet is provided with each Activity Kit. The Idea Sheet includes a materials list, step-by-step assembly instructions, things to do and notice, the concept behind the activity, and pointers to other resources.
Each Activity Kit is aligned to national curriculum standards and can be used with any textbook or lesson plan.
Professional Development
Learning at RAFT focuses on hands-on teaching techniques that directly support current best practices in education. Our Professional Development offerings include:
Customized Training
RAFT can help you meet your training goals with tailored one-time and multiple sessions and series covering a variety of topics including STEM.
Workshops
Low-cost training at RAFT locations in STEAM, ECE, & Classroom Skills to meet individual teacher needs and focuses on hands-on teaching techniques that directly support current best practices in education.
Shop at One of Our 2 Locations!
Visit our resource centers in San Jose or Redwood City to shop in store!
A RAFT membership is required in order to shop at our resource centers.
No Time to Shop In Store?
No problem. Check out our online store and get the supplies you need at a price you can manage now.
RAFT San Jose
1355 Ridder Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95131
Shopping Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday: 10:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 10:30am - 5:30pm
Friday: 10:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
No donations accepted at this location.
Phone & Email
General Questions: (408) 451-1420, [email protected]
Membership: (408) 213-7216, [email protected]
Volunteers: [email protected]
Workshops: (408) 451-1421
Material Donations: [email protected]
Retail: (408) 451-3853
RAFT Redwood City
101 Twin Dolphin Dr
Redwood City, CA 94065
Shopping Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:30am to 5:30pm
Thursday: 10:30am to 5:30pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Children under 12 are not allowed in RAFT Redwood City.
No donations accepted at this location.
Phone
(650) 802-5505
Check out what’s new in store!