STEM by State

STEM Education in California

California has long been a leader in STEAM education, prioritizing hands-on learning, innovation, and real-world problem-solving to prepare students for the future. With initiatives like the California STEAM Symposium and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the state is committed to equipping students with the critical thinking and engineering skills needed for success.

At Strawbees, we support California’s STEAM goals by providing engaging, hands-on learning tools that integrate seamlessly into science, technology, engineering, arts, and math curricula.

Educators across California are using Strawbees to bring NGSS, Common Core, and CTE standards to life through inquiry-based learning. From elementary classrooms to high school STEM programs, Strawbees empowers both teachers and students to build, prototype, and experiment with real-world engineering concepts.

In this page, you can find:

→ Curriculum Alignment

→ Success Stories

→ Grant Opportunities

→ Meet the Account Manager

Curriculum Alignment

Aligning STEAM with California’s Curriculum

We know that decision makers are looking for tools that align with curriculum and Strawbees aligns directly with California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, making it an ideal tool for STEAM instruction across all grade levels.

How Strawbees can align with California’s Curriculum:

STEAM and NGSS (K-12 Science & Engineering)

Strawbees can:

  • Encourage hands-on engineering design and problem-solving.
  • Support Phenomena-Based Learning, allowing students to build models and test their ideas.
  • Engage students in three-dimensional learning: Science & Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts.

STEAM and Common Core (Math & ELA Integration)

Strawbees can:

  • Promote mathematical reasoning through measurements, angles, and geometry in engineering challenges.
  • Enhance language skills with inquiry-based discussions, reflections, and collaborative problem-solving.

STEAM and CTE & Maker Education

Strawbees can:

  • Support pathways in Engineering & Architecture, Information & Communication Technologies, and Manufacturing & Product Development.
  • Prepare students with career-ready skills in prototyping, iteration, and real-world problem-solving.
Success Stories

STEAM Success Stories in California

Educators and districts across California are integrating hands-on STEAM learning into their classrooms with Strawbees already. From elementary makerspaces to high school engineering programs, teachers are seeing increased student engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

What California Teachers Say

Here’s what California educators are saying about their experiences:

“We regularly use Strawbees with our students to promote engineering design, creativity, and critical thinking. We are so happy to have our partnership with Strawbees to facilitate the next generation of great thinkers, learners, and problem-solvers.”
Michael Knowlton
Michael Knowlton

Coordinator of STEAM at Santa Rosa County District Schools

"For my Scholars it’s a playground for possibility. It’s where they’re trusted to create, to fail forward, and to build something that’s never existed before. Thank you, Strawbees, for fueling that spark. We’re just getting started."
Lisa Moe
Lisa Moe

Elementary School Teacher at Corona Norco Unified District

“Winter STEAM Night was an amazing opportunity to explore computer science and get hands-on with Strawbees!"
Tonya Coats
Tonya Coats

Project Specialist for Digital Learning and Computer Science at SBCSS

The Santa Rosa Think Tank

Michael Knowlton is the Coordinator of STEAM at Santa Rosa County District Schools and runs a mobile STEAM laboratory called, "The Santa Rosa Think Tank".  The Tank serves thousands of students and regularly use Strawbees with our students to promote engineering design, creativity, and critical thinking.

Grant opportunities

STEM Grants in California

Securing funding for STEAM education can be a challenge, but California offers a variety of grants and funding sources to support hands-on learning initiatives in schools and districts. 

Whether you're looking for statewide grants, federal funding, or private foundation support, there are numerous opportunities to bring innovative STEAM tools into the classroom.

California State & Federal Grants for STEAM Education
Local & Private Grant Opportunities in California
  • California Department of Education (CDE) STEAM Grants – Various funding opportunities supporting STEM/STEAM initiatives in schools.
  • Silicon Valley Community Foundation Grants – Supports educational equity and STEAM learning in underrepresented communities.
  • Chevron Fuel Your School Program – Provides grants for STEAM classroom projects in eligible California counties.
  • Local Education Foundations & County Office of Education Grants – Many districts and counties offer mini-grants for innovative STEAM projects.

How We Can Help with Grant Applications

If you're looking for funding to bring hands-on STEAM learning to your students, we do have a grant writing webinar you can watch to help support you.

Learn more →

The Account Manager at Your State

Meet Justin

Ready to bring hands-on, standards-aligned STEAM learning to your classroom or district? Justin is here to support you every step of the way.

Speak to Justin directly to see how our tools can engage your students, or attend one of our Strawbees 101 webinars for more information on how to integrate into your curriculum or get a specific quote for your needs.

image_justin (1)
Justin Andersen
School Partnership Manager
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