5 Fun STEM Activities for Okanagan Kids – National STEM Day

Program Highlights

Kids around a table stretching slime with their hands that was created for a STEM activity.

Curiosity starts with a simple “why?” and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) turns that question into hands-on discovery. Whether your child is mixing up a kitchen-table experiment or building a simple machine, STEM builds confidence, problem-solving and creativity.

At BGC Okanagan, we make STEM approachable and fun through our Recreation Programs — including free STEM Drop-In (ages 7–13) at our Lake Country, Peachland and West Kelowna Clubs. Below are five easy, low-mess activities families and educators can try at home, in classrooms, or right at the Club.

What is National STEM Day?

National STEM Day is recognized on November 8 and celebrates activities that spark kids’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math. It’s a great excuse (not that you need one!) to try a new experiment together.

5 Easy STEM Activities Kids Will Love

1) Slime Science: Stretch vs. Bounce (Polymers)

What kids learn: How ingredients change a material’s properties; measuring and testing.

You’ll need: White glue (120 mL), baking soda (½ tsp), contact solution (2 Tbsp), optional food colouring or glitter, measuring spoons, bowls, water, cornstarch, ruler or tape measure.

Do this:

  1. In a bowl, mix glue + baking soda. Stir in contact solution until it forms slime.

  2. Split into two bowls.

    • Stretchy test: Add up to ½ cup water, a little at a time.

    • Bouncy test: Add small pinches of cornstarch until firmer.

  3. Test and record: stretch each sample and measure length before it breaks, or drop each ball from the same height and measure the bounce.

Talk about it: Which recipe made longer chains (stretchier slime)? How did adding cornstarch change the structure?

2) Make It Rain in a Jar (Water Cycle)

What kids learn: Condensation, cloud formation and precipitation.

You’ll need: Clear jar, water, shaving cream, food colouring, dropper.

Do this:

  1. Fill the jar ¾ with water (the “air”).

  2. Add a thick shaving-cream “cloud” on top.

  3. Tint water with a few drops of food colouring. Use the dropper to drip coloured water onto the “cloud” until “rain” falls into the jar.

Talk about it: What happens when the cloud gets saturated? Where do we see this outside?

3) Spinning Art Machine (Intro to Motors)

What kids learn: Motion, energy transfer, simple circuits — plus creative design.

You’ll need: Small hobby motor, AA battery pack, tape, paper plate or sturdy card, markers.

Do this:

  1. Tape the motor to the underside of the plate (shaft centred).

  2. Connect the motor leads to the battery pack (adult help).

  3. Place the plate face-up on scrap paper, turn it on and gently touch markers to the spinning surface to create spiral patterns.

Talk about it: How does changing voltage (different batteries) or weight on the plate affect speed and art patterns?

4) Extract DNA from a Strawberry (Biology Wow Moment)

What kids learn: Cells, DNA as a physical molecule, lab technique.

You’ll need: Fresh strawberries, resealable bag, dish soap, salt, water, coffee filter, clear glass, isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol chilled, spoon.

Do this:

  1. Make extraction mix: 1 cup water + 1 Tbsp dish soap + ½ tsp salt.

  2. Add a strawberry to the bag and mash thoroughly. Pour in 2 Tbsp extraction mix; mix gently.

  3. Filter into the glass. Slowly pour cold alcohol down the side to form a layer.

  4. Watch stringy, white DNA rise where the layers meet; spool with a stick or spoon handle.

Talk about it: Why do we chill the alcohol? Where else might we see DNA extraction used?

5) Build a Wind-Powered Car (Engineering & Iteration)

What kids learn: Forces, friction, design testing and improvement.

You’ll need: Four bottle-cap wheels, skewers or straws (axles), lightweight base (cardboard), tape, paper for sail, fan or outdoor breeze.

Do this:

  1. Build a simple rolling chassis (caps on axles, axles through the base).

  2. Add a vertical mast and a paper sail.

  3. Test with a fan; time how far/fast it goes. Tweak wheel alignment, sail size and angle for best performance.

Talk about it: Which changes increased speed? Why do misaligned axles slow the car?

Join Free STEM Drop-In (Ages 7–13)

Kids can try activities like these — and many more — in a supportive, social space.

  • Where: BGC Okanagan Clubs in Lake Country, Peachland and West Kelowna

  • Cost: Free for ages 7–13, with $10 yearly membership

  • When: Year-round; times vary by location. Check our Recreation Program web page for exact dates and details.

  • What to expect: Science experiments, beginner coding, natural sciences, and math-in-action — all designed to spark curiosity and friendships.

👉 View service location monthly calendars:
 Lake Country
Peachland
     West Kelowna

About BGC Okanagan Recreation Programs

Our Recreation Programs are for BGC Okanagan members who want to come to the Club and take part in a wide variety of activities aligned to BGC Canada’s core programming areas. Youth build friendships and connect with positive role models in a place they belong — learning new skills in a safe, fun environment after school, on weekends and in the evenings.

Programs run year-round, with times based on local offerings. Find monthly calendars for each Club location with specific dates and program details. Activities include community field trips, sports, BGC Canada Clubs programs, life skills, creative arts, leadership and learning — plus our free STEM Drop-In.

Safety & Clean-Up Tips

  • Adult supervision recommended; use protective eyewear where helpful.

  • Do not ingest any materials. Keep contact solution and isopropyl alcohol away from eyes and mouths.

  • Check for allergies/sensitivities (e.g., soaps, glues).

  • Clean surfaces and wash hands after activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is STEM Drop-In for?
Ages 7–13 at our Lake Country, Peachland and West Kelowna Clubs.

Do I need to register?
STEM Drop-In is typically first-come, first-served. Check your Club’s monthly calendar for details.

Is there a cost?
STEM Drop-In is free, with a $10 yearly membership. Other Recreation Programs may have fees; see your location page.

Do you run these programs all year?
Yes. BGC Okanagan Recreation Programs run year-round, with calendars updated monthly.

Can families try these activities at home?
Absolutely. Each activity above includes a short materials list and steps you can do with basic supplies.