Looking to spark a summer discovery? STEM learning for kids doesn’t need a lab—just a kitchen table, a few basic supplies, and a sense of adventure! These three simple science experiments are great for young explorers, and they pair perfectly with books available right here at the Okanagan Regional Library.
- Dancing Raisins
Fill a clear glass with carbonated water and drop in a few raisins. Watch them sink, then rise again as bubbles cling to their surface. It’s a fun, fizzy way to explore buoyancy, gas, and motion—all with a snackable twist. - Magic Milk
Pour whole milk into a shallow dish and add drops of food colouring. Touch the surface with a dish soap–dipped cotton swab. The colours will swirl and dance, showing how soap interacts with fat molecules in a vibrant chemistry display. - Homemade Lava Lamp
Combine vegetable oil and water in a clear bottle, then add food colouring and a fizzy tablet (like Alka-Seltzer). As colourful bubbles rise and fall, kids get a hands-on lesson in density and chemical reactions—with groovy results.
Explore STEM, Summer Learning, and More with the ORL
For families eager to go further, the ORL offers books packed with fun ideas for hands-on science activities:
- STEM Lab: 25 Super-cool Projects – Build, Invent, Create, Discover by Jack Challoner
From structures to sound, this book dives into all kinds of STEM projects using simple materials and clear instructions. - STEM Activity Lab: Fantastic Projects for Young Scientists
Features creative activities like racing wind-up cars or making a homemade guitar—plus the science behind each one. - Great STEM Projects: Tried-and-true Experiments for All Budding Scientists
Over fifty engaging experiments with real-world concepts in physics, chemistry, and more. - STEM Green Science at Home by Susan Martineau
Focuses on eco-conscious science activities that empower kids to help protect the Earth, while explaining climate issues in kid-friendly terms. - Amazing Activities With Weather and Climate by Anne O’Daly
Budding meteorologists will love experimenting with solar radiation, cloud formation, and flooding simulations—all while learning about climate science.
Ready to explore more?
Learn more about our in-branch Makerspaces, access digital STEM resources for children such as Code Combat, and discover summer e-learning opportunities.
The ORL is your launchpad for fun, free science exploration and learning—lab coats optional!
