Each workshop is led by Geering Up instructors and consists of exciting STEM based and hands-on activities that stimulate experimental thinking and scientific literacy. Students of all levels can participate and be equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to further explore Science, Engineering and Technology after the workshop. Workshops are available to schools across the Okanagan!
- Workshop Dates
To be announced - Workshop Schedule
Workshops are designed for single classes of up to 30 students, and are 75 minutes long unless otherwise stated. All our workshops are directly linked to the BC provincial curriculum. Our teams can teach up to three workshops per day and can be run around the nuances of your bell schedule. - Cost:
In-Person
1 General Workshop: $195/Workshop
3 General Workshops (in the same day): $175/Workshop
6+ General Workshops: $155/Workshop
Limited bursary options may be available as funding becomes available. Please ask us at kelowna.geeringup@ubc.ca!
KELOWNA WORKSHOPS
Beaver Builders: Engineering in the Wild
In this hands-on STEM adventure, young learners will explore what engineering is and how nature inspires human-made solutions. Students will meet one of Canada’s most famous furry engineers – the beaver – and discover how its clever dam-building connects to the world of engineering. Through stories, science, and creative building, students will engage in teamwork, imagination, and problem-solving. This engaging program is the perfect way to spark curiosity and introduce big ideas to curious little minds.
GRADE: Kindergarten
The Magic of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases
What are things made of, and how do they change? In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the properties of solids, liquids, and gases through hands-on experiments and engaging demonstrations. We will compare materials, investigate changes in states, and unlock secrets about the world around us – because in science, everything matters!
GRADE: 1
Chemistry in Action: Exploring Change
Explore the world of chemistry by discovering how different materials change around us! In this interactive workshop, students will use observation and inquiry skills to investigate physical and chemical changes and discover how everyday ingredients transform into surprising science through hands-on experiments. Students will have fun with colourful reactions and safe lab activities. Get ready to see chemistry in action – and discover the science behind the wow!
GRADES: 2
Heat it Up: The Science of Thermal Energy
Why does a metal spoon heat up faster than a wooden one? How does heat move through solids, liquids, and gases? In this high-energy workshop, students investigate forms of energy with a special focus on thermal energy. Through hands-on experiments and eye-catching demos, students explore conduction, convection, and radiation while practicing prediction, observation, and evidence-based thinking.
GRADES: 3
Code Explorers: Meet the Ozobots
Jump into the world of coding with an exciting hands-on adventure – Ozobots! In this playful, interactive workshop, learners will explore how Ozobots follow simple code using colours and patterns. They will apply sequence, logic, and problem solving to guide their robot through mazes and challenges – building foundational computational thinking skills. Get ready to code, create, and cheer your robot across the finish line!
GRADES: 1 – 3
Watt’s Up? Circuits and Electrical Engineering
Get hands-on with energy and innovation in this electrifying workshop all about circuits. Students will explore how electrical systems work by building and testing simple circuits. They will investigate how different materials and components interact, troubleshoot designs, and apply creative thinking to engineer a project they can take home. With a focus on designing, making, and sharing, this experience supports applied skills and builds confidence in problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world electrical engineering.
GRADES: 4
Game Makers: Code, Create, and Play with Scratch
In this playful and hands-on workshop, students will be introduced to game design using block-based coding in Scratch. They will build digital skills by designing custom characters and backdrops, sequencing events, and using logic to bring their ideas to life. As they plan, create, test, and refine their games, students will practice computational thinking, problem-solving, and iterative design. This experience builds confidence with technology while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and fun.
Please note students will need to have a computer with internet connection to participate.
GRADES: 4 – 6
Oh My Organs: Biomedical Engineering
Investigate the world of Biomedical Engineering and discover how science and technology are used to support the human body and improve lives. Through hands-on challenges students will design, create, and test solutions to solve problems related to human health and body systems. Build skills in creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while engineering for a healthier world.
GRADES: 5
Digital Engineering Lab: Designing Solutions with TinkerCAD
Become Manufacturing Engineers and explore how products are designed, made, and improved to meet real-world needs. Using TinkerCAD, students will plan, model, and prototype their own solutions to everyday problems while learning how engineering and digital tools are used in modern manufacturing. Along the way, they will apply design thinking, 3D modelling, iteration, and evaluation to create their designs. This workshop builds confidence in problem-solving, creativity, and using technology to bring ideas to life.
Please note students will need to have a computer with internet connection to participate.
GRADES: 6/7
Eco-Tech Lab: Coding for a Greener Future
Explore how technology can support sustainable and energy-efficient living in this hands-on workshop. Using Arduino microcontrollers, students build and code a light-sensing system while developing foundational skills in programming, electronics, and environmental design. With climate-conscious thinking at the core, students connect innovation to impact – and imagine how tech can help shape a better world.
Please note students will need to have a computer with internet connection to participate.
GRADES: 8/9/10
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In-person workshop fees vary depending on how many workshops you choose to sign up
for. Please see above for details.
To help offset the cost of vehicle rentals and travel time, travel fees apply to all schools outside of the Greater Kelowna area. Should you want to participate but find that cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to contact us at kelowna.geeringup@ubc.ca.
We are very excited to re-launch our in-person workshops! Geering Up instructors will be able to join your classroom for an entire session to guide the class through STEM workshop(s) of your choice. Please ensure that there is a way for our instructors to project slides and, depending on the course you have selected, each student or pair of students may need a computer with internet connection to participate in the workshop activities.
1. Why should I bring this into my classroom?
70% of tomorrow's jobs will require STEM skills, but less than half of high school students graduate with the prerequisite STEM courses (Skills Competencies Canada). BC's new ADST curriculum heavily integrates computer science and applied science skills to help address that gap. Geering Up workshops aim to help educators satisfy BC's new ADST curriculum by providing their students the opportunity to investigate STEM in fun, innovative, and hands-on experiments and projects. Our workshops allow students to build future skills, connect with current university undergraduate students, and gain tools, knowledge, and inspiration to explore a future in STEM!
2. What materials will my class need to participate?
For our in-person workshops materials may include computer with an internet connection. All other materials will be provided by the Geering Up team. A teacher letter with information about the workshop content and a list of any additional materials needed will be provided in advance of your scheduled workshop.
3. What do I need to do to set up for the workshop?
Please keep an eye out for a teacher letter with information about the workshop content and a list of any additional materials needed. This will be provided after registration, and in advance of your scheduled workshop.
