Get together and explore science, technology, engineering and math at the library. Get up close to a lizard, experiment different airways with PVC pipes and more.
Hens and Roosters
Join a Naturalist from Dodge Nature Center to learn about chickens as you get up close with a hen and rooster. From meat to eggs and even pest control, chickens are an important part of a farm. For youth ages 4 and older. Siblings welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of Pleasant Hill Library.
Pleasant Hill
Saturday, June 6, 2–2:45 p.m.
Lac Lavon Park, 15501 Lac Lavon Drive, Burnsville
Friday, July 17, 10–10:45 a.m.
Build It Challenge
Drop in for a hands-on building challenge where imagination meets engineering. Use a variety of everyday objects and materials to stack, balance, and construct your own towering creations. Then test their limits by knocking them down and starting again. For youth ages 4 and older.
Pleasant Hill
Thursdays, 2–4 p.m.
June 11
July 9
Aug. 13
STEM Inspiration Stations
Dig into the wonders of science by trying accessible, engaging activities that bring the inner child out of everyone. Have fun with electrifying gizmos or perfecting your engineering innovation. Presented by The Bakken Museum. For youth ages 5 and older.
Kaposia
Monday, June 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Inver Glen
Thursday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m.–noon
Heritage
Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.–noon
Loose Parts Project
Explore creativity by transforming everyday items made from recyclable and reusable materials into art. Projects made during the workshop will be sent with 4–H staff to be on display during the Dakota County Fair. Participants will be able to pick their projects up at the library after the fair. Registration required. For youth ages 6 and older. Presented in partnership with Dakota County 4–H.
Pleasant Hill
Thursday, June 18, 1–3 p.m.
Honeybees
Get up close and observe live honeybees safely enclosed behind plexiglass. Minnesota is home to more than 450 bee species. Learn about who our diverse bees are, why they're important, what's going on with them, and how we can help. Presented by Pollinate Minnesota. For youth ages 6 and older with their caregivers.
Robert Trail
Saturday, June 20, 10–11 a.m.
Kaposia
Thursday, June 25, 10:30–11 a.m.
RAD Zoo
Come see some slimy and scaly creatures from the RAD Zoo. Meet an amphibian, some turtles, lizards, snakes and a small alligator. Geared for ages 5 and older with their caregivers.
Wentworth
Monday, June 22, 1:30–2:15 p.m.
Pleasant Hill
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2–2:45 p.m.
Little Birdie Buddies of Minnesota
Join local author Heather Boschke in an interactive reading of her book “Little Birdie Buddies of Minnesota". Learn fun facts about common birds you see in the backyard and at the park around you. For youth ages 4 and older. Sponsored by the Friends of Robert Trail Library.
Robert Trail
Tuesday, June 30, 10–10:30 a.m.
Chemists in the Library
Drop in to explore hands-on chemistry activities lead by volunteers from the MInnesota American Chemical Society. Participants will have an opportunity to experiment with a variety of activities. For youth ages 6 and older.
Galaxie
Saturday, June 27
1:30–3 p.m.
Inver Glen
Saturday, July 25, 1:30–3 p.m.
STEM Challenge
Explore and play with science, technology, engineering and math concepts. From pendulum towers to paper rockets, this program will challenge you to put on your thinking cap and get creative. For youth ages 6–12.
Farmington
Fridays, 3–4 p.m.
July 10, 17, 24
Amazing Mazes
Design, build and test a homemade marble maze that puts your skills to the ultimate challenge. Projects made during the workshop will be sent with 4-H staff to be on display during the Dakota County Fair. Participants will be able to pick their projects up at the library after the fair. Registration required. For youth ages 6 and older. Presented in partnership with Dakota County 4-H.
Pleasant Hill
Thursday, July 16, 1–3 p.m. Registration begins June 18.
Balloon Cars
Learn about wheels, axles and air movement then make and personalize your own balloon powered car. Projects made during the workshop will be sent with 4-H staff to be on display during the Dakota County Fair. Participants will be able to pick their projects up at the library after the fair. Registration required. For youth ages 6 and older. Presented in partnership with Dakota County 4-H.
Inver Glen
Tuesday, July 21, 1–3 p.m. Registration begins June 23.
Pipes and Pressure: Airways
Drop-in to explore engineering by building airways with PVC pipes. Create a variety of airways and experiment with feathers, ping pong balls and other lightweight props. Presented by Melon Seeds. For youth ages 6 and older with their caregivers.
Wentworth
Monday, July 27, 4–6 p.m.
Open Build
Drop in and discover what you can create with Lego, blocks, not-blocks, and marble run sets. Challenge yourself and your imagination. For youth ages 5 and up.
Wescott
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2–3:30 p.m.