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.
Leapin' Lizards
Meet exotic lizards from around the world up close. Learn fun facts about their diet, habitat, defense mechanisms and more. Presented by Snake Discovery. For youth ages 4 and older.
Wescott
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2–2:45 p.m.
Robert Trail
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6–6:45 p.m.
STEM Saturday: Sled & Slope Challenge
Learn about forces and motion, simple machines, and more by building your own mini-sled and slope. Registration required. For ages 5–10.
Heritage
Saturday, Jan. 24, 10–10:45 a.m. Registration begins Dec. 27.
Pipes & 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.
Heritage
Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.–noon
STEM Saturday: Marbled Paper
Learn about the science of liquids and reactions while making art. Shaving cream and food dye will combine to make beautiful, marbled paper. Registration required. For ages 5–10.
Heritage
Saturday, Feb. 21, 10–10:45 a.m. Registration begins Jan. 24.
Dwellings
Learn how Dakota, Hmong, Mexican, Ojibwe and Somali communities have traditionally engineered their homes. Investigate building techniques, experiment with materials, then design and create your own mini-dwelling. Presented by The Works Museum. Registration required. For youth ages 6 and older.
Dakota Lodge – Thompson County Park
1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul
Saturday, Feb. 28, 10–11:30 a.m. Registration begins Jan. 31.
STEM Saturday: Marble Mazes
Learn about design and problem solving in this fun engineering activity. Use modeling clay, a box, and marbles to create a unique maze and test your design skills. Registration required. For ages 5–10.
Heritage
Saturday, March 7, 10–10:45 a.m.
Raptors of Minnesota
Explore the different raptors found in Minnesota and their role in the environment. Learn the three key features of all raptors and why they are different from other birds. Presented by the Raptor Center. For all ages.
Galaxie
Saturday, March 7, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Farmington
Saturday, March 14, 3–3:45 p.m.
Wescott
Friday, March 20, 10–10:45 a.m.
Marble Runs
Work cooperatively to build marble runs and see how fast and far you can make marbles travel. For youth ages 6–11.
Farmington
Monday, March 9, 3:30–5 p.m.
Homeschool STEM: Minnesota Rocks and Minerals
Learn about the geologic history of Minnesota's rocks and minerals and how we use them every day. Practice simple tests to try and figure out what kind of rock you might have. Presented by Dakota County Parks Naturalist. Registration required. For youth ages 8–15.
Wescott
Tuesday, March 10, 2–3 p.m. Registration begins Feb. 10.
Chemists in the Library
Drop-in for 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.
Pleasant Hill
Saturday, March 21, 1:30–3 p.m.
Farmington
Saturday, April 18, 1:30–3 p.m.
Cardboard Creations
A box can become anything with a little imagination. Learn the basics of cardboard engineering and make a cardboard creation using tools, screws, hinges and rotating rings. For youth ages 5 and older.
Farmington
Monday, March 30, 2–5 p.m.
Homeschool STEM: Physics of Flight
Explore the world of animals that can fly and the physics that keep them up in the air. Presented by Dakota County Parks naturalist. For youth ages 8–15.
Wescott
Tuesday, April 17, 2–3 p.m.
STEM Saturday: Earth Day Bonanza
Join us for an early Earth Day celebration. Learn about conservation, recycling and our ecosystem. We will make seed bombs for your garden and a bird feeder for your backyard. Registration required. For youth ages 5–10.
Heritage
Saturday, April 18, 10–10:45 a.m. Registration begins March 21.