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A series of four “Superhero Science” sessions wrapped up Tuesday this week at the North Branch and Chisago Lakes libraries.  
This successful cooperative learning program was made possible by U of M Extension local 4H groups and the East Central Regional Library system.  Extension Director in Chisago County Jeremy Freeman said the program has Brittany Coop and Nancy Carlson involved at the Chisago library and Natalie Tveit is youth leader at the North Branch Library with volunteer Angela Tveit and about 20 kids from the area have been session participants.
Extension-developed lessons and topics are presented by 4H volunteers who do a crafts project with youngsters between the ages of 6 and 12,  that tie into a science topic. The superhero theme was carried through using principles such as water bending (Aquaman) and biomimicry (Batman).  
The sessions were at Chisago Library in the morning and at North Branch in the afternoon.  Pictured is a scene with the participants at Chisago Lakes and facilitators Britany and Nancy.  The kids were making “robotic” arms out of cardboard that can be manipulated from a centralized control (string.)

The idea behind this is to give youth an opportunity to explore scientific principles through hands on experiences and making things.  The 4H members who participate get to work on community outreach and public interaction skills.

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