The popular Bright Futures series launches its spring 2013 season at local public libraries this month. Hands-on activities for children and their families will spark their understanding of energy, electricity and electrical engineering.

Funded by the grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation, Bright Futures is a partnership of Northern Illinois University STEM Outreach with libraries in Cortland, DeKalb, Hinckley and Sycamore.

The kick-off events will feature razzle-dazzle demonstrations of the Van deGraff generator, which makes hair stand on end and sends pie pans flying; a Jacob’s Ladder of indoor lightning; an electrified pickle; and more. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) expert Jeremy Benson and NIU students will introduce energy and electricity principles and assist participants with hands-on activities.