Released: August 21, 2002

At the Kansas State Fair: Classroom Programs Expand Fair Experience

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Elementary school classes planning a field trip to this year’s Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson can schedule times to be part of the Kansas’ Largest Classroom sessions sponsored by the Department of 4-H Youth Development, Kansas State University.

"Our sessions present creative, hands-on lessons," said Diane Mack, K-State Research and Extension’s northeast area 4-H specialist. "Two classes are offered each day for the first part of the fair."

This year’s state fair is Sept. 6-15. More than 400 area classrooms attended the 2001 fair, bringing a total of 6,889 students.

"We are pleased to be a part of the Largest Classroom program, which extends to other sites on the grounds," Mack said. "It’s a great way to connect with Kansas kids."

The 4-H classes, which run on the half hour, are in the 4-H Exhibit Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each day features different topics.

* Monday, Sept. 9:

a. Dig Into Geology - Discover the best sources for rock, mineral and fossil collections, as well as the equipment needed for a geology field trip. Learn tips for identifying and arranging specimens.

b. Fabulous Fish - Get acquainted with aquarium fish, which are inexpensive to feed, easy to care for and calming to watch. Find that each has a special feature, due to varied color, size and/or shape.

* Tuesday, Sept. 10:

a. Kitchen Sink Science - See spaghetti and raisins dance. Watch "volcanos" erupt and pop cans explode.

b. Wormology 101 - Hear amazing facts about the world of worms. Find out why worms are good for the earth and how to start your own red-wiggler worm farm.

* Wednesday, Sept. 11:

a. The Rascally Rabbit - Learn how to identify and care for one of the 45 breeds of rabbit – which can become wonderful pets.

b. Adventures at the Giant Pyramid - Visit the giant 10-foot-high pyramid and discover the foods you need to produce a healthy you.

Kindergarten through sixth grade teachers interested in attending the 4-H program should contact Mack at 785-532-5833 by Sept. 4 to schedule a time.

To learn about the range of educational opportunities at the entire 2002 fair, interested persons can call 1-800-362-3247 (FAIR) or visit the Website at http://www.kansasstatefair.com.

More information about 4-H is available during the fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibit Building gazebo at the north end of the fairgrounds. Information is available year-round from Kansas’ county-level network of K-State Research and Extension offices.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News