Educational Activities at the Fair

4-H2O: 4-H Centennial Building-This experiment uses a three-tiered experiment model to engage youth to learn at the simplest level how carbon dioxide can affect aquatic animals, plants and other living organisms in lakes, streams, rivers and oceans. Using typical chemistry tools the experiment will help youth learn and then connect back to their own lives by encouraging the measurement of their own personal impact on the environment, along with the impact of their families. Demonstrated by Gary Gerhard, K-State Research Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist,Hours of Operation: Monday, September 13, 11:00 a.m. (Only)Experience Time:Cost: Free For more information contact Pam Vanhorn pvanhorn@ksu.edu

AGRILAND: Located in the Pride of KansasBuilding. Children visiting Agriland gain hands on experience learning how Kansas crops and livestock provide us not only with food, but also with other numerous items we use in our everyday lives from basketball to bubblegum. Volunteers are available to talk to the students about Kansas crops and livestock and answer any questions. Children can weigh themselves on a livestock scale, comparing themselves with the weights of a calf or other young animals. They can view growing crops, touch the various grains, and "drive" a combine.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Experience Time: Approx. 20 minutes.

Related Lesson Plans: Located at www.ksagclassroom.org (Provided by Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)

Cost: Free For more information contact: Jessica Bowser, Kansas Department of Agriculture (785) 296-3902.

BIRTHING CENTER: Located at 20th Ave. and Fort Scott Blvd.Presented by KansasStateUniversity and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association. Calves, ewes, piglets and chicks are born during the course of the Fair, and students can learn about this amazing process and may, at times, get to hold the baby animals. Video cameras, television monitors and a P.A. system help students in all areas of the Center to see and hear what's happening in the pens. The Birthing Center is staffed with K-State veterinary students who are very willing to share information with school groups. There are also educational displays identifying animal sections.

Cost: Free

Get an earful of information about corn! Learn facts about the production, food and new uses of corn in Kansas. Learn what happens to the corn after it has been harvested. Teacher packets will be provided upon request.
Hours of Operation: By appointment only

Experience Time: 20 minutes

Related Lesson Plans: Located at www.ksagclassroom.org

(Provided by Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Jessica Baetz, 785-448-6922 or Fax: 785-448-6932

DO ART BUILDING: Located at the corner of Lake Talbott Ave and Bison Blvd North of the Giant Slide

Each year over 4,000 children of all ages create masterpieces at the Do Art Building.This program is free to the general public as well as school classes. The purpose of this program is to provide children an opportunity to explore art in a hands-on environment that increases self understanding and personal enrichment. Your students will be provided with the supplies and assistance to complete their project. Reservations required for school classes. The 2010 project is decorative vests and purses. Please call for Reservations.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Experience Time: 30 minutes

Cost: Free (Donations Accepted)

For more information contact: Anthea Bryant, Kansas State Fair 620-669-3608

DR. GODDARD'S LAB: Located in the West end of the Do Art Building. (see location above)

Students experience the early research laboratory of the father of modern rocketry. Dr. Robert Goddard's live rocket science show is packed with surprises. Demonstrations highlight early experiments with solid and liquid fueled rocket engines. Dr. Goddard's Lab is brought to you by the Kansas Cosmosphere and SpaceCenter.

Times of Operation: 10:00 a.m., 12:00noon, and 2:00 p.m.

Experience Time: 30 minutes

Cost: Free

ELECTRICAL SAFETY DEMONSTRATION: Located East of Oz Gallery

Journeyman Linemen with the Kansas Electrical Cooperative will give a high voltage demonstration on how electricity works. Students will learn how to tell when a line is energized, what protective gear linemen use and why, what happens to a person when they come into contact with an energized line, why electricity arcs and why birds can land safely on power lines.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 am to 35:00 pm

Experience Time: 20 minutes

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Shana Holsteen, KEC, 785-478-4852 or e mail sholsteen@kec.org

EXOTIC ANIMAL PETTING ZOO: Located at 20th Ave. and Fort Scott Blvd.

Students will be able to see animals not native to Kansas. Short descriptions are provided on each animal. This is an interactive area where children can touch the animals, including kangaroos, goats, ostriches and zebras. Remember, after petting the animals to Wash Your Hands!

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. until dark

Experience Time: 15 minutes

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Joe Hedrick, 620-422-3296

FARM BUREAU AG CENTRAL: Located at Fort Leavenworth Blvd. and Wheat State Lane

At Kansas Farm Bureau's Ag Central let our staff of farmer volunteers lead your students through a three part, hands-on agricultural experience based on Dan Yunk's, "Kailey's Ag Adventures" book series. First, students will get to try to milk our realistic "cow." Next, students will learn about the importance of soil in our every day lives. Finally, students will learn about care and respect of farm animals. touch screen kiosk features an interactive map of Kansas where students can play trivia games and learn about agriculture in all 105 counties. For teachers who preschedule their classroom visit to Ag Central, they will get a complimentary copy of the newest "Kailey's Ag Adventure" book. All teachers can also pick up free lesson plans and helpful tools in teaching about agriculture. This is a must-do exhibit for your students to get some valuable hands-on learnign about agriculture at the fair.

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Experience Time: Total 20 minutes

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Jeff Sutton, KFB Safety and Ag Education, mailto:suttonj@kfb.org, 785-770-7031

 

 

FFA AGRICULTURE: Located in the AgricultureEducationExhibitsBuilding and Kansas Showcase Bldg.
The FFAAgriculturalEducationBuilding features activities that appeal to youth. FFA representatives provide live, educational demonstrations and hands-on educational activities. Grand Champion 4-H/FFA Beef, Sheep and Swine will be displayed here.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to Dark

Experience Time: 15 Minutes

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Vernon Schweer, Kansas FFA 785-296-3956

 

 

HELPFUL HYDROGELS! -Water is everywhere – in the sky, in the ground, and in our homes. However, caring for this vital resource is often a challenge for each of us. Conservation means using water wisely. Protecting our groundwater is important because it is a source for drinking and irrigation. Consequently, scientists and engineers have developed amazing, superabsorbent polymers, called hydrogels that can help. Participants will be introduced to polymers, explore properties of hydrogels and use scientific inquiry to consider uses for hydrogels in our communities, country, and world. Demonstrated by Gary Gerhard, K-State Research Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist

Hours of Operation: Monday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. Only

Experience Time:

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Pan Vanhorn pvanhorn@ksu.edu

 

 

HIGH SCHOOL DEBATES:Located in the Encampment Building, Hansen Auditorium

A grand tradition at the Fair are the High School Debates! The Kansas State Fair hosts an educational debate exhibition for High School debaters and debates coaches from around the State. Volunteers will be available to assist students and instructors.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday 9:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Special Events 620-669-3610 or 620-669-3624

Sponsored by Kansas Wesleyan University

 

 

HOW DO YOU SPELL GRAIN SORGHUM? M-I-L-O! Location determined when reservation is made. More acres of grain sorghum, also known as milo, were grown in Kansas than any other state in the nation last year! Grain sorghum originated in Africa but is a very important crop in the United States today. Learn interesting facts about milo and the way it is being used for food, feed and industrial uses. Teacher packets provided upon request.
Hours of Operation: Reservation required

Experience Time: 20 minutes

Related lesson plans: Located at www.ksagclassroom.org

(Provided by Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Jessica Baetz 785-448-6922 FAX 785-448-6932

 

 

KANSAS CONSTRUCTION CAREER COALITION located NW of Domestic Arts at 212 Lake Talbott Ave. Children, adults, parents and grandparents will be educated about the career opportunities available in the commercial building, heavy and highway construction industry. KC3 will utilize free, hands-on activities to entertain and educate those stopping by the exhibit. The goal of the exhibit is to provide construction-related activities that will excite young persons while giving staff the chance to educate parents and teachers about career opportunities in construction. Several of the activities are building blocks, a playground excavator, remote controlled bobcats and a special activity for classes participating in the Kansas' Largest Classroom program.

For reservations and more information contact Eric Stafford at estafford@agcks.org

Hours of Operation: 9 am - 7:30 pm

Experience Time: 20 minutes

Cost: Free

KANSAS WILDLIFE AND PARKS AQUARIUM: Located North of the Expo Center by Gate 9
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks invites visitors to take a close-up look at an impressive assortment of Kansas fish. This 3,200-gallon fresh water mobile aquarium is 40-foot-long and filled with a variety of fish collected from lakes around the region. Wildlife and Parks staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Pratt Wildlife and Parks Office, 620-672-5911.

 

MILKING DEMONSTRATIONS:Located at the Milking Parlor.

Come to the Kansas State Fair and see a dairy cow milking demonstration. The demonstrations are narrated by a professional from the dairy industry. The narrator will explain the life cycle of a dairy cow, the milking process, how much milk they produce, how much a cow eats and the many dairy products made from milk. The milking experience continues with a coupon for a free ice cream cone from the Dairy Bar, located under the Grandstand. (one coupon per child). Milking Demonstrations brought to you by the Kansas State Fair and the Kansas Dairy Association. Reservations not required.

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every hour on the hour.

Experience Time: 15 Minutes

Related Lesson Plans: "Milk Moustache Photo" Grades 3-4. Provided by Kansas Ag in the Classroom www.ksagclassroom.org
Cost: Free

For more information contact: Mike Bodenhausen at 785-741-2059 but no reservations are taken.

 

 

SEED SURVIVOR: Located east of the Oz Gallery

 Agrium is teaching the next generation about agriculture through Seed Survivor. Seed Survivor is a 40x50 foot interactive display that features virtual reality soil nutrient games, seed planting stations, insect video scopes, talking walls and more.

Hours of Operation: Daily 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Experience Time: 20-30 Minutes

Related Lesson Plans:Visit Seed Survivor for teachers guide.

Cost: Free

For more information visit Seed Survivor

The Wonder of Sheep is a limited opportunity to learn about a product with many faces. Sheep shearing demonstrations, spinning and weaving demonstrations as well as the "Wool Exhibit" featuring sheep production, lamb, wool and wool-processing displays. A must see for all students.

Times of Operation: Saturday thru Wednesday 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

SPELLING BEE: Located in the Encampment Building, Kansas Fairs Hall

Can you spell leadership? The Kansas State Fair is proud to host the Kasnas State Fair Spelling Bee! Students have the opportunity to compete with the best in the State! Practice all summer and come to the Fair and see how you rank. WOW! Wouldn't it be fun to take home the award and a savigs bond??

Times of Operation: Monday 9:00 am

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Special Events 620-669-3610 or 620-669-3624

 

YOU BE THE JUDGE:Located throughout the livestock facilities.

You be the judge program is a wonderful way for students to learn about different livestock animals, what products are produced from that animal and give them an understanding of what is happening in the show ring. Each of the livestock buildings at the Kansas State Fair has a "You Be the Judge" stand that contains informational flyers about the animals housed in that building. The flyers explain what the judge is looking for in each animal, correct terms used to identify the specie, a diagram labeling the different body parts and a section where the students can participate in judging the animals in the ring. Give your students a chance to be the judge and see how well they do!

Hours of Operation: Refer to Official Daily Schedule of Events for livestock show times.

Experience Time: No time frame

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Debbie Anderson, 620-669-3614.