Lincolnshire students use mock state fair to learn about development of Illinois

Fourth grade students from Half Day School in Lincolnshire learned about Illinois in a program that featured hands-on learning in a mock state fair setting.

The two-day Illinois Days & Illinois State Fair program held at the Rivershire Park Nature Center in Lincolnshire and was part of an integrated unit of study. The event focused on the development of Illinois from its native prairie environment to an agricultural and business leader.

Lincolnshire-Prairie View Elementary District 103 parent volunteers coordinated and worked the mock state fair with exhibits highlighting government, manufacturing, agriculture, sports and recreation, and wildlife. This is the 23rd year of the event.

Jackie Curtis, PTO volunteer coordinator, said the students rotated between seven booths in a unique opportunity to learn about the state through hands-on activities.

"Although the children learned a lot, touching the animal pelts was very popular. Tasting food and drinks produced from our agriculture products or manufactured in Illinois was a big hit," Curtis said.

Students handling the chicks they watched incubate also was a highlight, Curtis said.

"I think it was really fun that we got to hold the chicks and learn about Illinois," Kaitlin Footlik said as she learned about native animals in the wildlife section. "We are learning and having fun at the same time."