The excitement of the setting, replete with stimuli for all the senses, provides an entertaining learning environment for both youth and adults.
Many families have a tradition of attending the state fair.
However, there are large numbers of youth who have never had the chance to experience a state fair. Beginning in 1990, the Iowa Youth and 4-H program initiated a set of activities that built on the excitement of the state fair setting. A paid summer assistant, with the help of volunteers, set up an Active Learning Center, located in the 4-H Exhibits Building, with satellite sites for several of the activities. Both individual and cooperative learning experiences were offered. The topics included swine, sheep, art, food and nutrition, wildlife, safety, communications, and pets.