The Kentucky State Fair, Aug. 18-28, has a great way for teachers and students to kick off the 2011-12 school year.

The Education Program is spotlighting a new thematic exhibition – United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Kentucky and the Civil War +150.

The start of the national Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War is in 2011. Kentucky’s Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration will begin with a major exhibition offered at the state’s largest venue, the Kentucky State Fair. United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Kentucky and the Civil War +150 will engage visitors to the Kentucky State Fair in experiential learning in creative new ways. The 10,000-square-foot, museum-quality exhibition will feature Union and Confederate encampments as settings for living history re-enactors; artifacts and graphic panels that introduce various aspects of Kentucky’s Civil War story; a giant floor map of the state’s Civil War sites; touch-screen computer learning stations; and a content-rich interactive exhibition exploring Civil War communications and the development of the telegraph. On a stage adjacent to the exhibition, an original mini-musical chronicling Kentucky’s compelling Civil War story, Kentucky’s Civil War Song: From Reveille to Tattoo, will be featured.

The Education Program is also presenting the return of Discovery Farm sponsored by Kentucky Pork Producers, in South Wing B. Learn what life is like on a Kentucky farm through several learning stations and personal encounters with various cattle, goats, llamas, sheep, poultry, a sow and her litter. There are several additional educational options that are being put together for the 2011 Kentucky State Fair.

A full schedule of activities, student worksheets and post-tour lesson plans are planned to complement Kentucky’s Core Content for Assessment. As students and teachers experience “the ultimate field trip,” they will no doubt be surprised by what they learn on this fun adventure at the Kentucky State Fair. For additional information please visit the redesigned website at www.kystatefair.org.

A special discounted admission is available to school groups booked and confirmed in advance. The admission is $2 per student, teacher or chaperon accompanying your group. Parking is $8 per vehicle. If you are interested in scheduling a field trip to the fair, please fill out a booking form and return it by August 1.

You can book your field trip online at www.kystatefair.org (click on Education and then Field Trip Program) or download a booking form and fax or mail it in.

For more information, or if you have questions, please contact Lauren Beckley at (502) 367-5208 or via e-mail at lbeckley@ksfb.ky.gov.