What science and technology might you see?
Fairs may feature agricultural technology such as precision farming demonstrations, robotics, drones, weather science, renewable energy, food science and computer coding activities. Many are run by universities, extension offices, schools and community groups.
What is offered differs by fair and by year, so the official schedule and map are your best guide.
Some exhibits tie to current local events, such as weather safety or water conservation, and may change from day to day. Ask staff what is new. Hands-on stations may be staffed by students, and the students often learn as much as visitors do. A kind question can make their day.
How does technology connect to agriculture?
Farming today uses tools such as sensors, data, mapping and automated equipment, and fairs are a place where the public can see some of it. Displays may show how a farmer monitors soil, plans planting or tracks animal health.
Ask exhibitors to explain in plain terms, and compare the new tools with older equipment on display elsewhere at the fair. It shows how farming has changed.
Farmers and ranchers often adopt tools slowly and carefully. A display may show only one part of a larger system, and exhibitors can fill in the rest.
What hands-on activities are common?
Hands-on tables often let children build, test or observe something, such as a simple circuit, a plant growth experiment or a weather station. Some fairs run coding or robotics demos from school clubs.
Follow the instructions at each table and wait your turn. Staff may ask children to wear eye protection or wash hands, so cooperate with them.
Hands-on areas can be busy, so visit when crowds are lighter, such as in the morning on a weekday, if your schedule allows. Safety rules at science stations are there for a reason. Do not taste, smell or handle materials unless the staff say you may.
- Build or test a simple project
- Look at plants or soil under a microscope
- Try a coding or robotics demo
- Learn about weather and climate tools
How can you get kids interested?
Start with a question, such as how a plant knows which way to grow or how a drone stays steady. Let children try things and make guesses. Praise curiosity rather than correct answers.
Make a short list of three displays and let the child lead. Afterward, ask which one they would like to learn more about.
Older children and teens may want to talk with a student exhibitor about how they learned the skill. This can open doors to clubs and programs. Ask a child to predict what will happen before an experiment and compare it afterward. That habit is the core of science.
What about drones and safety rules?
Drone demonstrations are often held in controlled areas. Rules about flying drones at or near fairs are set by federal authorities and the fair itself. Do not fly your own drone at a fair unless the organizer has said it is allowed.
Stay out of marked areas and follow staff directions during any demonstration.
Weather and wind can limit demonstrations, and organizers may cancel for safety. The National Weather Service provides forecasts and alerts. If you are interested in federal rules on drone use, official aviation authorities publish information. The fair office can tell you its own policy.
How do you judge the quality of information?
Look at who is running the display. University, extension and government groups usually share research-based information. Be careful with displays that make big claims or push you to buy something.
Ask where the information comes from, and check it with an extension office or other trusted source. This guide does not endorse any product or vendor.
A good rule is to be cautious about any display that asks for your name, address or other personal data. Fair exhibits should not require it, and children should never share it. Keep an eye on what is being sold or promoted. Educational displays should focus on information, not high-pressure sales.
How can you keep exploring afterward?
Libraries, science centers, extension programs and school clubs have resources. 4-H and FFA programs often include science and technology projects for youth. Contact your county office to see what is available.
A simple home activity, such as planting seeds and tracking growth, can extend a fair visit into the week.
Share what you learned with someone at home, since explaining helps memory.
Key takeaways
- Science and technology displays vary by fair, so check the official schedule.
- Technology is a growing part of agriculture, and exhibitors can explain it in plain terms.
- Follow staff directions at hands-on stations and drone demonstrations.
- Check information sources and avoid pressure to buy.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.