The Big Fresno Fair took the learning outside of the classroom for more than 170 schools throughout the Valley

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Excitement filled the air as more than 5,000 students took over the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.

While the fair is packed with entertainment, it was the educational component that brought schools through the gates.

"They are the future of the Central Valley and it's a great way to give back to the community," said Special Events Coordinator Taylor Childers.

Students, teachers, and chaperones like the Aloha Squad from Greenberg Elementary took notes as they learned everything from internet safety to preventing forest fires in the junior exhibits building.

At the new watershed exhibit, students learned how the Valleys topography changes through wet and drought years. Each class was given a curriculum packet to pair with their learning experience.

Teachers worked the fair visit into their lesson plan the week prior but some got an experience they did not expect.

Learning about livestock was a highlight for many of the kids like Chloe Everson who had never been that close to a cow.

They may have learned about commodities grown in the valley and where their food comes from while on a barnyard adventure but their taste buds were in for a treat at the Bugology Exhibit.

Sun empire third grader, Alexander Ramirez, did not know what to expect coming to the fair. It was his first time but he already cannot wait till his next visit.

"When I come back they give us free tickets and I can go on all the games and I can have so much fun and see my mom," said Ramirez.

Since 1992 the free program has exposed more than 480,000 students, teachers, and parents to the Big Fresno Fair teaching students everything from agriculture to fire safety.

Schools get return tickets for each student so they can come back with their parents.