Exhibitor Resources for Engineering Discovery Days

The exhibits at Engineering Discovery Days (EDD) inspire and motivate future engineers by engaging them in hands-on activities. This is your chance to show the community what engineers do and what engineering students are learning.

The registration process differs slightly depending on whether you are planning a department exhibit or a student group exhibit. Both can use the exhibit planning tips for help creating an interesting and engaging exhibit.

Department Exhibits

Department exhibits can be located in the EDD common area or in your department building or lab.

EDD common area. This includes the Sylvan Grove, Rainier Vista, and Drumheller Fountain areas. Power, tents, chairs, and tables are provided. To reserve a space in one of these areas, register by March 15.
Engineering building or surrounding area. If you choose to reserve your own space, you must also make all arrangements, i.e., providing chairs, tables, tents, and power. To reserve your own space outside of a building (grassy area, etc.)
1. Contact your building coordinator to get permission.
2. Contact Roberta Bustamante, 206-221-7819 with the approval of the use of that space.
3. Register by March 31 to reserve your own exhibit space.

The registration form asks you provide information about the exhibit:

Contact information.
Title and short description.
Type of exhibit (hands-on, demo, tour, poster or video).
If in the common area, requirements for electricity, number of tables, etc.
If in another location, details such as indoor/outdoor, building name and room number.
Additional details about exhibit days, volunteers, and participation in the Treasure Hunt.

Student Organization and Group Exhibits

Student organization and group exhibits will be located on the Sylvan Grove lawn. All student exhibits will be judged and are eligible for awards in the categories: Just for the Fun of It, Engineering Excellence, Community Involvement, and Peoples’ Choice.

Register here as a student group. On this form, you provide information about the exhibit:

Contact information.
Title and short description.
Requirements for electricity, number of tables, etc.
Additional details about exhibit days, volunteers, and participation in the treasure hunt.

Planning an Engaging Exhibit

The following resources will help you design an interesting and engaging exhibit:
Exhibit design | Engaging students | Deadlines | Contacts

Designing an Exhibit

Your exhibit could be a demonstration of an experiment, a workshop to teach elementary, middle or high school students how to conduct their own experiment, a fun activity that teaches principles of engineering through hands-on participation, or a poster representing research you've done.

All exhibitors are required to register to be included in the Discovery Days program.

Tips for Engaging Students in Grades 4-8 and 9-12

Engineering Discovery Days appeals to students of all ages because of the interactive engineering-related exhibits. Successful exhibitors cite their ideas below for creating hands-on, interactive exhibits for students in grades 4-12.

Good hands-on activities have:

Student Interaction
The student handles the exhibit, tries several solutions, and creates their own understanding about it. It throws light on an idea.
A clear and detectable idea easily relatable to the "big picture."
Visual appeal through color, symbols, etc. to draw in students grades 4-8 and 9-12.
An interactive element.
A problem to solve.

Also consider:

Is the exhibit interesting?
Can it withstand repeated handling by visitors?
Is it easy to repair?
Is it cost effective?
Can it be displayed in an attractive way?
Will this be an easy hands-on activity for students 4-8 and 9-12?
Will the student’s body and mind get involved with this exhibit?
Does it convey the idea or concept?
Does it have aesthetic appeal?

Resources

Key Deadlines

Coordinator Committee Contacts

For help and more information on exhibits concerning your department, contact your departmental coordinator

A&A	Carl Knowlen
BioE	Daniel Ratner
CEE	Heather Wilson
ChemE	Dave Drischell
CSE	David Rispoli
EE	Brenda Larson Stephanie Swanson
HCDE	David Farkas
ISE	Benita Beamon
ME	William Kuykendall
MSE	Tuesday Kuykendall
Engr. Library	Linda Whang
CoE	Dawn Wiggin-Esselstrom Jessica Perkins

Husky Fest

Husky Fest — a campus-wide festival held on Red Square that showcases live music, performances, displays, and exhibits — will be running concurrently, Thursday-Saturday, April 19-21, 2012.

For more information on Husky Fest, contact Pamela Dore, Events Specialist/UW Marketing, at 206-685-7951, or visit Husky Fest.