•2 min read•from UW News
Washington students return to UW campus for Engineering Discovery Days 2026
Our take
Washington students are gearing up to return to the University of Washington’s Seattle campus for Engineering Discovery Days 2026, an exciting event that opens the doors of science and engineering to K-12 students from across the state. This annual event invites young minds to explore hands-on activities, engage with innovative projects, and gain firsthand experience in various engineering fields.
Discovery Days serves as a bridge between curiosity and real-world applications, allowing students to dive into interactive workshops and demonstrations that spark their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Participants will have the unique opportunity to meet faculty, current students, and industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for engineering.
This immersive experience is designed to inspire the next generation of problem solvers and critical thinkers, emphasizing the importance of creativity and collaboration in engineering. By showcasing practical applications of science and technology, Discovery Days aims to demystify complex concepts and encourage young learners to envision themselves as future innovators.
As students navigate through various stations, they will not only gain insights into engineering principles but also build connections with peers who share their interests. Engineering Discovery Days is more than an event; it is a celebration of curiosity and exploration, encouraging students to dream big and think about their future in the ever-evolving world of technology and engineering.

Discovery Days returns!
On April 30 and May 1, thousands of elementary and middle school students from across Washington state will arrive on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus to explore more than 100 hands-on engineering activities and demonstrations. Hosted by the UW College of Engineering, Discovery Days gives students a chance to experience science and engineering concepts for themselves by building batteries, designing videogames, firing air vortex cannons and controlling plasma with their fingertips.
This year, more than 9,000 students from 109 schools registered to attend.
Discovery Days gives K-12 students an opportunity to find the spark of a new interest in STEM fields. Kids, parents and teachers can mingle with UW engineering faculty, staff and students and learn about robotics, aerodynamics, superconductivity, infrastructure and much more. This year features new hands-on exhibits from sponsors Otis Elevator Company and Microsoft. Several timely activities will teach students about using AI responsibly and thoughtfully.
For more information, contact William Poor at wpoor@uw.edu.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience
Tagged with
#Washington State University#public land-grant university#college-town atmosphere#Engineering Discovery Days#University of Washington#K-12 students#engineering activities#hands-on activities#Seattle campus#science concepts#building batteries#designing videogames#air vortex cannons#controlling plasma#elementary students#middle school students#Washington state#engineering concepts#discovery days#2026