A tradeshow for products developed in second year mechanical engineering

As a means of motivating students, showcasing their achievements, and providing a simulation of real practice, the authors´ second year mechanical engineers design and fabricate products in response to proposals from outside clients and demonstrate their products and promotional materials at an open tradeshow. The tradeshow generates a high degree of motivation and excitement. Students from previous years look forward to the tradeshow to see how the new group compares and the show attracts many visitors. The process, which involves build as well as design, requires practical, hands-on skills and the public nature of the show challenges the students to present their ideas to a broad audience.