Solving Ecological Problems through Physical Computing to Ensure Gender Balance in STEM Education

Research and practice have shown that female students are less interested in engineering programming. This is related to gender stereotypes technological self-efficacy. has also pointed out rural schools tend do well STEM subjects likely pursue studies than their peers from large cities. Previous highlighted the benefits of hands-on real-world-related projects by building connections with students’ interests technology while giving them something exciting focus on. study aimed at investigating whether how individual characteristics (such as attitudes toward technology, motivation, anxiety) associated school engagement, differences, inclusion sustainable ecological activities Arduino microcontrollers. Surveys were conducted before after activity pupils a lower secondary (ages 13–15). The results show that, initial attitude was significantly positive male students. Despite being novices physical computing, whole group intrinsically motivated performing these activities. findings this provide transferable insights into practical education may strengthen achievement STEM. implications can be useful for better understanding factors influence future design career selection opportunities.