Motivating youth to learn STEM through a gender inclusive digital forensic science program

Abstract This paper describes the design, implementation and research of Cyber Sleuth Science Lab (CSSL), an innovative educational program supporting virtual learning environment, that combines pedagogical theory, gender inclusive instruction strategies, scientific principles/practices, gamification methods, computational thinking, real-world problem solving. provides underrepresented youth, especially girls, with digital forensic knowledge, skills career pathways, challenging them to explore complex social issues related technology become cyber sleuths using methods tools solve investigative scenarios. Students also learn about careers while improving their street smarts. The CSSL incorporates additional “outside computer” activities strengthen students’ engagement such as structured in-classroom discussions, mock trials, in-person interactions practitioner role models. was piloted in various forms assess suitability for in-school out-of-school settings, students predominantly represented racial minorities. Research this project relied on a mixed approach data collection analysis, including qualitative quantitative reinforced analytics generated from clicking through interface interacting system. Analysis gathered indicate environment developed is highly effective teaching skills, abilities are directly applicable workplace. Furthermore, strategies STEM implemented engaging girls without being harmful boys’ engagement. Learning science taps into girls’ motivations address problems have direct relevance lives, protect serve community. After participating program, expressed significantly greater increase interest, relative boys, more forensics cybersecurity.