The Impact of Robot Projects on Girls’ Attitudes Toward Science and Engineering

A variety of programs, including robotics, have been created with the intent of both increasing girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas and careers. While robotics programs have been successful at getting girls to participate in STEM activities, an overall question still remains: Does participation in such programs have an impact on girls’ perception of their abilities and, subsequently, long term career interests? This national project is an in-depth study of participants in a robotics educational program designed to gain an understanding of how such programs may have a short-term effect on girls’ perception of their achievements in STEM areas, and whether this translates into long-term career goals. Results of this study show positive changes in both perception of abilities and career interests.