Development of 'superpracs' that appeal to both male and female high school students

This paper describes a study undertaken to transform existing hands-on laboratory activities into superpracs suitable for marketing to Year 10 to Year 12 students. A survey of global practice in marketing activities identified the best practicals, which were developed into 'superpracs' to appeal more to both boys and girls and present engineering careers as interesting and exciting. Engineering is one of the most male-dominated professions in the western world. Many factors contribute to low numbers of women in STEM, including perceptions of self-efficacy and cultural stereotypes. In a study of US Women in Engineering programs the best programs focused on cultural change in the faculty, while the worst focused on interventions directed at helping girls to cope. Each prac should contain the following elements to appeal to both boys and girls. 'Boy appeal' is enhanced with 'smash and crash', reference to media shows, and mastery appeal. 'Girl appeal' is enhanced by relating the activities to people and society, group interaction, and relating the concepts to the human body (where possible). Existing high quality laboratory activities were then redeveloped into 'superpracs'. These were tested with current students and teacher trainees, then piloted with school age students. Resources for each include teacher training materials, support materials, and resources to run the each prac. It is recommended that inclusive teaching practices are important to attract more women into engineering, for all learning activities, including marketing of programs. Laboratory activities can be designed to appeal both to boys and girls by including elements that appeal to each. First impressions are important: potential students may change their preferences if they have a bad experience.