Gender disparity remains a persistent challenge in Japan’s science and engineering sectors, with women markedly underrepresented among students and researchers. National statistics and OECD data show that Japan has one of the lowest participation rates of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers among developed nations. This underrepresentation is partly attributed to the scarcity of role models in science and mathematics teaching positions, which can shape female students’ perceptions of their potential in these fields. This study addresses this issue by designing and implementing a practical curriculum that integrates manufacturing and informatics education. The curriculum was developed to cultivate interest in engineering and programming among the next generation of women STEM students through hands-on activities. This paper details the curriculum structure and its implementation process, as well as an analysis of its effectiveness using pre- and post-intervention data, examining students’ conceptual understanding and motivational changes. The results suggest that early, experience-based exposure to STEM concepts can positively influence women students’ interest and self-perception in science and engineering domains.
Nishikawa et al. (Thu,) studied this question.