Inspiring children and teenagers to pursue science and technology : A study in methods, activities, and toys that could potentially make technology and science interesting to children and teenagers

Abstract: This is a study in what motivates children and teenagers to pursue science and technology as future career choices. The subject is of relevance due to the increasing dependency on technology and the decline in engineering applications. Due to children and teenagers being the most susceptible targets for learning, they are the focal point in this study. The aim of this study is to identify what can create an interest in science and technology as well as to study to what extent a toy, game, or physical object can inspire children and teenagers (for product development purposes). The main research method in this study is a survey that has been filled in by 184 engineers. In addition to this, other research methods include interviews and a literature review. A majority of the respondents are from IKEA as this study has been conducted in collaboration with them. However, the result is intended to be used on a general level as the research questions are: ‘What can be used to create an interest in science and technology among children and teenagers?’ and ‘To what extent can a toy, game, or any other physical object inspire children and teenagers to pursue careers within the fields of science and technology while being gender neutral?’. Through analysing the collected data, it is evident that inspirational objects, inspirational people, and blended learning can be used to create an interest in these subjects. Furthermore, toys, games, and other physical objects can create an interest, however, the extent is decided based on how satisfied the child or teenager feels by interacting with the object.