Date of Graduation
5-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Human Environmental Science (MS)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
General Human Environmental Sciences
Advisor/Mentor
Smith, Kathleen R.
Committee Member
Becnel, Jennifer
Second Committee Member
Garrison, Betsy
Keywords
Career interest; E-textiles; Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics; STEAM; Science Technology Engineering Mathematics; STEM; Wearable technology
Abstract
In this research study, young middle schoolers engaged in a stimulating workshop that seamlessly merged fashion with technology and electrical engineering. Students learned how to use simple hand sewing skills to create wearable-tech items using conductive thread, sewable LED lights, and sewable battery packs. The objective of the study was to increase young women’s interest in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics/Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics (STEM/STEAM).
Forty-eight middle school girls spent a day learning about the basics of e-textiles and building working products using their new knowledge. The day is split into three lessons. In lesson one students build a simple circuit keychain with one LED light. In lesson two, students build a t-shirt using the LilyTiny, and several LED lights. In lesson three, participants upcycle a thrifted or forgotten-about garment by adding custom circuitry.. The sample was made up of 50% African American girls, 15% Caucasian girls, 8% Hispanic girls, and 6% Mixed-race girls. Although there were some increases in interest in the areas of science and engineering, there were no statistically significant differences between the participants’ levels of interest prior to the e-textiles workshop intervention, and after participation in the e-textiles workshop intervention. As the smart-clothing and wearable tech market continues to develop, and new STEM/STEAM career opportunities emerge within the fashion industry, early exposure to e-textiles workshop interventions could potentially impact STEM/STEAM career interest in young girls.
Citation
Callahan, I. S. (2019). Project Luminous: An E-Textiles Workshop Study to Increase Science Technology Engineering Mathematics/Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics Interest in Middle School Girls. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/3249
The Project Luminous Experience
ProjectLuminous.srt (1 kB)
Included in
Art Education Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Fashion Design Commons, Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons
