Latent class analysis surfaced DIY enthusiasts, tech-savvy learners, and fun explorers—three groups with meaningfully different program preferences.
D03 · Research & Evaluation
Unlocking the Power of DIY STEM
A two-part segmentation and program-impact study that shaped a hands-on STEM curriculum and tested it against the standard program.
Latent Class AnalysisANOVASegmentationImpact Evaluation
The question
Design a STEM program around member preferences, then determine whether the new curriculum improved youth outcomes.
Approach
- 01Latent class analysis identified three learner segments
- 02255 participants across DIY and standard curricula
- 03Mixed-design ANOVA across interest, understanding, and efficacy
- 04Findings translated into curriculum guidance
Key findings
Both curricula improved STEM interest, understanding, and efficacy from pre-test to post-test.
The DIY curriculum produced stronger results for STEM interest and STEM efficacy than the standard curriculum.
From evidence to action
The segmentation work shaped a hands-on DIY curriculum, and the comparative evaluation tested whether that design choice worked. The result gave educators evidence to favor engaging, project-based learning while continuing to investigate the more complex drivers of STEM understanding.