As previously mentioned, gender can be a factor in school science interest (Bennett
& Hoggarth, 2009). A study of sixth graders revealed that girls and boys have different
scientific interests and perceptions of science (Jones, Howe, & Rua, 2000). Girls
tended to be interested in science topics involving the environment or helping
people, while boys were more interested in technology. Additionally, girls viewed
science as being more difficult to understand. However, studies have suggested that
this gap is less pronounced in primary school students and begins to widen significantly
after grade 6 (Baram-Tsabari & Yarden, 2011).