Table 8 Overview of items used in the questionnaire in English

EF1

In the lab or at school, I often conduct experiments or STEM projects

1

2

3

4

5

EF2

In class, I learned how to analyze experimental results

1

2

3

4

5

EF3

In class, the teacher introduced us to STEM careers

1

2

3

4

5

EF4

In class, I often do exploratory activities with my group

1

2

3

4

5

EF5

I have entered many STEM contests

1

2

3

4

5

EF6

I have entered many STEM summer camps

1

2

3

4

5

EF7

I often visit STEM venues (such as Science and Technology Museum planetariums, museums, botanical gardens)

1

2

3

4

5

EF8

I have joined STEM associations

1

2

3

4

5

EF9

My parents encouraged me to pursue a STEM career

1

2

3

4

5

EF10

My parents encouraged me to participate in STEM activities outside of school

1

2

3

4

5

EF11

Many of my friends want to pursue STEM careers in the future

1

2

3

4

5

EF12

I have family members in STEM occupations

1

2

3

4

5

EF13

I like reading STEM books, magazines, newspapers and so on

1

2

3

4

5

EF14

I like watching STEM TV programs

1

2

3

4

5

EF15

I like watching STEM movies

1

2

3

4

5

EF16

I like browsing information about STEM on the Internet

1

2

3

4

5

SSE1

I do well in STEM. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

1

2

3

4

5

SSE2

I can write the experiment report correctly

1

2

3

4

5

SSE3

I can gather information about STEM concepts properly

1

2

3

4

5

SSE4

I can conduct STEM experiments correctly in the laboratory

1

2

3

4

5

SSE5

I can download pictures or videos from the Internet

1

2

3

4

5

SSE6

I can use daily technology products skillfully. (e.g. microwave oven)

1

2

3

4

5

SSE7

I can use digital devices correctly. (e.g. smart phone, iPad, computer)

1

2

3

4

5

SSE8

I can use social media correctly. (e.g. WeChat, QQ)

1

2

3

4

5

SSE9

I can build a robot out of Lego

1

2

3

4

5

SSE10

I can assemble small furniture (e.g. shoe racks, closets)

1

2

3

4

5

SSE11

I can design electronic circuits

1

2

3

4

5

SSE12

I can fix broken toys

1

2

3

4

5

SSE13

I do well in math

1

2

3

4

5

SSE14

I can collect and record data accurately

1

2

3

4

5

SSE15

I can draw a chart based on the data provided

1

2

3

4

5

SSE16

I can use a scientific calculator skillfully

1

2

3

4

5

SCP1

I think all STEM careers have a high reputation

1

2

3

4

5

SCP2

I think STEM careers pay well

1

2

3

4

5

SCP3

I think students majoring in STEM will find it easy to get a job

1

2

3

4

5

SCP4

I think STEM careers require high level thinking skills

1

2

3

4

5

SCP5

I think STEM careers require creative problem solving

1

2

3

4

5

SCP6

I think STEM careers require collaboration

1

2

3

4

5

SCP7

I think STEM careers are very fulfilling

1

2

3

4

5

SCP8

I think STEM careers can promote my long-term development

1

2

3

4

5

SCP9

I think STEM careers can contribute to human development

1

2

3

4

5

ISC1

I hope to pursue a career in STEM

1

2

3

4

5

ISC2

I will choose a major of STEM in college

1

2

3

4

5

ISC3

I want to be a scientist

1

2

3

4

5

ISC4

I want to work in a field where I can use STEM knowledge in the future

1

2

3

4

5

ISC5

I want to be a medical worker or work in medicine

1

2

3

4

5