Sparking Interest: An Experience with Machine Learning and micro:bit on Girls in ICT Day

The participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields -and particularly in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-continues to be affected by structural and cultural factors that limit their persistence and advancement in these disciplines. From an early age, many girls are exposed to messages that discourage their interest in science and technology. Upper secondary education represents a key stage to intervene, spark interest, and provide positive role models. In this context, educational initiatives specifically designed for teenagers gain particular relevance as tools to reduce gender gaps. This article presents an initiative carried out by the School of Engineering at the Universidad de la República (Uruguay) as part of the International Girls in ICT Day. During this event, several hands-on workshops are offered, led by women instructors from the Institutes of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering. This paper describes two relatively recent workshops implemented in the 2024 and 2025 editions: one focused on the fundamentals of machine learning through playful and collaborative activities, and another aimed at exploring electronic circuits using micro:bit boards. The objectives, content, and methodologies of each workshop are presented, along with preliminary results from their implementation, with the goal of supporting potential adaptation in other educational settings. The article also includes a variant of one of the workshops developed at another institution as a replicable experience, enabling reflection on the scope and challenges of these initiatives in diverse contexts.