iLumaCap Coder

Many middle schoolers-particularly girls and BIPOC youth-disengage from STEM by eighth grade, limiting both their opportunities and the broader STEM pipeline. To address this challenge, ilumaCap Coder merges a wearable device with a dance-based curriculum, uniting physical activity, creative expression, and computational thinking. The ilumaCap features programmable LEDs, motion sensors, and an adaptive Al interface, allowing students to choreograph "dance code" routines in Blackly or JavaScript. This approach aligns with CSTA and NGSS standards, offering culturally relevant lessons that encourage kinesthetic engagement and personal storytelling-key factors proven to boost STEM interest for underrepresented learners. In Phase I, the project will apply a user-centered design strategy, refining hardware and software through pilot studies with diverse middle school participants. Data from coding assessments, System Usability Scale (SUS) measures, and think-aloud sessions will inform rapid iterations. By the end of Phase I, ilumaCap Coder aims to demonstrate improved engagement, higher coding comprehension, and minimal teacher training requirements. Integration with Mastery Coding's nationwide LMS ensures easy classroom adoption. Backing from Oregon State University (OSU), Apple, and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) indicates readiness for multi-district expansion, paving the way for broader Phase II scaling in the $168.5 billion K-12 EdTech market.