They pick up the subject as if by osmosis. It becomes a hobby. Sometimes it is not till the third year at University that the boys really get switched on. They then take a professional interest in their work and set themselves high standards. Encouragement from the staff certainly helps.
Enthusiasm is infectious.
So whereas the girls usually get switched on to work at the age of 4, the boys take a lot longer, often till they are in their late teens. Some boys never get switched on.