[pulplobster]

I'd say for a number of reasons they're different. Plumbing, while probably useful at some point in your life, is just one activity. Programming is NOT just one thing. It's closer to woodshop (which I hope is still in schools...). Another difference I think is that you can create something bigger with it, something that scales. Last but not least, I think it's inherently fun and fulfilling to create something out of nothing, but I'll admit that it's not for everyone. But neither is woodshop or gym class. I'd also say that teaching some programming along side math could have some benefits to learning and motivation.

[jessriedel]

I would say programming is analogous to the entire idea of working with your hands (which subsumes woodshop, metal shops, car repair, etc.).

[Evbn]

Woodshop is mostly gone. And it's kind of a shame. But we have Chinese factories to make all our wood stuff now.