OTTUMWA -- Local students took a hands-on approach to science.

It’s all part of the first ever GEMS camp on the campus of Indian Hills Community College.

GEMS stands for Girls Exploring Math and Science.  The two day camp concluded Friday.

The camp allowed area girls to take part in experiments and learn the importance of math and science.

Karen Swanson, IHCC high school programs coordinator says this is a great chance to teach young girls the value of science and math.

“We’re looking at introducing them to non-traditional careers and giving them an opportunity to have interactive time so that they can explore hands-on activities and actually get inspired,” said Swanson.

Swanson says that she hopes students will go into a career that is heavy in math and science.

KTVO spoke with students Sydney Striegel and Audra Weber about what they learned at the camp.

“We learned how to make tops with LEGOS and robots, said Striegel.  “We learned how to make solar cars out of LEGOS.”

“Today we learned that we eat pretty much two kinds of batters: potatoes and oranges,” said Weber.