Science in motion

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GREENFIELD — Girl Scouts from across Hancock County recently were invited to view robots working on a local manufacturing floor.

Keihin Indiana Precision Technology opened its plant to help give about 25 students a first-hand look at science in motion.

Young representatives from six troops, from first through seventh grade, were invited specifically to view robots helping staff compile vehicle parts at the Keihin facility, located in Greenfield.

Greenfield-Central High School science teacher Rebecca Schini reached out to the local troops to set up the tour.

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Her goal was to introduce girls to a field that is typically dominated by men.

“You’ve got to get girls excited about STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) early,” she said.

Schini said it’s important to her to help young girls realize careers in science and mathematics are more than just for boys. She said she was pleased to see so many students turn out for the event.

“Women are fully capable of having these jobs. You’ve just got to get them excited about the subjects,” she said. “They need to see it in action. We just really want the girls to have a fun and educational experience.”

As the girls listened to safety instructions from Keihin representatives, they were excited to get the tour underway.

“I can’t wait to see how things work,” Kalyn Reeves, 8, said of the robots. “I don’t know what they’ll look like, but I’m excited to see them.”

The elementary-aged girls were uncharacteristically quiet as they walked, single file, through the manufacturing plant. Wide-eyed, they stared, observing, absorbing and learning.

“I’m excited to see the robots because they’re fun to watch,” Lily Warner, 7, said. “These programs are always interesting.”

Jennifer Warner, leader for Troops 924 and 624, said some troops earned badges or fun patches for their participation.

Alexis Verastegui, 10, was fascinated by the semi-automated process of car-part manufacturing.

“It’s neat that people don’t actually have to touch everything, and the robots help,” she said.

Production Manager Jakes Hughes said he was pleased to welcome the girls and hoped they would take away positive memories of their interaction with science.

“I just hope they get some excitement from the things they see today,” Hughes said.

“Maybe one of these girls will work here one day.”