TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — From history to chemistry, young women at Troy University’s Girl Power STEM Camp got a hands-on lesson in the science of soap making.

The girls, grades 6th-8th, learned how soap has evolved through different cultures, the chemical reactions that make it work, and why those reactions matter before diving into the lab to create their own custom bars of soap.

“It helps me understand because I get to do it with people who like to talk and have fun, people who have their own way and like to do things their certain way,” said Kadence Parnell, a participant of the camp. “Even if its wrong you can always start over.

“You have to listen and pay attention very carefully.”

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The camp is designed to encourage more young women to pursue careers in science by giving them the experience of exploring STEM through engaging, hands-on experiences. At the end of the experiment, each participant took home the soap they created, a reminder of both the science they learned and the skills they gained.

“I get to work with other people that know a lot more than me and I can meet people that can help me,” Parnell said. “I really like it.

“I think I’ll be back next year.”

With lessons that mix chemistry, creativity, and collaboration, organizers hope camps like this inspire the next generation of women to see themselves in STEM fields.