GREENWOOD, Indiana (WISH) — On Thursday, two brothers thoughtfully explored the science, technology, engineering, and math exhibits inside instrumentation company Endress+Hauser.

From watching robots perform basic tasks through coding to controlling themselves for entertainment, the boys were intrigued by the new Innovation Studio.

Their mother, a local educator, joined other teachers invited to the open house to see what the space has to offer their students. The studio offers hands-on learning modules for additive manufacturing, robotics, coding, engineering, and science. Modules included a 3D printer, a robotic arm, a spherical robot called Spheros, and a littleBits kids electronics kit.

endress+hauser was awarded a grant through Purdue University’s Indiana Center for Next-Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness (also known as IN-Mac) to create a design and innovation studio on its Greenwood campus. The studio will serve as an open space for instruction by students and teachers in Johnson and Marion counties. The space offers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) trading, manufacturing, and process automation through fun, hands-on learning.

Purdue IN-MAC also offers educators a curriculum aligned with the Indiana government’s K-8 standards in science, math, English, and social studies.

Purdue IN-Mac partners with STEM Education Works to invest in a design and innovation studio in Indiana. The studio is designed to provide opportunities for schools, educators, students, and industry to discover ways to explore design thinking, problem solving, technology, and creative skill sets.

Endress+Hauser leaders cut the ribbon for the new space on Thursday afternoon.

Nicole Otte is Director of Employee Development at Endress+Hauser. Otte said the project has been underway since last year.

“Students need to be aware of whatever career opportunities they are interested in. We always want more students to work in STEM, trade and manufacturing. We’re here,” said Otte.

Jerry Spindler is Endress + Hauser’s early employee development program manager. he runs the space.

During the open house, Sprindler and Otte taught educators about the curriculum they could use with their students. “We’re really trying to build skills for the workforce of the future. It started very early on and we’re trying to get our hands on that her K-8 range now.” Spindler said.

Educators can reserve spaces every Friday.