MSSM students witness Huber techology

    EASTON — Students from the Maine School of Science and Mathematics' Physics B class recently toured the Huber Engineered Woods, LLC manufacturing facility in Easton. With similar facilities located throughout the United States, Huber Engineered Woods, LLC is an innovative building solution provider for the housing market, and offers such specialty products as AdvanTech flooring and sheathing, as well as ZIP System wall and ZIP System roof products. The Easton location manufactures the AdvanTech and ZIP System products for distribution throughout the Northeast.     Students' purpose in visiting was to observe the automated processes, or robots, used by the manufacturer. In class, students have been studying the principles of physics and applying their knowledge to building small robots. Seeing the Huber robots in action made classroom applications come to life and allowed students to see first-hand how their textbook knowledge can be used.
    The tour was facilitated by Shane McDougal, process engineer & area manager for Huber Engineered Woods, LLC. He began by having students view a safety video, stressing the importance and guidelines of safety in a manufacturing workplace. Students were provided with hard hats, safety goggles, and ear protectors before heading out to see the robots in action.
    STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is a primary focus in the curriculum at MSSM. Experiential learning opportunities, like visiting Huber Engineered Woods, are key in motivating students to explore careers in STEM-related fields. Businesses and organizations throughout the state are encouraged to participate in MSSM's J-Term Internship Program, a two-week period in January where students job shadow with internship sponsors to gain a better understanding of careers they are considering.