Fifth graders tour Watervliet sandpaper manufacturer

June 14, 2012

Fifth graders at Watervliet Elementary School Tuesday, June 12, got the opportunity to see how the science they learn in the classroom connects with the workplace.

The students have recently been studying motion and design, constructing miniature vehicles and redesigning them based on the results of trial runs.

Engineers at the Research and Development Division of the nearby Saint Gobain Coated Abrasives plant undertake a similar testing and redesign process when developing sandpaper and other abrasives for several high-tech industries.

Located right next door to the school, the Watervliet plant – once the Norton Company – is part of a French conglomerate. The Watervliet facility produces abrasives for jet engine manufacturing, automotive use, furniture and more.

View a photo gallery of the field trip