“Dad, why do I have to learn this stuff?”

It was that simple question that led to the creation of Pioneer Technology Center’s traveling METS (Manufacturing Education Training System) laboratory, a semi-trailer full of technology geared to answer that question.

The trailer was parked outside of Durant Middle School on Tuesday, so kids at the school would have the opportunity to see why the basic subjects of math, science, reading and writing are important for potential careers later in life.

Keith Kennedy, a seventh-grade education and technology teacher, was taking his classes through the trailer all day.

“It’s just a great opportunity for the kids to see how what we are teaching them has an application in the real world,” Kennedy said.

Between Kennedy’s classes and a couple of other math and science classes at the school, almost 150 students toured the trailer Tuesday.

“We’re very thankful that Southeastern made arrangements for the trailer to be down here at the school today, so we could give all the kids a chance to see it,” Kennedy said.

The trailer is equipped with many different types of state-of-the-art equipment including computerized mills and lathes, plasma torches, computers with 3-D CAD software and more.

“The equipment that we have shows the students the validity of what the teachers teach them, so hopefully we have the next workforce coming in to the state that we will need,” said Steve Marquardt of Pioneer Technology Center.

“We do that by using our METS mobile lab to show them a little bit about manufacturing and engineering,” he said.

The company out of Ponca City takes the trailer to schools and businesses all over the state.

“Anyone who’s needing information about manufacturing, or just wants us to come so we can validate what they are teaching their students, we’re happy to go there,” Marquardt said.