Sen. Al Franken listens to senior Katherine Rembao explain an experiment in advanced placement biology during a visit to Austin High School Friday afternoon.

Austin High School students got to show off their science knowledge Friday to someone who helps make a lot of decisions concerning U.S. education.

Democratic Sen. Al Franken was in the area Friday, taking time to visit AHS in between touring local businesses and a stop at the Spam Museum. Franken toured an AP Biology classroom, a robotics class and held a question and answer session with economics students during an hour-long stay.

The Senator shared his views on education, immigration and privacy in technology, while stressing the importance of math and science in the classroom.

“It’s important to get kids interested, and also to develop the skills necessary for manufacturing jobs and these kinds of businesses,” Franken said.

Franken gave his views on various issues to students on issues like gun control, saying he was disappointed the U.S. Senate failed to pass legislation which would have expanded background checks for guns nationwide. He also touted Minnesota’s emphasis on robotics, especially the FIRST Robotics competition. The Minnesota State High School League-sanctioned activity has more teams than the state’s boys hockey league, according to Franken.

He toured Arkema Industries earlier in the day before his visit to AHS, followed by a visit to Hormel Foods Corp. for a private meeting with company officials. Franken capped off his day in Austin with a visit to the Spam Museum.

Sen. Al Franken watches a demonstration by the Austin High School robotics class during a visit to the school Friday afternoon.