Design, Engineering and Technology

Home/Academic Departments/Design, Engineering and Technology
Design, Engineering and Technology2023-06-16T12:59:18-04:00

Learn and practice problem-solving, systems thinking, innovation, teamwork, iteration, and communication.

Engineering is designing and creating solutions to address particular human problems with technology that includes all types of systems and processes—everything from a hammer to a computer. Technologies result when engineers apply their understanding of the physical world to creatively solve problems.

PROBLEM-SOLVING

Engage in hands-on problem solving through project based learning.

COLLABORATION

Work with educators and peers to develop design and engineering skills.

INNOVATION

State-of-the-art ATEC classrooms include wood, metal and fabrication shops, a graphic design studio and flexible project space.

DESIGN

Prepare for work-based learning, apprenticeships, careers in the trades, advanced trade schools, college and beyond.

Lincoln Academy’s DET program offers a range of credit options:

  • One-third (1/3) of a credit in Design, Engineering and Technology (DET) is required for graduation and is most often fulfilled by taking Introduction to DET or Robotics in the Freshman or Sophomore year (Introduction to DET or Robotics may also be taken by Juniors and Seniors).
  • Introduction to DET and teacher permission are the prerequisites for Wood, Metal, Mechanical and DET Independent Projects, (which may be repeated only with teacher permission). 
  • The DET graduation requirement may also be fulfilled by certain other specific classes such as Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Robotics, Digital Photo, Graphic Design or Digital Media Production.

Department Contacts

Susan Levesque : Mathematics Department Head—Robotics Teacher and Robotics Team Coach
Susan Levesque
levesque@lincolnacademy.org

Academic Affiliations:

BA in Mathematics - University of Maine at Farmington
MS in Mathematics - Boston College
MS Education - University of Southern Maine


David Brooks : Database/IT Administrator and Computer Science Faculty
David Brooks (207) 563-3596 ext. 1420
brooks@lincolnacademy.org

David Brooks joined the ATEC team at LA on July 1, 2019 from The Hyde School, where he taught computer science and robotics.  He was responsible for classroom technology campus-wide and part of their IT team, and directed their STEAM program. David developed and managed their foundation grant  that allowed Hyde to start its STEAM program and has pursued and received several other grants for that program. Before teaching  at Hyde, David was a software engineer at Pricewaterhouse Coopers and owner of the independent software consultancy Installer Factory. Before that was a Sr. Principal Software Engineer at Symantec Software.  David's office is in ATEC, where he be teaches AP Computer Science A, works as LA's PowerSchool Administrator and IT Coordinator.

Academic Affiliations:

B.S. Computer Science, California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo


Griff Braley : Theater and Film Faculty—Theater Director
Griff Braley
braley@lincolnacademy.org

Descended from Northern Maine potato farmers, and after a mostly idyllic young life, Mr. Braley moved to mid coast Maine in the seventies, discovered music, theater and writing, and took up the theater arts, graduating from Bates College with a theater major. After 38 years in education, and 20 years as Artistic Director at Heartwood Regional Theater Co., he has directed more than 200 plays, including many originals and adaptations. At Lincoln, Mr. Braley can be found in the Poe Theater where he annually directs two high school plays, while teaching film, play production and acting. His blessings in life include the amazing Mrs. Joy Braley, five incredible children, and seventeen grandchildren. Other interests include matters of faith, poetry and music.

Academic Affiliations:

B.A. Theater - Bates College
Certified Drama K – 12
Certified English 9 - 12


Nina Sylvia : Visual Arts Department Chair
Nina Sylvia
sylvia@lincolnacademy.org

As a graduate of Lincoln Academy ('84), Nina Sylvia brings tradition and a deep connection to the Hall House visual arts room. Having taught for many years in two larger Maine high schools, it is her great pleasure to work with the creative students from the historical artists colonies of mid-coast Maine as well as the inspiring students from around the world. She is a practicing artist, working out of her home studio on the pond, finding subject matter by abstracting her extensive gardens, and always eager to learn new and cutting edge techniques. She built her own home and has been restoring a 60 year old wooden sailboat. During the "quieter" months, she travels and competes with an adult synchronized skating team.

Academic Affiliations:

BFA Printmaking, Maine College of Art
M.Ed. Teaching and Learning, University of Southern Maine
Member of the MAEA, NAEA, and River Arts.


Kate Mess : Visual Arts and DET Faculty, Graphic Designer
Kate Mess
kmess@lincolnacademy.org

Kate Mess joined LA's Visual Art Department in 2019 and previously worked as a design consultant on many LA publications. A studio jeweler and graphic designer, Kate has a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters from SUNY New Paltz. She has taught at SUNY New Paltz and SMCC, run workshops for the Maine Craft Association and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. In addition to teaching Small Scale Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Graphic Design, Yearbook, Art Fundamentals and Intro to DET, Kate continues her design work on LA publications.

Academic Affiliations:

B.F.A. University of Wisconsin, Madison
M.F.A. Metal, State University of New York, New Paltz


Cable-Burns Applied Technology and Engineering Center

Sample of DET Course Offerings

TRIMESTER

Intro to DET ( Design, Engineering and Technology)

This class is a project-based problem-solving course. After learning the fundamentals of design and safe tool use, students will create an independent project of their own based on a real-world problem that they can solve with the material resources available. One example would be to “design a freestanding object  that consists of five parts that fit together.” Students will define the problem, prototype a solution, test their solution and finish their project by reporting on their process.

Projects in Wood

This course looks at the principles of using wood as a technological tool.  Students will work in teams to study applications of structural design as it relates to construction using wood.  For example, students will tackle larger challenges such as the building of a small structure or modifying an existing one.

Projects in Metal

This course looks at the principles of using metal as a technological tool.  With mild steel as the primary material, students study and practice basic metal shop methods, including but not limited to cutting and simple metal fabrication using multiple handheld tools, gas torches, and electric welding.  Activities may include cold cutting,  grinding, gas cutting and gas and electric welding. With a practical understanding of one’s ability within the metal shop, each student will be responsible for designing, planning, and constructing an individual metal functional object.

Projects in Mechanics

Students will learn the principles of simple engines and build on that knowledge to explore mechanical systems and the relationships between the systems. Hands on experience reinforces the need for quality workmanship. Students learn to find and repair typical problems affecting engine power and performance, the theory of operation, and the recommended preventative maintenance for all systems. Projects may include engine restoration, building recreational vehicles, etc.

Metal Sculpture

Metal Sculpture introduces LA students to basic fabrication of mild steel.  With Art Fundamentals as the prerequisite, all students are encouraged to take the class; including students who are interested in technical metal applications such as welding, torch cutting, grinding, etc.  Each trimester students are guided through the metal shop, introducing tools with a strong focus on safety and proper tool usage.  Sculpture is discussed from a contemporary art discourse, however this is done in a way in which is accessible to all!  Artists and non-artists!   Students at any level of experience will learn to feel confident in the shop, learning how to manipulate steel and weld properly, with safety as paramount and creativity as our goal.  Students can retake metal sculpture; with each additional trimester, a student’s curriculum will become more independently driven.  Prerequisite – Art Fundamentals

Robotics

This course will prepare students to compete in the VEX Robotics Winter Competition season (November – January). Topics include: engineering design, electronics, construction, programming using RobotC,  designing using virtual worlds.  Students can retake robotics; with each additional trimester, a student’s curriculum will become more independently driven. Prerequisites: currently enrolled in Algebra I, or successful completion of Algebra I 

FULL YEAR

Exploring Computer Science

This course will explore the basic concepts of computer science, technology, and the digital world –  useful and accessible for any student at Lincoln Academy regardless of familiarity with technology! There are six units – human-computer interaction, problem-solving, web design, programming, computing and data analysis, and robotics. When learning these concepts we will use a variety of tools/platforms, and culminate with final projects.
Prerequisites: Algebra I

AP Computer Science Principles

This Advanced Placement course offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. The “seven big ideas” explored in this course are: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the internet, global impact. Prerequisites: junior or senior

Computer-Aided Design

This year-long course enables students to enhance their skills in the use of AutoCAD drafting software. The students are provided with opportunities to design and develop engineering products to be machined. Students visit businesses in the community which use CAD applications. This course offers opportunities to enhance the problem-solving and team skills used in everyday life.

DET News

LA Robotics Team Wins States, Qualifies for World Championship

Lincoln Academy Robotics Team 8030A at the State Championships: in the arena at the State Championships while Mr. Burroughs looks on, and receiving their awards, from left: senior Mica Houghton, senior Connor Parson, and junior Joseph Levesque. By Connor Parson '24 Special from the [...]

By |March 12, 2024|Categories: Home Featured, News, Student Voices, The Eagle’s Talon|Tags: , , |0 Comments

LA Robotics Place 1st and 2nd at Monmouth Tourney

The LA Robotics team at the Monmouth tournament on February 3, where LA robots earned both first and second place. From left: Connor Parson, Mica Houghton, Joseph Levesque, Tillman Seibel, Shayla Pheng, Trevor Hall, Noah Garnett, Zane Adams, and Amelia Starbird Lincoln Academy robots brought [...]

By |February 6, 2024|Categories: Academics, Activities and Community Service, News|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

LA Robotics Competes at Yarmouth High School

Senior Mica Houghton, senior Connor Parson, and junior Joseph Levesque are the engineers behind Lincoln Academy's A-team robot, 8030A. They won the Design Award at the January 21 tournament at Yarmouth High School. Lincoln Academy sent three robotics teams to a meet at Yarmouth High [...]

By |January 23, 2024|Categories: News|Tags: , , |0 Comments