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).Â
- 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
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
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. After 32 years in education, and 14 years as Artistic Director at Heartwood Regional Theater Co., he has directed more than 170 plays, including many originals. At Lincoln, Mr. Braley directs two annual high school plays and teaches digital media, film, play production and acting. His blessings in life include the amazing Mrs. Braley, five incredible children, and six grandchildren. Other interests include matters of Faith, poetry and music, as well as human behavior.
Academic Affiliations:
B.A. Theater - Bates College
Certified Drama K – 12
Certified English 9 - 12
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
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.
levesque@lincolnacademy.org
Academic Affiliations:
BA in Mathematics - University of Maine at Farmington
MS in Mathematics - Boston College
MS Education - University of Southern Maine
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. Â Students will work in teams to study applications of structural design as it relates to construction using wood. Â 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. Â 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. Â Activities may include cold cutting, Â 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. Â 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. Â Each trimester students are guided through the metal shop, introducing tools with a strong focus on safety and proper tool usage. Â Sculpture is discussed from a contemporary art discourse, however this is done in a way in which is accessible to all! Â Artists and non-artists! Â Â 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. Â Students can retake metal sculpture; with each additional trimester, a student’s curriculum will become more independently driven. Â 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 IÂ
FULL YEAR
Exploring Computer Science
This course will explore the basic concepts of computer science, technology, and the digital world – Â 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
Crosby to Return to LA as Director of Applied Learning
Maya Crosby will begin her new position as Lincoln Academy’s Director of Applied Learning in the summer of 2023, returning to LA after six years at the Allendale Columbia School in Rochester, New York. Lincoln Academy has hired former Director of Innovation and Technology Maya [...]
LA Robotics Qualifies for 2023 State Championships
LA Robotics team members Mica Houghton '24, Joseph Levesque '25, Grady Burns '23, Connor Parson '24, Henry Maddox '23, and Dana Lee '24 at the Monmouth High School Competition. On Saturday, February 11 the Lincoln Academy Robotics Team had a successful competition at Monmouth Memorial [...]
Lincoln Academy Robotics at the VEX World Championships
Above: The LA Robotics Team at the World Championships in Dallas. Back from left: Henry Maddox, CJ Colomb, Owen Dyer, Connor Parsons, Austin Levesque, Ryan Naylor. Front row from left: Izzy Petersen, Grady Burns, Joseph Levesque, Jake Shaw, Ryan Sullivan, Jackson Ross, and team [...]