Welcome from the Chair
Hello, I am Mike Lakin, and I am the Industrial Technology Department Chair here at Carroll. I teach my students a wide variety of practical STEM skills in my Applied Technology and Woodworking courses.
Applied Technology shows students how to transform their thoughts and ideas into tangible projects through mechanical drafting, engineering drafting, architecture, computer aided drafting (CAD), computer numeric control (CNC) devices, and a variety of woodworking machines. Students see their ideas through from inception to completion in these classes, resulting in an outstanding engineering and architectural foundation.
In woodworking courses, students learn the procedures to build a project from beginning to end. They learn how to read plans and design their own for custom projects. They learn how to use every machine in Carroll's wood shop including the CAD and CNC machines. They also learn how to assemble their projects, and most importantly, the safety procedures of using all of these powerful machines.
After graduating from The Ohio State University, I began my career in North Carolina teaching Industrial Technology at the junior high level. After seven years, I began my current job at Carroll and have been here since 1990. I love teaching, and that is the reason why I have done it for 30 years.
Course Descriptions
Applied Technology I/II
These comprehensive STEM courses will focus on the basics of Mechanical Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting, and Architectural Drafting. These courses will teach students how to take an idea from paper to project by using CAD software and CAM. This process will include elements of design, geometric constructions, orthographic projections, dimension standards, pictorial drawings, sectioning, auxiliary views, and 3D models. These courses will benefit students who are considering a career field in engineering, architecture, interior design, or any career that requires blueprint reading such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, or machinists.
Woodworking I
This course will provide students with a fundamental knowledge of woods, woodworking tools, methods, and procedures. Some projects will be assigned by the instructor (example: shelf, magazine rack, and plant stand). Students may select other projects. The following topics will be included: general safety practices, types of wood and layout, wood joints and fasteners, gluing and clamping, sanding and finishing, use of power tools (table saw, radial arm saw, jointer, router, drill press), use of hand tools (drills, belt sander, tri square, measuring tape), and introduction of CAD/CAM and CNC routering through the use of the Torchmate.
Woodworking II
Prerequisite: Woodwork I
This course is similar to Woodworking I with more emphasis will be placed on wood joints and more advanced projects (example: end tables, nightstand, and book case). Students will further their knowledge of the CAD program and Torchmate cutting system.
Woodworking III
Prerequisite: Woodworking II
Students will be required to do individual wood projects and participate in class mass-production projects. Some out-of-class work will be expected. Students will be required to properly operate all power tools and hand power tools and know different wood joints. Students will also be able to operate the CAD program for use of the Torchmate cutting system.
Honors Track
Honors Woodworking IV
Prerequisite: Woodworking III
Students will be required to do individual wood projects and participate in class mass-production projects. Students will be required to properly operate all power tools and hand power tools and know different wood joints. Students will also be able to operate the CAD program for use of the Torchmate cutting system.