Last Updated: January 2023
MDIHS ‘s approach to career and technical education provides instructional pathways to enhance students’ ability to communicate, collaborate, think critically, and to be creative. Through models that promote hands-on learning experiences, play, collaboration, effort, and the practice of design thinking models, students develop the ability to problem-solve and contribute positively to their communities.
Grades 9,10,11,12
1 credit
In this creative problem-solving class, you will be introduced to the design thinking process and learn how to use a variety of the tools of a fabricator. You will build their creative confidence as you develop design thinking mindsets and design skills (research, observation, interviewing, data analysis, writing, collaboration, critical thinking, fabrication, visual communication). Projects will allow for tool certification with hand and power tools, made with wood and metal, experience with 3-D printing, VR design, and laser fabrication.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
In this creative problem-solving class, you will learn and practice digital content creation skills like creating screencasts, designing infographics, recording podcasts, and producing videos. You will then use these skills and the design thinking process to create technology-focused products for members of the school community as you become a leader in technology integration. Come ready to learn in a new way - no tech expertise necessary!
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
In this creative problem-solving class, you will learn and practice the design thinking skills needed to solve community-based problems. You will build your creative confidence as you develop design thinking mindsets and design skills (research, observation, interviewing, data analysis, writing, collaboration, critical thinking, fabrication, visual communication). Come ready to make a difference in your community!
Grades 9,10,11,12
1 credit
What technical skills are required for a career in boat building industries or to just maintain my own boat? How can I better enjoy my time around and on the water? New construction, repair, and restoration of all styles of boats form the core of this class. By using both “old” and “new” methods, tools, and materials, students enrolled in Boat Building will work with various plans/blueprints to develop skills in measurement and pattern layout, to construct a frame/mold to build and finish a boat. Through classroom projects and field trips, students will become familiar with hull design and layout, nautical terms, marlinespike seamanship, Maritime History and the companies that have made Maine a recognized leader in boat building.
Grades 9,10,11,12
1 credit
How do I design new products & structures? This course is a “must” for future engineers & architects, or anyone interested in design. You will learn to make the technical drawings that Engineers and Architects use to describe their designs, starting first with pencil and paper then moving on to the computer and CAD. Learn the secrets of orthographic drawings and get a head start on the graphics classes you will encounter in college. We will study traditional products and architectural styles and learn how to create unique contemporary designs. Start working on your dream house today, or start planning that new invention. Your skills can help you build a better future.
Grades 11,12
1 (or 2 credits)
Yearbook is a course designed for students to help organize and produce the annual yearbook for the school. Students will learn skills in selling, managing finances, organizing information, creating advertisements, using technology, scheduling, teamwork, and problem-solving as they go through the year-long process of gathering information for the yearbook to its final distribution as a completed product. This class will meet every day and is either a semester-long or full-year course.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Marine Technology is a semester-long course that introduces students to the field of the Marine Trades. Whether a small outboard skiff, a large inboard diesel or a sailboat, there will be special emphasis on the skills necessary for owning, servicing, operating and maintaining your own boat. Students will spend their time in the shop with hands-on knowledge and skill development and with traditional instructional methods (lecture, readings, discussion, training films, guest speakers, site-visits, etc.), along with project-based learning. Students are encouraged to bring in their own boats and marine related equipment to take advantage of our “Trojan Boatyard”.
Grades 11,12
Prerequisite: Marine Service Tech in the same school year
1 credit
This is a 1 full year option with the goal being to sit for the American Boat and Yacht Councils Marine Systems Technician Certification test. Obtaining certification will be a stepping stone to employment in the dynamic marine industry. Students interested in this course should meet with Mr. Keblinsky for more information.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
In this semester-long course, students will participate in the Eastern Maine Skippers Program (EMSP), a program developed and supported by the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. A central feature of EMSP is a project in which students work collaboratively with community members like scientists, fishermen, regulators, and industry professionals, to investigate serious challenges within the fishing industry, and to research, develop and present effective solutions. Students will develop the core knowledge and skills needed to participate in co-managed fisheries, working with scientists and regulators to sustain the fisheries they depend upon as well as to run successful and adaptable businesses. EMSP students are building relationships, knowledge and skills to graduate high school ready to face the rapidly changing business, science, politics and fishing environments of the 21st Century. Projects can be done individually, in small groups, or as a Senior Exhibition project. Students may choose the lens through which they carry out the project. Engagement in this course optimally earns you Career and Technical Education as well as English credit.
Grades 9,10,11,12
.5 credit
This class will utilize design applications that will assist students in designing work for use on laser printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutters (and Cricut machines), and 3D printers. Students will learn how to create a variety of vector-based images that are applicable to t-shirt design, decals and labeling for cars, decorations for wood projects and more.
Grades 9,10,11,12
.5 credit
Maker-Space Wood is an exciting introduction to the tools, materials, and processes found in our high school Woodshop. You will learn how to safely operate basic hand and power tools along with all of our woodworking machine tools. Students will practice the fundamentals of materials processing and woodworking. You will apply real-world math, problem-solving, and communication skills to develop your technical knowledge for future study. Instruction will be heavily project-based with a minimum on lecture and student demonstration. Students are encouraged to choose projects that can satisfy their utilitarian needs or be works of art.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Prerequisite: Maker-Space Wood
Advanced Maker-Space Wood is a course designed for forward thinking, independent working students with motivation to expand their knowledge of the wood shop. Students enrolling in this course will be expected to come to class prepared with project ideas to develop while furthering their knowledge and skills. A strong emphasis in this course will be placed on project planning and development to help lead to quality construction of items. Expectations are that students will work on more intricate/extensive projects and build (or repair) pieces with a purpose. This course will expand, refine, and build on the knowledge and skills learned in MakerSpace Wood.
Grades 9,10,11,12
.5 credit
Maker-Space Metal is an exciting introduction to metalworking class that focuses on the tools, materials, and processes found in our high school Metal/Auto Technology lab. Students enrolling in this course will learn how to operate basic hand and power tools while practicing the fundamentals of materials processing and metalworking. The application of real-world math, problem-solving, and communication skills to develop your technical knowledge for future study are all large focal points in this course. Instruction will be heavily application-based with a minimum of lecture and an emphasis on student demonstration.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Prerequisite: Maker-Space Metal
Advanced Maker-Space Metal is a course designed for forward thinking, independent working students with motivation to enhance their skills around metalworking and welding. Students enrolling in this course will be expected to come to class prepared with project ideas to develop while furthering their knowledge and abilities. This course emphasizes the importance of topics such as project planning, development, skill-building, and outside the box thinking to help lead to quality construction of items. Expectations are that students will work on more intricate/extensive projects and build (or repair) pieces with a purpose. This course will expand, refine, and build on the knowledge and skills learned in Maker-Space Metal.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Prerequisite: Maker-Space Metal required, Advanced Maker-Space Metal is strongly recommended
What technology is there that can help me produce better quality items? How can I take a project from the design process to completion? Why is accuracy important when building an item?........All these questions, and more, will be discussed and answered as parts of the Precision Design and Fabrication course.
The Precision Design and Fabrication course is designed to allow students to learn how to create items using a variety of tools and equipment that require precision and accuracy during these processes. Students will use a diverse range of systems and devices to design, measure, and fabricate items of their own interest and some others required for completion of the course. Students will learn to use CAD/CNC-related systems during the design processes and use those to help with the overall fabrication of their projects. They will be given specific parameters to which projects must fall into and will use the tools and equipment provided to help meet those requirements. A strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail are a large part of this course.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
This course is one that will allow students to explore their own interests relative to mechanical systems and motorsports industries while developing lifelong skills in problem-solving and tool selection/usage. Students will learn to use a variety of tools and equipment to assist them in exploring the inner workings of engines, drivetrains, and other pieces that help mechanical equipment operate. Other areas of exploration will include motorsports, machine/vehicle maintenance, and basic repair techniques. Students are encouraged, and expected, to find mechanical-related projects of their own to work on during this course whether it be their own vehicle, a family lawn-mower, an engine off their boat, or some other piece that piques their interest.
Grades 10, 11, 12
.5 Credit
Business Independent Study is a course designed to allow students to explore business-related class offerings available at MDIHS on a somewhat individualized basis. Students enrolling in this course will select a class offering to take for the ranking period. Each of the classes offered are set up for a 9-week period. The specifics for each class offering are provided in more detail in this section of the Program of Studies. The classes include:
Accounting 1 (Parts A and/or B)
Accounting 2
Business Management (Parts A and/or B)
Financial Management
Spreadsheets
Once students have selected a class, they will proceed through a schedule of activities and assignments provided by the instructor with prearranged due dates. In most cases, activities will be provided through an electronic folder to the student and they will submit their completed work in the same fashion. Students will have a period of the day in their schedule set aside for this course, but will work on an individual basis with assistance from the instructor as needed.
Grades 10, 11, 12
.5 Credit
What accounting practices do I need to know for personal and professional use? Students will learn how to organize and maintain business records in this minimal-homework-required class. Covering the complete accounting cycle, students will learn how to make entries in journals, post ledgers, use good check writing procedures and prepare financial statements. In the latter portions of this course, students will improve their knowledge of the occupational skills acquired in the earlier parts of the class and acquire a foundation in the areas of sales, purchases, payroll, and taxes for a merchandising business. Students will participate in a business simulation, which reinforces accounting principles by having them maintain the complete accounting records for a business. This project brings together all elements covered throughout the course. A full credit in accounting is highly recommended for those students going on to a business college or entering the business world. A good attitude and strong work ethic are stressed in this class.
Grades 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Prerequisites: Accounting I
What advanced areas of accounting practices will I need for personal and professional use? Learners will review their Accounting For Your Money knowledge and become acquainted with more advanced areas of Accounting. The students will review the accounting cycle and become acquainted with partnership accounting, corporate accounting, departmental accounting, cost accounting, income taxes, and payroll. Computerized Accounting will be an additional focus to this class with students performing the majority of the workload for this course during class time.
Grades 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
How will the basic understanding of business principles and management help me in planning a career in business? This project-oriented course is designed to give students an introduction into the world of business and the wide range of activities businesses participate in when preparing to start and maintain operations. Students will spend the majority of their time in this class learning the skills necessary to get a business up and going from scratch. This course will help students to organize items needed when writing a business plan to help with a business’ start-up process. The ending project will give students the opportunity to completely plan business to start and present that plan for approval as though they were going before a board at a financial lending institution.
Grades 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
How can I make more money by working for myself? Students with their own businesses, or are planning to have one in the future, focusing on an area such as fishing/lobstering, mechanic/repair services, carpentry, food sales, clothing creation, and many others will be the choices of students in this course. This course is designed for the student who is already involved with an operating business and/or plans to work for themselves in the future. Students enrolling in this class will see a low-homework load with the focus of the in-class work being on ways to help organize items for your own business to become more productive and, in turn, make your business run more efficiently......and we all know when your business runs better, you make more money. Students should come to this class with a business already in mind or operational that they simply want to make operations more efficiently. Specifics will be on things such as organization, time management, negotiating skills, communication techniques and other items relative to helping your business become more successful.
Grades 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
How will understanding the operations of a spreadsheet help with organizing and calculating in a more efficient manner? This course introduces basic spreadsheet design and development. Topics include understanding formulas, using functions and calculations, enhancing spreadsheets, creating charts, and printing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and print basic spreadsheets and charts while understanding how to manipulate the formulas to improve their efficiency in producing such documents.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
In this quarter-long class, we will utilize the courtyard space to learn about fruit trees, grapevines, and other perennial food-bearing plants as well as grow greens and plant/harvest hardy fall vegetables. We will visit local farms and learn about what is grown right in our community. We will also spend some time in the kitchen, learning to prepare and cook locally grown and gathered food. Sustainable farming/gardening methods, food systems, food waste, food insecurity will also be addressed. This class will be a mix of hands-in-the-dirt work and classroom learning. There will be a research project. Work will be assessed on the 4Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking, as well as the national standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
In this class you will learn the basics of knitting: how to cast on a project, the knit and purl stitches, increasing and decreasing, and binding off. You will also learn how to read a knitting pattern, how to fix mistakes and how to measure your gauge. You will choose a project to knit for yourself and for a charity project. If time and interest allow, we can explore other topics like spinning wool or dyeing yarn. This is a 9-week course, however, students may take the class a second time and continue on to more advanced techniques and personal projects. Work will be assessed on the 4Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking, as well as the national standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
In this course, we will look at fabrics of all kinds (knitted, woven, crocheted, synthetic and natural fiber), learn how to make fabrics, and how to make items and clothing using various fabrics. You will learn the basics of sewing, both by hand and by machine. We will discover where/how our fabrics and clothing are made and discuss the human and environmental impacts of fast fashion versus the slow clothes movement. This is a 9-week course, however, students may take the class a second time and continue on to more advanced techniques and personal projects. Work will be assessed on the 4Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking, as well as the national standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Food and Nutrition is an introduction to food selection and preparation skills. In this class, you will learn where your food comes from, how your body is fueled by food, how to make good choices regarding nutrition and how to purchase, prepare and serve food. Accurate measuring, knife skills, seasoning and flavoring, selection and care of kitchen equipment are some of the practical skills you will learn. Where our food comes from, food choices and other contemporary issues around food and nutrition will be part of this exploratory class. Students work in teams to plan, cook and evaluate their recipes, and clean up. You will be scored on your ability to work as part of a team, using the 4Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking, as well as the national standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Witness the infants and toddlers grow while you assist with their care in the Infant/Toddler Room. Under the supervision of the adult daycare provider, you will assist with infant/toddler care, daily record keeping, and maintenance of the daycare center. You will plan and provide age-appropriate developmental activities as you communicate and interact with the children and their parents. Weekly childcare curriculum assignments, lead teacher week and a final project are required in addition to caring for the babies. Students may take this class more than once and will cover a different age group in their written work. Good attendance and school citizenship are the requirements for this course. Your work and participation will be scored using the 4Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.