Developing Classical Thinkers The Founding of LIT
Oct 26, 2021
20:30
Just as Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and CaptiveAire Systems started in a garage, so the Luddy Institute of Technology started in a converted storage closet at the Thales Apex campus.
Today, the Luddy Institute of Technology (or "LIT" for short) is one of the most popular electives at Thales. The Luddy Institute of Technology (LIT) is an optional elective sequence of pre-engineering and STEM coursework for the upper grades.
In this episode, host Winston Brady speaks with one of the original “architects” of the LIT program, Kent Misegades, about the early days of the LIT program, the relationship between engineering and Classical education, and how Classically-trained engineers focus on beautiful things to make the world a more beautiful place.
The LIT curriculum covers a wide range of engineering-related content, beginning with the fundamentals and culminating in an independent engineering project for students to demonstrate their skills and creativity. Past projects have included restoring old cars and motorcycles and building items like a two-stroke engine, a footbridge for a local park, and an automated pancake pouring machine.
To find out more about the LIT Program, check out our website at https://www.thalesacademy.org/academics/Luddy-Institute-of-Technology-LIT
Kent worked closely with Bob Luddy to help design the LIT program, poured decades of his engineering experience into its curriculum, and even taught the first group of LIT students. Today, Kent owns AeroSouth, a business focused on products for light aircraft and sailboats as well as writing publications and curriculum on the topics of aeronautics and education.
Find out more about AeroSouth here: https://aerosouth.net/
And be sure to check out their engineering curriculum for great ideas and fun projects here: https://aerosouth.net/shop-and-engineering
Today, the Luddy Institute of Technology (or "LIT" for short) is one of the most popular electives at Thales. The Luddy Institute of Technology (LIT) is an optional elective sequence of pre-engineering and STEM coursework for the upper grades.
In this episode, host Winston Brady speaks with one of the original “architects” of the LIT program, Kent Misegades, about the early days of the LIT program, the relationship between engineering and Classical education, and how Classically-trained engineers focus on beautiful things to make the world a more beautiful place.
The LIT curriculum covers a wide range of engineering-related content, beginning with the fundamentals and culminating in an independent engineering project for students to demonstrate their skills and creativity. Past projects have included restoring old cars and motorcycles and building items like a two-stroke engine, a footbridge for a local park, and an automated pancake pouring machine.
To find out more about the LIT Program, check out our website at https://www.thalesacademy.org/academics/Luddy-Institute-of-Technology-LIT
Kent worked closely with Bob Luddy to help design the LIT program, poured decades of his engineering experience into its curriculum, and even taught the first group of LIT students. Today, Kent owns AeroSouth, a business focused on products for light aircraft and sailboats as well as writing publications and curriculum on the topics of aeronautics and education.
Find out more about AeroSouth here: https://aerosouth.net/
And be sure to check out their engineering curriculum for great ideas and fun projects here: https://aerosouth.net/shop-and-engineering