Through the theme of Home from Your Perspective, the freshmen will explore their personal vision of home in a week-long experiential learning project informed by their curriculum and the mission of the school.  The major activities are as follows:

• Students will develop an understanding of the basic scientific properties of light and the mathematics of proportion in order to build their own pinhole cameras using simple materials.  Much of their understanding will arise from a hands-on demonstration of a room-sized camera obscura built by faculty members.
• Students will receive a tutorial in photographic composition, field-test their cameras, experiment with exposure times and lighting, and learn darkroom protocols and developing techniques.
• Students will be encouraged to explore the campus and school property to produce photographs that adhere to the project’s theme, that stem from the development of their own personal aesthetic, as well as have a meaningful personal connection.  They are encouraged to consider the theme in very broad terms, making literal and/or symbolic connections as part of their creative expression.
• Students will continue with writing activities from Midland 102 in which they described a natural scene through meaningful and extensive exploration of an object or setting from multiple perspectives.  Their writing during this project will tie-in with their photographic exploration.

·        Students will head out on a "Tall Ship" trip to Santa Cruz Island.  They will help sail the 137 ft. schooner out to the islands, cook, do chores, and be a part of "watch" teams both day and night.  Students may also have the opportunity to snorkel while anchored at prisoner's cove off of Santa Cruz Island.

The goals for this trip are to:

• Connect students with the marine environment which is our backyard and which holds such an influence on the landscape of Midland, primarily through the impact upon the weather here.

• Provide an opportunity for the 9th graders to work and play together as a class, away from the distractions and patterns of day to day life at Midland.

• Create opportunities for the 9th graders to work with faculty in a cooperative endeavor.

• Expose the 9th graders to the rich Maritime history of both the U.S., and the Santa Barbara Channel.

• Experience the Channel Islands National Park