Solar Installation
	After the 2-day wind power workshop (see below), the sophomores broke ground on Midland's 9th 3-kW grid-tied solar array, which will help power the well pumps. Over the course of three days, the students worked alongside faculty members and Gary Gordon of Santa Ynez Valley Solar digging post holes and trenches, assembled a ground-mount structure, and mounted the modules onto the racking.  A professional electrician made the final connection between the new array and the grid.  With its completion, almost 25% of Midland's communal electricity needs are met with solar arrays installed by 10th graders over the past 9 years.  Bringing materials to the installation site

	Wind Power Workshop
	For the second year in a row, the sophomores took part in a wind workshop with Mathias Craig '96 and a crew from blueEnergy, installers of community-supported wind turbines and water filtration systems in Nicaragua.  In two days, they learned how to build a small wind turbine (adapted from a Hugh Piggott design) from the raw materials of hand-carved blades, powerful magnets, copper coils, and a rotor assembly.   Some photos by Jamie Seborer '96.  Mathias works with India

	2012 Experiential Week
	Sophomores will take a 3-day backpacking trip in the local San Rafael Wilderness along the Manzana Creek.  Returning from this outdoor wilderness experience in Midland's back yard, they'll begin their work as renewable energy installers and builders on Monday morning, April 2.  For the second year in a row, they'll take part in a wind workshop with Mathias Craig '96 and a crew from blueEnergy, installers of community-supported wind turbines and water filtration systems in Nicaragua.  In two days, they will learn how to build a small wind turbine (adapted from a Hugh Piggott design) from the raw materials of hand-carved blades, powerful magnets, copper coils, and a rotor assembly.  The sophomores will then break ground on Midland's 8th 3-kW grid-tied solar array, which will help power the well pumps. Over the course of three days, the students will work alongside faculty members and Gary Gordon of Santa Ynez Valley Solar to dig post holes and trenches, assemble a ground-mount structure, and mount the modules onto the racking.  A professional electrician will make the final connection between the new array and the grid.  At its completion, almost 25% of Midland's communal electricity needs will be met with solar arrays installed by 10th graders over the past 9 years.