Staff Report
Dunn Middle School students put science to work this spring to help install a new solar panel array on the southern edge of campus.
This is the fourth solar installation students have helped with in as many years. The installations have been scheduled each year around Earth Day to reinforce the importance of renewable sources of energy for a more sustainable future.
“It’s pretty amazing to see the students dive into all aspects of the installation,” said school spokesman Jon Hooten. “They’re out there measuring and digging the holes for the stands, moving the 40-pound panels into position, and securing the whole array to the stands.”
For science teacher Meg West, who organizes the project each year, it’s all part of the learning process.
“The goal is for the students to build confidence in their abilities to engineer structures with their own two hands,” she said.
“We also want kids to have the knowledge that every step towards establishing renewable energy sources as the norm in our communities is a step that will improve their own lives in the future,” she added.
The installation was completed in collaboration with Gary Gordon, owner of Santa Ynez Valley Solar, which has partnered with Dunn for all four years.
“It’s a fun project to work on,” he said. “The kids bring so much enthusiasm, and it’s good for them to learn about sustainable energy and put their math skills to use, too.”
