From the classroom to the rooftop

What is the multiplier for a 30 degree offset bend for conduit? What is ¼” multiplied by 5?

These were some of the questions posed to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) high school students from the Rosebud Sioux Nation in South Dakota as they volunteered on a solar PV installation in Arvada, Colorado in the middle of June.  The students participated in the month long Sustainable Building Research and Mentoring Program for Tribal youth hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder where they learn about energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable housing and building systems.

Despite the warm temperatures in the upper eighties, the students enthusiastically participated in the solar installation.  The students were able to experience a typical Day One install at GRID where they installed electrical gear, the racking system and wiring.

Many students commented about how much they enjoyed working with their hands and working outside.  Marcus Littlewolf, 18, who just graduated high school and is Lakota from Tucson, AZ, joined the team that worked on the roof and appreciated the camaraderie.

“I thought it was pretty awesome and I enjoyed it.  It was cool working with other people and being part of a team.  I plan to major in sustainable building and renewable energy at the University of Arizona, and I want to get into solar and get into hands on work.  My goal is to work with tribes in the future.”

As part of GRID’s mission to encourage women to consider a future in the solar industry, three high school girls took on the task of conduit bending—a highly technical skill in the electrical trades.  The girls were reluctant at first but became more enthusiastic as the day went on. 

Sydney Horse Looking, a senior from Rosebud enjoyed the small group learning session as well: “I liked conduit bending and using a lot of math and I liked working with my hands.  I liked using the bandsaw and using the tape measure.”

Sydney also envisioned future GRID projects on the Rosebud Sioux Nation: “I do a lot of volunteering and if there were more solar installations where I live, I would do it.  I would like to see more of it in our community.  I think Rosebud would benefit with lower energy prices and use that money for other uses.”

Towards the end of the day, the girls finished practicing and began bending EMT conduit to be installed on the home.  Victoria Miller, a senior from Rosebud, had never used a tape measure before, and was able to complete a highly technical 3 point saddle bend that was eventually installed on the home.

She commented, “It was fun using a tape measure and the bandsaw because I had never used one before.  I liked the pipe bending, and the hands on approach.  Installing solar panels isn’t as easy as I thought it would be, and I think I should pay more attention in math class.”

At the end of a long work day, Leo Campbell, STEM Mentor and Field Coordinator for University of Colorado and a Winnebago tribal member reflected on the GRID’s approach and implications for future installs on the Rosebud Sioux Nation:  “I think the training program is very personable and excellent for volunteers.  It went through every aspect of OSHA standards and safety.  I will use this experience to promote more projects on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.  It would be really beneficial for the community, particularly those with limited resources.”