It’s really cool to see that other’s working at a school beside the science teacher is interested in helping the kids learn more about the subject. My kudos go out to the School Resource Deputy, a sheriff’s deputy assigned to the school, for taking the extra time and effort to make this happen.
Ever heard of CSI: Ormond Beach Middle School?
It’s not the latest television show, but the title could accurately describe a new program at the school. Developed by teacher Tucker Harris and School Resource Deputy Karen Pierce, the investigation program is an innovative way to teach sixth-grade science students the scientific method.
The CSI class takes students out of the classroom and into a crime scene orchestrated by the deputy.
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The students are applying the scientific method to solve the crime. Two more situations will follow — one involving drugs, the other battery with bullying — and each will become more intense, said Pierce. All 290 sixth-graders will participate.
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Harris said this program is great for sixth-grade students transitioning to middle school.
“It makes them a little more independent, more critical thinkers,” he said.
Students who have participated in the CSI class were enthusiastic about their budding investigation skills. “Really cool” was how many students described the experience. Zoe Martusewicz called the program “intriguing and challenging.” Many students said they enjoyed the hands-on nature of the class.
“It helped us learn because we had to take all the information we got and put it into clues,” said Casey Walsh.
