Video: Students Turn Crime Scene Analysts in C.S.I.: Tupelo

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — CSI, NCIS, CSI: NEW YORK, are among the most popular shows on television, gripping millions of viewers with the high-tech world of crime scene investigation. While the TV shows aren’t always realistic, some Tupelo students this week are getting to try their own hand at DNA sampling and other cool crime scene tools.

Third and fourth graders are learning all about science through DNA found in strawberries. It’s all apart of Camp Opportunity, a series of summer camps hosted by the Tupelo school district at Lawndale Elementary.

“It gives students in the summer a chance to really delve into their interests and see what more is out there for them to do,” said Sally Amos, a teacher at Lawndale.

The strawberry experiment has shown students first-hand that DNA can be found in every living thing. Over two days, participants have been working with the fruit and and extraction agent to observe the DNA.

“So today, apparently I was able to like pull out a glob of DNA and I’ve seen quite a few cells,” said Camp Opportunity student Tanner Amos. “I’ve got the arrow pointing to a medium large one right now, and I think I saw green in it.”

Through the science experiments, participants learn skills that can be applied in their daily lives.

Aspiring CSI agent, Mary Beth Provine said, “Its very interesting to know that some kids actually care about learning these good skills. So, like if something ever happens or you lose something, this could be helpful to finding it.”

Although the students have been learning from numerous projects all week, they say this one is their favorite.

” It really was just a fun way to learn what DNA actually looks like,” said student Evan Morris.

“What I learned from this experiment is basically, never give up on what you’re trying to do,” said Mary Beth.

Kids aren’t just learning about crime scene investigation. Camp Opportunity will run throughout the month of June and sessions include art, fitness and robotics.

The camps also give teachers a chance to test new ways to incorporate basic skills like math, writing and critical thinking into fun activities in the regular classroom.