WINDHAM, Maine — Eighth graders at Windham Middle School had a fun and educational day as they wrapped up their CSI unit with a special visit from the Windham Police Department and Maine State Police.
During the week-long event dedicated to learning the math and science behind crime scene investigations, police officers showed students different ways to solve crimes, from fingerprinting to using K-9 dogs and drones to find missing people.
The students were also given the opportunity to try on bulletproof vests and fireproof gear.
"It's more hands-on, so it's a lot more fun. We get to engage with our peers and get to know the police officers on a deeper level," Luke Drottar, an eighth-grader at Windham Middle School, said.
The event was put together by Pamela Mallard, the school's eighth-grade science teacher, who wanted to create a real-world experience for her students.
"I think I have been kind of complying with it for years and finding out what engages students, and the more that you can give them to solve on their own, the more engaged they are," Mallard said.
The lessons learned during this event are valuable as these students prepare to enter high school.
"If we can open up the world for kids and show them different avenues, especially in eighth grade because they are starting to make some life decisions, I really want them to know in this community they have people they can go to and feel safe," Mallard said.
The visit from the police officers seemed to make a great impression on these students.
"We've been learning about CSI and having the police officers come in and show us what they do and what CSI is all about. It's interesting and has made me maybe want to be a police officer someday. It's pretty cool," Caleb Hayman, an eighth-grader at Windham Middle School, said.
Overall, the CSI unit and visit from the Windham Police Department and maine State Police provided a unique and engaging experience for these eighth-graders, giving them a glimpse into the world of crime scene investigations and law enforcement.