DATE: April 17, 2009
CONTACT:
Pam Bryant, 803-553-7705, 864-878-1041
pbryant@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Chris Copeland, 803-397-0597
ccopela@clemson.edu
Clemson’s CSI program helps S.C. schools meet education standards
PICKENS — Fifth through eighth grade students are having too much fun analyzing crime scenes to realize they are completing lessons that meet the S.C. Department of Education's criteria for science, math, technology and language arts.
In the Clemson Student Investigators (CSI) program at the Youth Learning Institute (YLI) Education Center, students learn by doing. They literally become mini-investigators using forensics techniques such as fingerprinting, hair and fiber analysis, document analysis, crime scene investigation, and footprint and soil analyses. They also participate in team-building activities and explore forensic science careers.
Andrea Bowers, a sixth-grader at Greenwood Christian School, said she knew before she attended CSI that she wanted to be a forensic scientist, so she looked forward to learning investigative techniques and career choices. "But I didn't know there were different kinds of forensic science," said Bowers.
Andrea's mom, Susan Bowers, added, "The career planning part is very good. They were able to research what they're interested in and then made PowerPoint presentations on CDs." Bowers teaches sixth- through eighth-grade science at Greenwood Christian School and arranged for the school's fifth- and sixth-graders to attend CSI.
The three-day, two-night sessions focus on experiential learning to help students realize their academic potential, particularly kinesthetic learners. "I like hands-on learning better than just listening in class because I can learn more that way," said Andrea.
Susan Bowers was pleased with the students' involvement, especially in team activities. "A lot of these children came out as far as working together and helping the younger ones. As a teacher, that really surprised me."
Andrea Bowers said the group activities helped her "learn a lot about people and gain self-confidence."
"The Clemson Student Investigator experience is a great example of the Youth Learning Institute's approach to maximizing and valuing the potential of each unique student and their peers while making learning fun and active in the process. The program is intentionally designed to meet state standards for teaching math, science, technology and language arts to middle school students through the use of experiential education," states Jason Clayton, director of the Youth Learning Institute's Education Center.
With a few slots remaining in early May, schools can still sign up. The registration fee includes all lodging, food, snack items, program supplies and T-shirts.
For more information, contact Jason Clayton at 864-986-9967 or clayto4@clemson.edu, or visit online at www.clemson.edu/yli.
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