Middle schoolers to solve mystery

Nearly 150 students at Desert Wind Middle School will hone their investigative skills as they begin a crime-solving project tomorrow. 

As part of the Blended Learning Program — a project-based learning initiative — the middle schoolers will investigate a crime scene, look for clues and analyze patterns to solve a mystery. 

“They will collect evidence such as blood samples, hair samples, fingerprints, possible security footage, witness statements and images of the scene itself,” teacher Jen Szoltysik said.  

K-9 Karma joined a pair of Maricopa police officers as they discussed crime scene management with the hopeful detectives. 

Budding sleuths learned about “hot calls” — urgent situations involving weapons — and how to approach each crime scene with care.  

“We have a checklist that we run through when we get a 9-1-1 call,” Maricopa police dispatcher Kylie Gomez said. “I would ask about the location, parties involved and injuries. But our priority is always safety.”

Students witnessed their favorite doggie detective use her master sniffing skills to scour bookshelves for the scent of drugs, explosives and even fear. 

Starting tomorrow, groups of four young investigators will collaborate every Friday to navigate a faux crime scene and piece together the mystery. The sharpest pupils may go on to join the growing police force in Maricopa. 

Each team will turn in a sketch, digital evidence log, suspect map and interview transcripts. 

It’s a fun way to ring in the new school year that also teaches decision-making, problem-solving, effective communication and presentation skills. 

Students are expected to think critically, Szoltysik said. They will “look at all elements involved, not just jumping to the first conclusion.” 

The students have already completed two weeks of “detective training,” where they learned about forensic vocabulary, fingerprint patterns, effective interviewing techniques and analysis. 

And although Desert Wind doesn’t have a criminology class, students can look forward to a forensic science elective when they matriculate to Maricopa’s high school curriculum. 

“We are extremely grateful to have a partnership with members of the community and MPD, for taking the time to come in and chat with our students” Szoltysik said. “It makes this project so much more meaningful and memorable.”