Local forensic researchers are learning the specifics of crime scene investigation, how to compare DNA, and use shoe prints to determine a person’s height.

But these pint-sized investigators aren’t stars of the popular TV series “CSI” — they are eighth-graders at Ellis Middle School.

“It gives kids a hands-on chance to be immersed in cutting edge technology, which is a great opportunity for them,” explained Kelli Schmeling, eighth-grade science teacher.

All eighth-graders are participating in the Forensics Unit, nicknamed “Austin: CSI.”

The inspiration came from a class teachers participated in through the University of Minnesota fellowship program made possible by a Hormel Foundation grant. The class taught teachers about biotechnology, CSI, forensics and DNA.

This year, teachers “wanted a true inter-disciplinary unit where all teachers could do a part in their classroom,” Schmeling said.

In her Earth science class, Schmeling’s students will use Bio-Rad (crime scene) kits that include five people’s DNA. Students run tests to see which suspect fits the crime scene.

“It’s real-life CSI, basically,” Schmeling said.

In social studies classes, students will study the economics of crime; in English, they will focus on mystery literature; in oral and written communication, they will write a descriptive paper about a crime scene; and in math, students will use bones and shoe prints to determine the height of a person.

The students kicked-off the unit with a trip to the Science Museum. The three-week unit will begin in January.