Crime Spy Science

Van Allen Elementary School student Cayleigh Osterhaus watched over her robot 'Dot” as it waved its wand to make music on a xylophone.

The song was programmed from an iPad by Osterhaus herself during Van Allen's showcase of their after-school program for second-to fifth-grade students on Tuesday, Oct. 30. The eight-week program teaches second and third-graders robotics and fourth-and fifth-grade students a Crime Spy Science curriculum through the Iowa State Extension Office. Iowa Wesleyan University students volunteer as mentors to students.

'I saw that if I could program robots, I could program a computer or a TV a lot easier,” Osterhaus said, explaining why she and her parents applied for her to be in the program.

Mallory Drebenstedt, Iowa Wesleyan student and organizer of the program, said all second-to fifth-graders are eligible for the free program by application. Typically, they don't take more than 25 students in each grade, but with over 30 applicants per grade, Drebenstedt didn't want to turn anyone away.

'It really is so good for these students. They get a role model, feel a sense of community, feel like they belong, learn problem-solving skills and social skills outside of the classroom,” said Sadie Martin, youth program assistant with the Iowa State Extension Office.

Carrie Moyle, whose son is in fourth grade, said she thinks he wanted to do it because his dad studied criminal justice for a while. He was also excited about spending more time with his friends.

'His attitude toward school has changed,” Moyle said. 'He gets more excited about coming to school and looking forward to having something to do after school. I know he was in good hands and he really seemed to like it.”

Jacie Campbell, Van Allen student, said she enjoyed everything about the program. With a dream of being a veterinarian one day, Campbell was excited to learn a new aspect of science - criminology. Campbell's favorite day of the program was when deputies from the Henry County Sheriff's Office taught students old-fashioned fingerprinting and how they do it today.

With Campbell's parents coming to the showcase to see everything she has learned, Campbell said she is proud that they get to see something she's done outside of the classroom.

Nova Dopheide is a new student to Van Allen this year. She applied for the program to make new friends, which it appeared she did successfully surround by her peers Lili Wayne and Tesa Knifong.

Dopheide's favorite day was when deputies showed students how to see footprints with a flashlight.

Wayne said she loved hanging out with her friends and the Iowa Wesleyan students, who were helpful and took care of them.

Emilee Ramsey's favorite day was making slime.

IW students found the student's showcase bittersweet after working with them for eight weeks.

AJ Vanhook, an IW student, said he often found himself relating to his students. They would come to him with their stories and he would be like, 'I've dealt with that before.”

'When you come every week like you're supposed to it means a lot to them,” Vanhook said.

IW student Madolyn Drebenstedt, Mallory's sister, said she bonded with one student in particular who would have a tough time focusing.

One day, she told him they were friends and friends listen. The next time he came into the program, he was so excited to come in and see his friend Madolyn and listen with her.

'Can we go back in time? I want to be a child in this program. It's amazing,” Madolyn said.

Second-and third-graders who completed the class took home a certificate of completion. Fourth-and fifth-graders took home their spy kits they made throughout the program.

This is the second year the program was held at Van Allen Elementary School, principal Don LeBlanc said. Another program through the Extension office will be held in the spring.

'What it does is make kids feel like a part of a community,” LeBlanc said. It builds friendships and develops social skills.”