On Monday, March 10, 2025, The National CSI visited Delran High School for our annual spring Family STEM Night in the cafeteria. As part of the DelranSTEM “Who Done It?” series, the company presented two sessions related to forensic science.
The National CSI offers camps and classes for students in seventh through twelfth grade, geared towards students who have an interest in law enforcement and forensic science. Classes range from one day to one week, with activities led by experienced instructors in the field. The company also sells CSI kits for use with their online program offerings.
The sessions at DHS were led by Sean Clancy, a retired detective from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and founder of National CSI, and his CSI camp partner, Jeremy. Clancy moved to teaching CSI for the last eight years to share his passion for science and law enforcement with the next generation.
Between the two sessions, approximately fifty families engaged in activities spread among three themed stations.
Station 1: DNA Extraction
Students learned about how simple household items can be used to extract the DNA from fruit at this station. Led by Mr. Clancy, we discussed how DNA is unique to individuals and can be used to solve crimes. An example provided was how DNA was used years after a crime to solve the Golden State Killer murders. Using simple materials such as rubbing alcohol, water, dish soap, and salt, students created a solution used to extract DNA from a mashed banana, which looked like a mucous. After extracting the DNA sample into test tubes, participants were able to take home their banana DNA.
Station 2: Tracking Analysis
In this activity, Jeremy explained how investigators can use molds of tire tracks to help solve crimes. Students used paint on tires to create the tracks on butcher paper. They used chalk to mark each point of rotation on the tire tracks, then measured details on the tracks to compare with the evidence provided. Jeremy held the mold to each student’s tracks to help them visualize their answers on if their measurements were of the perpetrator’s tires.
Station 3: Mock Crime Scene Investigation
Prior to the sessions, Mr. Clancy worked with our STEMbassadors to explain each activity, and this station was led by a team of our DHS students. At this station, students played the role of detective. The STEMbassadors asked a series of open-ended questions to engage the students in thinking about what the evidence at the mock crime scene may reveal. They were knowledgeable, animated, and encouraging to the young student participants.
Thank you to our STEMbassadors who volunteered this evening! These high school volunteers were very hands-on and engaging with families. This evening’s volunteers included Alex A., Allison B., Madelynn C., Izzy D., Tyler G., Josiah H., Aidan M., Radhika P., Abigail S., Desmond S., Rayna S., Harper W., Samantha W., and Emma W.
The Delran Education Association provided snacks and refreshments for participants through a FAST Grant. Thank you, DEA! The New Jersey STEM Pathways Network (including the Delran STEM Ecosystem Alliance) has many partners, including National CSI. Our March Family STEM Night is in conjunction with NJ STEM Month, which is an annual celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math created by the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network (NJSPN) and Research & Development Council of New Jersey (R&D Council of NJ). Additional STEM and Maker Movement activities are provided in March throughout the state for NJ STEM Month and NJ Makers Day.
Want to know what’s next with DelranSTEM? STEAM Camp registration is open, and our annual Delran STEM Fair will be on Monday, May 19. Follow us on X and Instagram, and check out our events page for more information. We hope to see you soon!
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