They dove into the crime scene investigation field and analyzed forensic evidence with members of the West Penn Police Department.

One by one, Commonwealth Connections Academy students investigated a mock crime scene during a forensics workshop held Tuesday at the site.The workshop was hosted by the Commonwealth Connections Academy's STEM Conservatory program, according to Kurt Amen, STEM conservatory manager."The West Penn Police Department volunteered their time to help CCA students understand the forensic side of a crime scene investigation," Amen said.As part of the program, Amen said the students worked with police to use photography, fingerprinting and soil, mineral and hair analysis to find out who committed the crime.The students then gathered their evidence and presented it to a judge, prosecuting one of their teachers, who is accused of the mock crime.They learned the ins and outs of what it takes to work as a crime scene investigator; conducted experiments in CCA's Mobile Classroom science lab; and had an opportunity to talk with police officers about their jobs and learn about other careers in the criminal investigation field.Matthew Hoffman, a 10th-grader, said, "I like finding out who did it."We did fingerprints; that's tricky," Matthew said. "But, it's good to know these things."West Penn Township Police Chief Brian Johnson said he believes the program is beneficial to the students."They're taking apart what we actually do," Johnson said. "For the kids, it's showing them what we do."Johnson said it's important for students to understand investigations tend to take time to solve."What's on television is unrealistic," he said. "Out on the streets, you're dealing with a lot of what ifs."Founded in 2003, Commonwealth Connections Academy combines the expertise and accountability of public education and state certified teachers, with strong parental involvement and the flexibility of technology-enhanced learning.Since CCA is a Pennsylvania public school, there are no costs for tuition, fees or supplies.For more information, visit

www.connectionsacademy.com/cca.