Gifted sixth-graders immersed in whodunnit

If the sixth-graders in the school district's Gifted and Talented Education program learned anything during their summer camp, it was to be thorough in their investigations.

"You have to document your evidence correctly," explained Nadia Tung, 11. "You have to have complete proof."

About 75 third- through eighth-grade students participated this week in the district's first summer camp at Carson Middle School for students in the gifted and talented program.

The elementary school students focused on science exploration under the direction of Sierra Nevada Journeys. The seventh-graders learned about engineering and today will tour the Galena Creek bridge with representatives from the Nevada Department of Transportation.

The sixth-graders participated in the crime scene investigator unit with an introduction to crime solving by Carson City Sheriff's Department Detective Dave Le Gros and Crime Scene Investigator Kurt Urbanski.

"It's been a community effort to run this program, with lots of help from different resources," said Tiffany Ferguson, a sixth-grade teacher at Carson Middle School and one of the program coordinators. "We're very grateful to the community for helping to provide this camp series."

Today, the sixth-graders will be treated to a performance of "CSI Neverland" at the Brewery Arts Center.

Sara Session, who's in the gifted program, also has a part in the play.

"I know everyone's in for a treat when they see it," she said.

The summer program was privately funded, and organizers hope to continue it next year.