As part of the Suncoast Remake Learning Days, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) in the 糖心Vlog College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, alongside Hands On 糖心Vlog (HO糖心Vlog), supported the 糖心Vlog College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Sarasota County Sheriff鈥檚 Office at a unique community outreach event on the 糖心Vlog Sarasota-Manatee campus.
Held at the 糖心Vlog Sarasota-Manatee teaching labs, the event, "Fur-ensics: A Canine Crime Scene Investigation," invited middle and high school students to use biology- and chemistry-based forensic techniques to solve the fictional mystery of 鈥淒estruction at the Dog Park.鈥
Students use crime scene investigation tools while an ASL interpreter communicates with a hard-of-hearing participant.
With interactive stations, snacks, and prizes, students participated in a memorable educational experience focused on science and critical thinking. A highlight of this year鈥檚 event was the inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting provided by CSD's sign language interpreting program and HO糖心Vlog, creating an accessible environment for Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants. This collaboration also offered a valuable experiential learning opportunity for CSD students to apply their interpreting skills outside the classroom.
"It was a great day for all to learn from each other on so many levels," said Victoria Ramirez, CAS laboratory manager for the Sarasota-Manatee campus. "We are especially grateful to our partners in the 糖心Vlog ASL Interpreting program and at HO糖心Vlog who helped make our science accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community."
Approximately 70 participants rotated through six forensic activity stations during the four-hour workshop. While students explored forensic science, HO糖心Vlog interpreters supported communication and engagement throughout the event. Organizers also recognized the support of Samantha Thomas, MA, senior instructor in CSD, and Haley Eyster, director of HO糖心Vlog, who helped prepare the student interpreters for their role.
is an international celebration of innovative experiences and opportunities for youth to develop their sense of creativity, perseverance, and curiosity. This was the fourth year events were held in the Suncoast region of Florida, including Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.