As part of the Suncoast Remake Learning Days, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) in the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, alongside Hands On USF (HOUSF), supported the USF College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at a unique community outreach event on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.
Held at the USF 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 “Destruction at the Dog Park.”
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’s event was the inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting provided by CSD's sign language interpreting program and HOUSF, 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 USF ASL Interpreting program and at HOUSF 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, HOUSF 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 HOUSF, who helped prepare the student interpreters for their role.
Remake Learning Days 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.