On March 31, Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) welcomed around 125 5th grade students from Bulloch County public elementary schools for the 2nd Annual 5th Grade Forensic Science QUEST Day.
The QUEST program, which stands for Quality Unique Experiences in Study and Thought, provides special instruction for gifted students so they may achieve at levels commensurate with their intellectual abilities.
During the event, OTC instructors Terry Hand (Cybersecurity) and Abdias Paul (Criminal Justice), presented on Computer Forensics and Fingerprinting, explaining their crucial roles in solving crimes. Students then had the opportunity to participate in an interactive crime scenario of their choice to explore ways to solve the crime.
“We really wanted to give these young students an opportunity to experience the hands-on learning that happens here at Ogeechee Tech,” said Dean for Academic Affairs, Neal Owens. “Learning can, and should be, fun. I hope that by the end of the day we have sparked an interest in some of the students about career paths they may not have even known existed.”
Student groups visited five activity stations throughout the day, including a K9 unit where they interacted with the K9 and its handler, followed by a Q&A session. They also met Dr. Ed Mondor, Georgia's only practicing forensic entomologist from Georgia Southern University. Dr. Mondor shared how he works with law enforcement and medical examiners to determine the time of colonization of human decedents by necrophagous insects in criminal cases across Georgia. Students viewed various insects typically found in these cases through microscopes.
Dr. Julie Wilson, Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Education Services at the Bulloch County School District, commented on the success of the event.
“The fifth grade gifted and talented students from Bulloch County Schools study Forensic Science to create a higher level of learning in the QUEST classroom, but also to investigate the many career opportunities available in the field,” said Dr. Wilson. “We thank the wonderful faculty and staff at OTC for their willingness to host such an interesting and engaging learning experience, many students were heard throughout the day saying the trip was the best they had ever been to.”