In Pursuit of the Future in Nature for a Sustainable World
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In Pursuit of the Future in Nature for a Sustainable World
The rapid depletion of natural resources, environmental pollution, the increasing scarcity of energy resources, inadequacies in waste management, and climate change are among the most important problems facing the world. Developing awareness of these problems at an early age is critical for a sustainable future. This project aims to increase environmental literacy and raise awareness about the sustainability of the world by educating students in Çukurova and its surroundings about sustainability, biodiversity, natural resource conservation, waste management and recycling, renewable energy, climate change, and natural life through interdisciplinary studies in out-of-school learning environments. It also aims to help them develop a positive attitude towards science.
From Theory to Practice: Field-Based Sustainability Education
Activities aligned with the project’s objectives were carried out at the Yüreğir Sofulu Landfill Biogas Plant, Çukurova Biodiversity Promotion Center, Yumurtalık Lagoon, Çatalan Hydroelectric Power Plant, Çatalan Water Treatment Plant, Çukurova University Faculty of Agriculture Application Field, Adana Meteorology 6th Regional Directorate, Yumurtalık Lagoon, Konya Karapınar Wind Erosion Area, and Çukurova University Faculty of Fisheries. The target audience of the project is 9th and 10th grade students studying in high schools in Adana city center during the 2024-2025 academic year. The project was conducted using methods and techniques such as field trips, observation, drama, group work, augmented reality, workshops and field studies, artistic activities, orienteering, educational games, online interaction, mobile applications, STEAM, animation, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and Design Thinking. Through project activities, participants are expected to actively utilize their scientific process skills and achieve meaningful learning through hands-on experience. The aim is for the target audience to understand the importance of a sustainable environment, to be sensitive to nature, to gain environmental literacy, and to transfer their acquired experiences to their environment.
30 high school students who came to Karapınar from Adana within the scope of the TÜBİTAK project experienced an unforgettable discovery process with practical training on nature education, climate change and environmental awareness.
As part of the project, 9th and 10th grade students first visited the Karapınar Erosion Field. Erosion Field Manager Asım Niyazoğlu provided comprehensive information about the work done in the field and its effects on nature. Students observed the physical changes in nature in the abandoned Gındam Plateau and Örnek Hill.
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STOCKHOLES AND GES AREA ATTRACTED INTEREST
Students who also visited the Inobaba sinkhole learned about the formation of sinkholes and their effects on the region. One of the most striking stops of the program was the Karapınar Solar Power Plant (GES). Students who received information from experts about renewable energy systems here were introduced to sustainable methods of energy production.
The area known as “An Oasis in the Desert” in Karapınar, which draws attention with its natural riches and was afforested by Osman Büyüksıırıtoğlu, was also visited. Students had the opportunity to observe the values that were brought to nature by human hands.
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SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION IN MEK E LAKE AND ACIGÖL
Meke Lake and Acıgöl were also visited in the exciting program. In these areas, NEÜ Geography Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Recep Bozyiğit shared comprehensive information on environmental changes, drought and human effects on nature.
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APPLIED TRAININGS HAD A DEEP IMPACT ON STUDENTS
Project manager Geography Teacher Mediha Kanat said, “We aimed to increase our students’ sensitivity to the environment, encourage scientific thinking and ensure that they connect with nature. Karapınar made extraordinary contributions to us in this regard.”
The students also visited the Karapınar Open Air Museum and got to know the historical and cultural heritage of the region. During the six-day training, the students reinforced their environmental awareness with both theoretical and field applications.
Project manager Geography Teacher Mediha Kanat said, “We aimed to increase our students’ sensitivity to the environment, encourage scientific thinking and ensure that they connect with nature. Karapınar made extraordinary contributions to us in this regard.”
The students also visited the Karapınar Open Air Museum and got to know the historical and cultural heritage of the region. During the six-day training, the students reinforced their environmental awareness with both theoretical and field applications.
Fatih Efe Kızıltuğ, another participant, said, “The training camp, which we completed with observations and researches in touch with nature, increased our sensitivity to the environment. This project gave hope for a sustainable world.”
Mustafa Dörtyol
Our reporter took our shots.
About the author
Sergin Şahinoğullarıgil has been working as a mathematics teacher for over 30 years. He is also a Scientix Ambassador. He is a child development specialist and mathematics teacher. His work encompasses topics such as mathematical modeling, question writing to measure higher-order thinking skills, algorithmic thinking training, and PISA-type diagnostic tests. He enjoys working with students, especially when they actively and experimentally collaborate towards a common goal. He is passionate about geometry, technology, robotics, mathematics, and art. Finally, one of his goals is to promote STEM subjects and integrate them into the curriculum throughout all middle school years through teacher implementation.
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