WHEN SCIENTIST GO UNDER THE WATER"Researchers at School" Activities were in Southeastern Anatolia
The SCIENCEinBLUE project successfully carried out the “Researchers at School” event series between December 24 and January 10 in the provinces of Gaziantep, Mardin, Diyarbakır, Siirt, Batman, Kilis, and Şanlıurfa. These events, organized across a wide range from primary to high school levels and from village schools to urban schools, reached students aged 7 to 18. During the events, students received training on various topics aimed at raising awareness about underwater ecosystems, scientific research, and environmental consciousness. These topics included how deep the oceans are, how deep one can dive, the importance of underwater cultural heritage in inland waters, and how robots assist archaeologists. Additionally, interesting subjects such as underwater cultural heritage in the Mediterranean, methods of moving quickly and working safely underwater, and the treasures of the sea and how these treasures are discovered were covered. Topics aimed at increasing environmental awareness were also addressed, such as life in lakes, do-it-yourself kits for protecting the oceans, and how students can support scientists in preserving life in oceans and lakes. Creative and interactive activities such as paper fish making, marine citizen science, writing and communicating underwater were organized to attract students' interest. Furthermore, students were inspired for the future with topics such as how to start diving and career paths in scientific diving. These comprehensive contents were implemented in various types of schools including vocational high schools, Anatolian high schools, Imam Hatip high schools, and Imam Hatip middle schools. Inclusiveness and equal access were ensured through activities conducted at Child Protection Homes affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services. The SCIENCEinBLUE events have made a significant contribution to increasing interest in science in the Southeastern Anatolia Region and raising students' awareness of the environment and underwater ecosystems.