Yangı Primary School
Muğla-Fethiye Karayolu Cad., No:170B, Yangı Mah., Köyceğiz, Muğla 23.04.2025
An exciting event was held at Yangı Primary School, where students explored the mysterious world beneath the sea. Titled “How Deep Can I Dive?”, the event was full of fun and educational activities about underwater technology, diving limits, and deep-sea exploration.During the program, students learned how deep humans can dive and how divers work in deep waters. Visual presentations explained the challenges of pressure, temperature, and depth in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.After the presentation, a special area was set up to showcase real diving equipment. Students had the chance to closely examine items like fins, diving masks, wetsuits, and air tanks. They learned how each piece of equipment helps divers stay safe and move easily underwater.Throughout the day, students were also introduced to the work of scientists and engineers who explore the ocean. For those interested in a future career in this field, the event provided inspiring information about marine science and engineering.The “How Deep Can I Dive?” event sparked curiosity among students and increased their interest in science and technology. It was a fun and educational experience that brought everyone one step closer to discovering the wonders of the underwater world.
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Antalya Doga College
Fabrikalar, 3008. Sk. No:92, 07090 Kepez/Antalya 07.05.2025
.Antalya Doğa College is part of the Doğa Schools chain, which was founded in 2002, and its campus in Antalya covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters. The campus, which provides education at all levels from kindergarten to high school, has approximately 2,000 students. Education is provided in well-equipped and modern classrooms suitable for all levels, while the campus also features numerous science laboratories, computer laboratories, music and art workshops, ceramics and creative arts areas, ecology classrooms, and botanical gardens for practical education. Additionally, there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor sports halls, multipurpose conference rooms, and outdoor sports facilities for the social, cultural, and athletic development of students. English is offered as the primary foreign language, and German is also taught at certain grade levels. The school actively participates in international projects such as eTwinning and aims to educate its students with a global mindset by winning awards across Europe. Although the number of teachers per student is not clearly stated, it is understood that the school has a strong and extensive teaching staff, considering its current student capacity. Digital technologies are actively used in education at the school, and all classrooms are equipped with smart boards and technological infrastructure. Doğa Koleji Antalya Campus offers a multifaceted and contemporary learning environment that focuses on academic achievement while also enabling students to develop their artistic creativity, scientific curiosity, and social skills (Figure 1).
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Şeker Secondary School
Bahçeli Evler Mah., Şht. Kalmaz Cd. No:2, 15100 Merkez/Burdur Merkez/Burdur 18.04.2025
On Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Tamer Özyiğit from Galatasaray University visited Burdur Şeker Middle School as part of the Science in Blue project. The school’s teaching staff provided full support to ensure the success of the presentation titled "Citizen Science" that was held at the school.In the presentation, attended by 110 students and 10 teachers, participants were given examples of citizen science from both Turkey and around the world, and were shown what they could do to contribute to science and technology outside of academia. The scientific study using diving computer data to measure the depths of the crystal layer (thermocline) in the seas was also discussed.Participants, who also received detailed information about the Science in Blue project and the events that have taken place so far, expressed their satisfaction at the end of the presentation. They mentioned that they were happy to have learned many interesting facts about underwater science and technology that they hadn’t known before.
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Ortaca Final Schools
Arıkbaşı, 48600 Ortaca/Muğla 22.04.2025
At Ortaca Final Schools, a special event was organized to help students understand how they can support the work of scientists. Titled “How Can We Help The Scientist?”, the event featured two separate presentations tailored to primary and middle school students.The first presentation was designed to be simple, visual, and interactive for younger students. It explained what scientists do, how they observe nature, and how they study the world around us using stories and engaging animations. The students learned that they, too, can support science by being curious, asking questions, and observing their environment. The second session, aimed at middle school students, included more detailed and technical content. It introduced scientific tools, data collection methods, and examples of how technology supports research. The presentation also highlighted fields like engineering, software development, and environmental science, showing students how these areas contribute to scientific work. Students were encouraged to consider how they might pursue such interests in the future.This meaningful event showed students that science is not limited to laboratories—it is part of everyday life, and they can all play a role in supporting it. Ortaca Final Schools continues to inspire students with science-focused activities and help them grow into future science-friendly individuals.
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İstek College Konyaaltı Campus
Uncalı, Emek Sk., 07070 Konyaaltı/Antalya 25.05.2025
On 08.05.2025, a visit was made to Istek College Konyaalti Campus in Antalya within the scope of the ScienceinBlue project. Istek College is an institution with campuses in many cities across Türkiye. There are a total of 120 students and 16 teachers in the school. The event which was held between 11.30 and 12.30, carried out by Res. Asst. Alper YILDIZ from the project team, was completed with 57 students and 6 teachers. Participant students were 3th and 4th graders. First of all we introduced our project and its aims. Before the presentation, they were asked they could swim or whether they had ever seen a live fish before. Afterwards, the European Union projects that pioneered this issue, such as MPA-Engage, were mentioned. Detailed information was given about the methods of counting fish and why these counts were made. A question/answer event was held regarding the issues that children and teachers are curious about on this subject. At the end of the event, the participant students were asked to answer the survey we had prepared in advance. Both students and teachers were very pleased with the presentation and said they would like to do such events again.
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Köyceğiz Atatürk Secondary School
Ulucami, Atatürk Blv., 48800 Köyceğiz/Muğla 23.04.2025
At Köyceğiz Atatürk Primary School, students took part in a special event where they learned how scientists uncover the past with the help of modern technology. Titled “Helper Robots for Archaeologists,” the event introduced students to the fascinating world of archaeological tools and innovations.The event began with an explanation of how archaeologists carefully uncover historical artifacts buried underground. Students then learned about the advanced tools and robots used in excavations—such as mini digging robots, surface scanners, and 3D modeling systems.The program also highlighted the role of underwater archaeological work. In lakes, rivers, and seas, archaeologists often rely on the help of professional divers to reach and explore submerged historical sites. These divers assist with uncovering artifacts safely and guide underwater robots during delicate explorations.Students had the chance to see and learn about basic diving equipment such as fins, masks, wetsuits, and air tanks. They discovered how these tools help divers stay safe and effective during underwater missions.The event also provided inspiring information for students interested in future careers in archaeology, engineering, or marine sciences. It showed how combining curiosity with technology can help uncover the mysteries of the past.This exciting event at Köyceğiz Atatürk Primary School sparked a deeper interest in history, science, and innovation. Through the “Helper Robots for Archaeologists” program, students saw how the past and future can come together through exploration and discovery.
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Borsa İstanbul Primary School
BORSA İSTANBUL İLKOKULU ORTAOKULU, Yeni, AHMET TANER KIŞLALI CAD NO:7C, 48800 Köyceğiz/Muğla 23.04.2025
At Köyceğiz Borsa İstanbul Primary School, an inspiring event was held to explore the hidden historical treasures beneath the sea. Titled "How Can I Access the Legacy of the Seas?", the event introduced students to the fascinating world of underwater archaeology, scientific exploration, and modern technology.During the event, students learned how shipwrecks, ancient harbors, and lost settlements lying on the seafloor are discovered and studied. Robotic systems, sonar devices, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used by underwater archaeologists were explained through real-life examples.A key focus of the program was the role of professional divers in these underwater missions. Students were introduced to the basic diving equipment—such as fins, masks, wetsuits, and air tanks—and learned how divers support archaeologists by ensuring safety and helping with underwater operations.Throughout the event, students saw that uncovering the legacy of the seas is not only an adventure, but also a collaboration between science, engineering, and teamwork. They were also introduced to related career paths in marine sciences, archaeology, and technology.The "How Can I Access the Legacy of the Seas?" event sparked curiosity and deepened students’ interest in both history and science. This journey into the depths of the past proved to be both educational and inspiring.
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Şükrü Paraş Secondary School
Mahmutlu Mah. Milli Egemenlik Cad. No5 Erzin/HATAY 25.05.2025
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Assistant Professorch AsTeoman Naskali and Research Assistant Timoteos Onur Özçelik organized an event called “DIY Kits to Protect the Oceans”. In the event, which was held at Hatay Erzin Şükrü Paşa Secondary School with the participation of 11 7th-grade students, students designed a DIY kit by coding the ESP8266 microcontroller. This kit was to be a warning system for those working on ships on the high seas or oceans in case of a fall into the water in an imaginary scenario. For this, students turned on and off an RGB LED light on the ESP8266 microcontroller, produced a melody, detected the fall into the water using the conductivity of the water, and transmitted the warning to the center via wireless Mesh communication.
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Altınyaka College
Atatürk Blv., No:187/CB, Konyaaltı, Antalya 29.04.2025
As part of the “Science in the Blue” project’s school visits in the Mediterranean Region, an event was held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Altınyaka College, located within the borders of Antalya province. The visit was conducted by project team members Alper Yıldız and Emine Şükran Okudan. During the event, Emine Şükran Okudan delivered a presentation titled “Life in Lakes.” The event took place in the school’s conference hall with the participation of two teachers and 32 students. The school administration was very supportive and accommodating, which allowed Alper Yıldız to prepare the event space quickly. The event began with an introduction to the “When Do Scientists Dive Underwater?” Science in the Blue Project. Following this, Dr. Emine Şükran Okudan explained how she started diving and shared her experiences with scientific diving, aiming to spark curiosity and interest in the underwater world among the young participants. Information was also provided about the R5. MPA-ENGAGE reference project, highlighting its relevance to the event. After this introduction, the presentation began. It covered topics such as the formation of lakes, types of lakes, the organisms living in lakes and the food chains they form, factors affecting life in lakes, threats to lake ecosystems, and measures to be taken for the protection of life in lakes. Following the presentation, a Q&A session was held with students and teachers. During this session, participants asked questions about life in lakes and biodiversity. Dr. Emine Şükran Okudan provided detailed answers, further clarifying the topics discussed during the presentation. At the end of the event, the students filled out an evaluation survey.
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Ali Oksal Primary School
Yunus Emre Mah., Tarsus, Mersin 28.04.2025
As part of the EU-supported “Science in the Blue” project, a meaningful event was held on April 28, 2025, in Tarsus, Mersin. Associate Professor Dr. Hakan ÖNİZ, Head of the Department of Conservation and Restoration at Akdeniz University Faculty of Fine Arts, and Dr. Ceyda ÖZTOSUN, a researcher from the Underwater Research Project of Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast, met with students from Ali Oksal Primary School for a talk titled “How I Started Diving.” During the event, the researchers shared their lifelong fascination with the underwater world, which began in childhood. Through personal stories, they described how reading books, watching films, and nurturing curiosity led them to careers in marine science and underwater exploration. Their experiences highlighted how a simple childhood interest can shape one’s entire life path. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Serhan GÜNAŞTI, the esteemed principal of Ali Oksal Primary School, to the enthusiastic students who listened with great interest, and to all the dedicated teachers who contributed to this special gathering.
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Çankırı Anatolian Imam Hatip High School
40. Sok., No:1-1, Liman Mah., Konyaaltı, Antalya 29.04.2025
On April 29, 2025, an outreach event was conducted at Konyaaltı Çankırı Imam Hatip High School in Antalya as part of the ScienceinBlue Project. The event took place between 11:00 and 12:50 and was facilitated by project team members Çağlar Çakır and Günay Dönmez, with the participation of 45 students and 4 teachers. The attendees were primarily 9th and 10th grade students.The session began with an introduction to the project and its objectives. This was followed by a presentation on European Union-funded initiatives in the field, including notable examples such as MPA-Engage. The event commenced with an assessment of students’ existing awareness regarding oceans, seas, and underwater cultural heritage.Subsequently, the researchers shared their personal experiences of how they became involved in diving, aiming to inspire students to explore underwater scientific activities in the future. The presentation continued with a discussion on the concepts of oceans and seas, highlighting their key characteristics and differences.The session titled "Oceans Don’t Mixup" attracted significant attention from both the school administration and the students. This presentation explored major global oceans, examined whether oceans mix or not, and addressed the scientific explanations (or lack thereof) behind this phenomenon.To conclude the session, the importance of oceans and seas was emphasized, along with strategies for their protection and sustainable management. During the Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions related to the underwater world.The event concluded with a Q&A segment, during which students expressed interest in underwater environments and marine research. Pre-prepared educational materials and gifts were distributed to all participants.
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Isparta Tenzile Erdoğan Anatolian High School
Şehit Tayfun Yavuz Sok., No:14, Davraz Mah., Isparta Merkez, Isparta 25.04.2025
The European Union-supported “Science in the Blue” project continues to engage young people with climate change and marine science. As part of this initiative, a special event was held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Isparta Tenzile Erdoğan Anatolian High School, where students had the opportunity to meet with scientists and explore both the threats facing our oceans and the solutions science can offer. Dr. Çağlar Çakır, a faculty member in the Department of Geography at Akdeniz University, and underwater archaeologist Günay Dönmez were the guest speakers at the event. Dr. Çakır presented striking data on the effects of climate change on marine environments and introduced the international projects linked to “Science in the Blue,” raising awareness among students about issues such as ocean warming, coral bleaching, and marine species migration. The presentation highlighted that oceans have warmed by approximately 20% over the past 50 years. This increase not only endangers marine ecosystems but also poses serious risks to coastal cities and intensifies extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Students learned how rising ocean temperatures are connected to the growing frequency and severity of these natural disasters. The event went beyond highlighting problems and focused on solutions. Concepts such as sustainable development and the “Blue Economy” were explained in accessible terms. Students gained a firsthand understanding of the critical role scientific research plays in securing the future of our planet. In the latter part of the program, Dr. Çakır and Günay Dönmez shared how they began their journeys in underwater archaeology and discussed their research along the Mediterranean coast, inspiring the students with real-life scientific experiences. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students enthusiastically asked questions about marine science, climate change, and diving. This unique gathering not only strengthened the students’ connection to science but also planted the seeds of awareness and responsibility for protecting our oceans.
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Burdur Bucak Adem Tolunay Science High School
Fatih Cad., Bucak, Burdur 17.04.2025
On April 17, 2025, as part of the Science in Blue project, Dr. Tamer Özyiğit from Galatasaray University delivered a presentation titled “Career Paths in Scientific Diving” at Adem Tolunay Science High School in Bucak, Burdur. The event was attended by approximately 120 students and 15 teachers.The session began with an overview of the Science in Blue project, its goals, and the events carried out so far. It then covered the scientific underwater research conducted by project partners—Galatasaray University and the Boğaziçi University Underwater Research Center—as well as their innovative products and technologies. Highlights from successful archaeological missions led by Akdeniz University were also shared.A significant portion of the presentation focused on academic career development. Students were informed about how to become an academic, the structure of academic ranks and titles, and what the journey toward becoming a researcher entails.The Science in Blue team extends its heartfelt thanks to Principal Vedat Uysal, Vice Principal Fatih Akcan, and all the dedicated teachers who supported the organization and made the event a success.
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Fethiye Belediye Science High School
Çobanlar Sok., No:43/10, Eldirek Mah., Fethiye, Muğla 24.04.2025
As part of the Science in Blue project, Dr. Çağlar Çakır and Dr. Günay Dönmez from Akdeniz University organized an event titled “Heritage of the Seas” at Ülkü Secondary School in Isparta. Since the school principal was on official duty, initial coordination was carried out with Vice Principal Fevzi Kaçan and the teaching staff. Prior to the student session, the school administration was briefed about the project. Books on underwater cultural heritage, authored by Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz, along with posters depicting types of amphorae discovered by Akdeniz University researchers, were donated to the school library.The main event took place in the school’s auditorium with participation from 5th-grade students. Dr. Çakır and Dr. Dönmez began by sharing their first experiences with diving, inspiring the students. They then introduced the scope of the Science in Blue project and highlighted EU-supported reference initiatives.The first part of the presentation focused on explaining the concepts of seas and oceans in a way suitable for the age group, followed by a brief Q&A session. The second part introduced the topic of underwater cultural heritage, emphasizing its importance and the need for preservation. Discoveries made in the Mediterranean region—recognized internationally—were presented through visuals.In the final segment, students asked questions about underwater ecosystems, cultural heritage preservation, diving techniques, and scientific research methods.At the end of the session, all participating students received specially designed underwater-themed keychains as project souvenirs.
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Isparta Ülkü Secondary School
İstasyon Cad., No:1, İstiklal Mah., Isparta Merkez, Isparta 25.04.2025
As part of the Science in Blue project, Dr. Çağlar Çakır and Dr. Günay Dönmez from Akdeniz University organized an event titled “Heritage of the Seas” at Ülkü Secondary School in Isparta. Since the school principal was on official duty, initial coordination was carried out with Vice Principal Fevzi Kaçan and the teaching staff. Prior to the student session, the school administration was briefed about the project. Books on underwater cultural heritage, authored by Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz, along with posters depicting types of amphorae discovered by Akdeniz University researchers, were donated to the school library.The main event took place in the school’s auditorium with participation from 5th-grade students. Dr. Çakır and Dr. Dönmez began by sharing their first experiences with diving, inspiring the students. They then introduced the scope of the Science in Blue project and highlighted EU-supported reference initiatives.The first part of the presentation focused on explaining the concepts of seas and oceans in a way suitable for the age group, followed by a brief Q&A session. The second part introduced the topic of underwater cultural heritage, emphasizing its importance and the need for preservation. Discoveries made in the Mediterranean region—recognized internationally—were presented through visuals.In the final segment, students asked questions about underwater ecosystems, cultural heritage preservation, diving techniques, and scientific research methods.At the end of the session, all participating students received specially designed underwater-themed keychains as project souvenirs.
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Üzümlü Borsa İstanbul Anatolian High School
Yeşilüzümlü Mah., Fethiye, Muğla 24.04.2025
On April 24, 2025, as part of the Science in Blue project, an event themed "Working Fast and Safely Underwater" was held at Fethiye Üzümlü Borsa Anatolian High School. The event introduced students to the modern technologies that allow scientists and divers to perform their underwater tasks more efficiently and safely.The presentation emphasized the importance of speed in underwater operations due to time limitations. It explained how underwater scooters help divers scan large areas with minimal energy use, particularly in research and rescue missions. Students also learned about underwater tablets, which enable divers to collect data, read maps, and communicate with teammates while submerged.At the end of the event, an exhibition was held where students had the chance to closely examine underwater scooters and tablets. Experts provided technical information and explained the real-world applications of these tools.This event demonstrated that underwater research is not only physically demanding but also requires scientific and technological expertise. Through the Science in Blue project, students gained awareness of underwater technologies and found inspiration to pursue future careers in science.
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Colonel İbrahim Karaoğlanoğlu Primary School
Yavuzlar Mah., 4169. Sok., No:3/2, Yüreğir, Adana 28.04.2025
On April 28, 2025, an event titled "Mediterranean Underwater Cultural Heritage" was held in Yüreğir, Adana as part of the Science in Blue project. The session was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz, Head of the Department of Conservation and Restoration at Akdeniz University Faculty of Fine Arts, and Dr. Ceyda Öztosun, a researcher from the Turkish Mediterranean Coast Underwater Research Project.The event took place between 12:00 and 14:00 and welcomed approximately 130 students and 7 teachers. The presentation focused on underwater archaeology, diving equipment, and submerged cultural heritage. During the Q&A session, students showed great curiosity and enthusiasm about the underwater world.Following the event, discussions with teachers revealed that students had been introduced to underwater topics beforehand. Teachers shared their surprise and excitement upon learning that the researchers visiting their school were the same experts featured in recent news stories they had discussed in class.The session was attended by 3rd and 4th grade students. At the end of the event, specially designed project-themed keychains were distributed to all participants, and a selection of underwater-themed books was donated to the school library.
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Tahsilli Şehit Hulusi Emre Dilci Primary School
Adana, Yüreğir, Dadaloğlu Mah., 2575. Sok., 2 28.04.2025
On April 28, 2025, an event titled "Underwater Cultural Heritage in Inland Waters" was held in Yüreğir, Adana as part of the Science in Blue outreach program. The session was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz, Head of the Department of Conservation and Restoration at Akdeniz University Faculty of Fine Arts, and Dr. Ceyda Öztosun, a researcher from the Turkish Mediterranean Coast Underwater Research Project.Approximately 80 students and 5 teachers participated in the event. Prior to the visit, teachers introduced students to the underwater world. Inspired by this introduction, students prepared handmade artworks on the theme of underwater life as a surprise for the visiting researchers. The session began with an overview of the Science in Blue project and its activities, along with a brief introduction to upcoming events planned for September.The core of the presentation focused on the technologies used in underwater archaeology, the historical and cultural significance of discovered artifacts, and the importance of preserving this unique heritage. At the end of the event, all participating students received specially designed keychains, and Dr. Öniz donated a selection of books on underwater topics to the school library.
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Bucak Mehmet Akif Ersoy Primary School
23 Nisan Cad., No:25, Bucak, Burdur 17.04.2025
On April 17, 2025, Dr. Tamer Özyiğit from Galatasaray University delivered a presentation titled "How Deep Are the Oceans?" as part of the Science in Blue project’s outreach efforts aimed at fostering ocean literacy among younger audiences.The event took place at Bucak Mehmet Akif Ersoy Primary School and attracted significant interest, with around 200 students and 20 teachers in attendance. The presentation covered a wide range of topics, including the structure and depth of the oceans, the differences between pelagic and benthic zones, characteristics of the deepest marine regions on Earth, marine biodiversity and ecosystems, scientific diving and exploration techniques, as well as both scientific and commercial activities related to the underwater world.Dr. Özyiğit’s engaging style stimulated students’ curiosity, creating an interactive atmosphere driven by their insightful questions. Toward the end of the session, he also introduced the broader goals of the Science in Blue project. Additional topics included previous scientific and technological work carried out within the project, the concept of the Blue Economy, and the European Researchers’ Night held in September 2024.The success of the event was greatly supported by the warm hospitality of the school administration and the enthusiastic participation of the students. The Science in Blue team extends its sincere gratitude to all the teachers and students who contributed to the event, with special thanks to Mr. Osman Oflaz and Ms. Ümmü Oflaz for their valuable support.
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WHEN SCIENTIST GO UNDER THE WATER
