APECS Turkey, in conjunction with ITU PolRec, hosted a workshop on Education and Outreach in the Polar Sciences in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) from 3 - 4 October. In total, 18 attendees representing 9 countries participated in the 2-day workshop. Sessions and presentations focused on National Committee activities, the development of a polar-themed museum in Turkey, methods for outreach, introduction of polar-themed activities in primary schools within Mexico, and a discussion towards the progression of the APECS Developmental Program. Ideas were also exchanged on how to engage an audience comprised of the entire family, rather than just school-age children.
The group had an excursion to Kirac School, where ITU PolRec operates a Polar Club. The participating students prepared a presentation of club activities, which included learning songs about the importance of preserving the planet, learning polar-related facts, and creating artwork of polar imagery. ITU PolRec shared their 20-week academic plans they utilize at Polar Clubs, which are modified for the target grade level. APECS Turkey members are working with Ministry of Education to add more climate and polar issues to national curriculums for all grade students; their challenges and successes were shared at the workshop in an effort to encourage this engagement in other countries.
About APECS Turkey:
APECS Turkey was founded in 2013 by Dr. Burcu Ozsoy (Director of ITU PolReC) In 2015 Turkish Students’ Polar Research Team (PolSTeam) was founded to have organic body with APECS Turkey. Since that time APECS Turkey is a growing family with undergraduate and graduate students plus public’s involvement.
APECS Turkey has a big E&O program, executed by PolSTeam members. During one-year period, APECS Turkey members usually visit about 30-60 primary, middle and high schools, make age orientated presentations about climate change and polar regions. Also APECS Turkey members organize public event and surveys.
