Case study: Ankara University Soil Science School
Photo acknowledgement: ESRA GÜNERİ- The coordinator of this programme
- Primary
- Indoor & Outdoor
- Experiment / investigation, Hands-on activity, Workshop
- Turkey
Ankara University Soil Science School
Running since 2007, the Ankara University Soil Science School, is pioneering initiative in Türkiye designed to introduce primary school pupils aged 10-12 to the fascinating world of soil science. The Soil Science School runs during term time and teachers apply to bring classes of 24 pupils to participate in five different workshops held over the course of a school day. Pupils participate in soil-related activities and experiments under the guidance of educators and researchers from the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
Objective
The objectives of the Soil Science School include:
– To provide pupils with fun hands-on experiences that involve touching soil and would be difficult to replicate in the classroom.
– To introduce pupils to fundamental concepts in soil science.
– To raise awareness amongst pupils about the importance of soil and its conservation.
– To cultivate critical thinking skills and scientific inquiry, developing problem-solving skills through experimental activities.
– To help pupils connect science to everyday life.
Approach
Soil Science School employs an activity-based, student-centered approach to learning, designed to develop a deeper understanding of soil and promote environmental responsibility. Through five different workshops, students participate in fun and instructive experiments that explore various aspects of soil science.
The Soil Science School serves as a model that has been adopted by other universities in Türkiye.
Link for further information
Ankara University Soil Science School
Soil Science School (presentation video about the education programme)
(The YouTube video is in Turkish, but anyone watching it can add English subtitles using the settings)