Balıkesir Üniversitesi

Academicians from Balıkesir University Edremit Vocational School met with secondary school students, providing scientific support to a project carried out within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 4004 Nature Education and Science Schools Support Program.

The activities, organized as part of the project led by Kerim Burak Beyge, a Science Teacher at the Soma Science and Art Center (BİLSEM), took place at the Kırkağaç Pine Grove (Kırkağaç Çam Korusu). Prof. Dr. Selami Selvi, Director of Edremit Vocational School, and Lecturer Handan Kurtulmuş Sancak from the Olive Cultivation and Olive Processing Technology Program contributed to the program as instructors.

Within the scope of the event, Prof. Dr. Selami Selvi introduced natural dyes obtained from locally grown wild plants and informed the participants about traditional madder (root dye) methods, which constitute an important cultural heritage of Anatolia. In the practical session, through madder dye workshops conducted in cauldrons, students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by observing the processes of obtaining natural dyes from different plant species on-site.

Lecturer Handan Kurtulmuş Sancak informed the students about the biological characteristics of lichens, their roles in ecosystems, and their use as bioindicators in determining environmental pollution. During the field application phase of the training, students examined various lichen species in their natural habitat at the Kırkağaç Pine Grove, gaining the opportunity to identify samples, make observations, and reinforce their theoretical knowledge through field work.

Thanks to the activities bringing nature and science together, secondary school students achieved significant gains in biodiversity, the sustainable use of natural resources, the scientific foundations of traditional knowledge, and nature observation. The hands-on training contributed to developing the students' scientific thinking skills and increasing their environmental awareness.

In line with its community service approach, Edremit Vocational School continues to share its scientific knowledge and experience with different segments of society, and remains committed to providing academic contributions to TÜBİTAK-supported projects that bring young people together with nature and science.