Halisdemir Bilim ve Sanat Markezi
Izmir, Turkey
Konak Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Science and Art Center, established in 2011, provides specialized education for gifted students aged 8-18. It has 750 students and 35 teachers, selected through rigorous talent exams. The curriculum is tailored to individual talents in Music, Art, and General Mental Ability, enabling participation in national and international projects like Erasmus+, E-twinning, Technofest, and Science fairs. Teachers, holding master's or doctoral degrees, are required to pass a competitive exam and have project experience. The center boasts extensive facilities including a fablab, technology and design workshops, a music studio, and Europe's largest Math Illusion Museum, fostering a dynamic educational environment.
Team members:
- Nilgün Avcı Engüdar
Position in Organization: Science teacher.
Master’s Degree, educator with over 20 years of experience. She was the coordinator of the IZKA (Izmir Development Agency) and coordinated the setup of fablab workshops. ENGUDAR, ‘has coordinated Water Explorer, Tubitak 4006 Science fair and many Erasmus+KA229,KA220 projects of the institution so far. - Bilgihan Akbaba Bozok
Position in Organization: Music teacher.
Ph. D, Ethnomusicologist, cultural researcher, and educator with over 20 years of experience. She worked for the Ministry of Education as a member of writing curricula, modules and creating digital/classical education materials. - Alican Dişlitaş
Position in Organization: Maths teacher.
Master’s Degree, educator. He is responsible for Fablab, digital design and implementation workshops and guiding the students.
Why we are Participating in the Project
As an institution that educates gifted students, who make up only 2% of the population, in various fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, information sciences, and arts, we are aware that we have a target audience capable of making significant differences through both production and education in terms of gender equality and social inclusion. In this regard, we aim to raise awareness and provide benefits on the mentioned topics to our students, their parents, and teachers during this project process, and also to reach and benefit as many people as possible with this project.
Our Role in the Project
What is your organization contributing to the project? Which parts of the project is it contributing to? Please avoid project-speak. Explain your role to an external with no knowledge of the project. Our institution will develop VR to enhance students' awareness by allowing them to experience parts of the lives of women who serve as role models for overcoming the Dream Gap and Gender Gap. Additionally, our institution will organize a student workshop aimed at overcoming gender stereotypes and raising awareness about equality despite differences. The workshop will include an e-twinning project, preparation of digital content, student selection, and a five-day workshop. Alongside these, throughout the project process, we will also undertake tasks such as module development, digital storytelling development, and supporting the LMS, which are common responsibilities of all partners. The translation of all products into the national language, their extensive dissemination, and the promotion of the project and its outputs will also be proficiently carried out by our institution.