Showcasing Open Schooling Projects
by Onur Aydin
On 11 June 2025, as part of the ICSE Science Factory project, the Local Fair was organised at the Maya Schools Oran Campus, Ankara, Türkiye, to showcase Open Schooling projects developed in collaboration with various stakeholders. The projects’ aims, methods, outcomes, and areas for improvement were presented, followed by structured discussions on lessons learned, challenges, potential expansions, and stakeholder contributions.
Some Open Schooling projects were presented to a diverse audience that included representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Seed Foundation, teachers, students, parents, and local artists. Here are some examples from those projects: I Do Sports Consciously, From Organic Waste to Valuable Proteins: The Mealworm Project, and Hats from Waste Sweaters.
The Mealworm Project converts school-generated organic waste into a sustainable protein source by feeding mealworms, cared for and managed by students. The mealworms were supplied to Karaali Agricultural High School and a poultry farmer in Zonguldak, with preliminary tests indicating a modest increase in egg protein content. The Seed Foundation will support regular mealworm deliveries to Karaali, enabling further research and application.
Upcycling organic waste into protein-rich mealworms for agricultural use
Safety, warm-up, and emergency procedures are accessible via QR codes
I Do Sports Consciously aims to reduce sports hall injuries by placing QR codes on equipment, giving users access to proper usage guides, warm-up exercises, and emergency instructions. Observations showed improved equipment use, and expansion to other facilities is planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Hats from Waste Sweaters promotes recycling and preserves traditional crafts by transforming old sweaters into hats, produced collaboratively by students and master craftsmen. The hats will be distributed to those in need in winter, with further collection campaigns planned.
Transforming old sweaters into beanies for winter aid
The event strengthened multi-stakeholder networks, showcased transparent and ethical project practices, and laid the groundwork for scaling up Open Schooling initiatives.
