BASIC INFORMATION
- Local: Middle school
- Participant: 15 people
- Age: 11-13 years old
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Partners involved: Higher education representative (HU), entrepreneurial company
Description of the activity
The aim of this activity is for the participants to do the tasks given in the context of sustainability. While doing these tasks, they will both put some of their skills to work and increase their knowledge in this field. While bringing together disciplines such as environment, ecology, and biology, it also benefits from digitalization. Escape games are very popular activities and attract the attention of individuals of all ages. They are also used for many different purposes by changing their content. In this activity process, participants open the locks by solving the tasks in the locked eyes of the house model given to them. The questions in the locked eyes consist of 5 tasks created in the context of sustainability.
Description of the implementation
The activity was conducted as a workshop with families and children together. There were 5 model houses, and the activity was carried out with the participation of approximately 15 people, with at least 2 people (mother-child or father-child) at the head of each house. The participating students were between the ages of 11-13, studying at different grade levels at the middle school level. The activity process was planned and implemented by the Hacettepe University team. However, the design and production of the escape houses was done by Dora Toy, who was part of our national convention team.
The activity took place in a school science laboratory. Since microscope, pH and conductivity sensor were used in the activity, the laboratory environment was used. However, it can be used in appropriate classrooms where these materials are available. The duration of the activity was 90 minutes. However, the duration varies according to the age group of the participants and their ability to manage in-group dynamics.
The knowledge, skills, and attituges developed by the learners
By using mathematical thinking skills, they gained the ability to calculate situations related to sustainability and to include scientific knowledge about these issues in this process. Teamwork is one of the important skills in the activity. It motivates participants to engage in science and to solve given problem situations. At the end of the activity, the participants requested to participate again for the other sessions of the workshop.
Key Success Factors of the LHA
The success factor of this activity or the aspect that sets it apart from other activities is that it has a gamified process. It attracts participants of all ages. At the same time, it allows them to think about questions in the context of sustainability and gain knowledge about those issues. Adult participants could work as a team with their children and discover the entertaining side of science with them.
Picture: Hacettepe University team
OUTCOMES
This activity can be done with participants from all age groups and can be used for all areas such as sustainability, digitalization and health by changing the tasks in the key rooms. It includes all the objectives of Lighthouse activities.
Overall, it was a successful lighthouse event. The motivation of the girls was also very high during the activity. The activity intervention has a long-term impact on the participants. The effects last beyond the activity itself.
