Yılmazlar Middle School

Datça Seagulls

Awareness starting from Datça, Muğla: Developing Measures to Prevent Marine Pollution and Raising Public Awareness

11.01.2024

GROUP INTRODUCTION

• Group Name: Datça Seagulls

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• Establishment Date: 11.01.2024

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• Number of Members: 5 (Male), 3 (Female)

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• Average Age: 11

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• Leader: Ali ERGEN

�https://datcamartilari.my.canva.site/

YILMAZLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL IT SEAGULLS PROJECT

Members of the Cooperative Circle

ABOUT OUR PROJECT

About the project: International ICT Seagulls Project was designed and coordinated by Hayal Köksal in 2003. The Association for Innovative Collaboration (Yenilikçi İmece Derneği/YİMEDER) is the organizing and hosting body of the project. It was supported by Microsoft Turkey between 2004 and 2009. Since 2006, it has been supported by the World Council for Total Quality and Excellence in Education (WCTQEE) since the main philosophy of the project is based upon students Quality Circles (SQCs) (İmece Circles in Turkey). The aim is to cultivate new generations who think critically, and find solutions to their local and universal problems in teams using technology.

This project aims to find solutions to the sea pollution starting from our town Datça.

PROBLEM DEFINITION

• Insufficient awareness about sea cleanliness.
• Inadequate coverage of marine cleanliness in our country's basic education curriculum.
• Increased tendency of people to litter in areas where garbage is already present.
• Failure of individuals to foresee the consequences of polluting the sea.
• High incidence of cigarette butt littering among smokers.
• Some individuals' lack of concern about discarding metal beverage cans and glass bottles on beaches.

HOW THE PROBLEMS WERE IDENTIFIED

• Serious mucilage (sea snot) threats in the Marmara Sea in 2007 and 2021 were monitored through media reports.
• Basic education curricula were reviewed to assess the coverage of marine pollution issues.
• It was observed that behaviors leading to marine pollution are sometimes promoted through social media.
• Unintentional portrayal of behaviors causing environmental pollution in movies and TV series was observed.
• Advertising was observed to promote excessive consumption behaviors.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature review studies began with an investigation into basic education curricula to understand the root causes of the issue, focusing on negative behaviors leading to marine pollution and the importance of marine cleanliness. Throughout the research process, external perspectives such as debates and interviews with experts on the topic supplemented the findings. The study was shaped by information gathered from books, documentaries, articles, and internet sources related to the subject.

FISHBONE

Movies

Digital Platforms

Life Style

Civil Society Organizations

District Municipalities

Environmental Awareness

Street

Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change

Prioritization / Matrix Diagram

Prioritization / Matrix Diagram

21st International Informatics Seagulls Projects Time Management Chart

PLANNING:

Hypotheses

Policy, strategies, tactics to be followed (Solution proposals)

Possible action steps

Resources

HYPOTHESES

• Individuals who become desensitized to the environment through social learning may gradually habituate this indifference over time. Various factors contribute to the emergence of behaviors such as sea pollution: human influence, economic conditions, educational deficiencies, media influences, and more.
• To prevent these negative behaviors and reduce individuals' tendencies to pollute the sea, it is crucial to conduct awareness-raising campaigns. Preventing sea pollution and preserving clean seas can only be achieved by increasing environmental awareness across all sectors of society. This requires education, awareness, and a collaborative culture.

POLICY, STRATEGIES, TACTICS TO BE FOLLOWED

• Determining the Project Topic by Students.
• Examining the Relationship Between Factors and Consequences.
• Defining Project Task Allocation, Division of Labor, and Collaboration (Collective Effort) Process.
• Organizing and Updating the Project Website.
• Promoting the Project Activities.
• Researching Books and Articles on Marine Cleanliness.

POLICY, STRATEGIES, TACTICS TO BE FOLLOWED

• Summarizing and Discussing Books and Articles Presented at the Student Symposium.
• Designing Project Logos and Posters Using Web2 Tools by Students.
• Organizing Student Education on 'Marine Ecosystems and Marine Life' using 3D educational software designed by the Indian firm DESIGNMATE in our school's 3D education hall.
• Conducting Coastal Cleanup Activities and Creating Public Awareness.
• Organizing Expert Symposia.

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• Project Team Members.
• Identifying the Problem.
• Ensuring the Solution Proposals Reach a Wide Audience.
• The Environment where the Project will be Implemented.
• Reaching Consensus Among Group Members.
• Identifying Key Concepts to Solve the Problem, Writing Necessary Strategies Clearly.
• Throughout the Year 2024.

What

When

How

Where

Why

Who

Possible Event Steps (Planned Events)

• April 29-30, 2024: Organizing a project exhibition at our school during the 4006-B TÜBİTAK Science Fair, targeting school students and fair visitors.
• Conducting expert-led talks and presentations to educate school students about the marine ecosystem and coastal cleanliness issues.
• Organizing informative presentations for our school students using the collective effort method in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conservation Association and Datça Coast Guard Command.
• Conducting coastal cleanup activities to raise public awareness.

RESOURCES

• Debate Outcome
• Research Papers
• Books
• Internet
• Interviews
• Documentaries

REPORT OF WORK DONE

• After brainstorming, the project topic was determined as "Developing Measures to Prevent Marine Pollution and Increasing Public Awareness."
• A problem definition was made following a discussion with Assoc. Prof. Hayal KÖKSAL.
• To clearly identify the root causes and sub-causes of the problem after its definition, a fishbone diagram was prepared.
• A matrix diagram was prepared to examine the relationship between the root causes and the sub-causes of the problem.

REPORT OF WORK DONE

• Research was conducted on the project topic, and our hypothesis was formulated.
• The project team's name was decided as "Datça Seagulls" by our students.
• To facilitate data flow among group members, a shared WhatsApp account was created, and work began on creating a website to document the progress of our project step by step.
• During our project dissemination efforts, t-shirts reflecting our project were designed by the project students.
• If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

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REPORT OF WORK DONE

• In our school's 3D education hall, a student training session was organized by Science Teacher Ali ERGEN, Information Technologies Teacher Tümer KARA, and English Teacher Kenan GÜMÜŞ using 3D educational software designed by the Indian firm DESIGNMATE. The training focused on 'Marine Ecosystem and Marine Life'. Following the training, questions from students were answered.
• After the training held in our school's 3D education hall, discussions were held on topics such as endangered marine species, factors causing the extinction of marine species, and the role of humans in causing the extinction of marine species.

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REPORT OF WORK DONE

• In our school and surrounding area, campaigns were organized to collect waste cooking oil and used batteries. The collected waste oil and batteries were delivered to the recycling unit responsible for recycling in the district municipality.
• During April 29-30, 2024, a two-day project exhibition was held at our school as part of the 4006-B TÜBİTAK Science Fair, targeting both school students and fair visitors.
• A sister school was identified among the schools in our district, and a visit to the sister school was organized. During the visit to the sister school, our project was introduced to all middle school classes through peer teaching, and the work done so far was explained.

REPORT OF WORK DONE

• News about our sister school visit and our project activities were posted on both our school's and our sister school's Instagram accounts.
• As part of our project's outreach efforts, the project student team visited the District Governor and the District Director of National Education separately. During these visits, they introduced our project, discussed the work done so far, and explained future plans.
• The dissemination activities conducted by the project student team were covered in the local newspaper.
• A section dedicated to the "Tech Seagulls Project" was created on our school's official website, where project activities were published..

REPORT OF WORK DONE

• News about our project activities was published on the school's Instagram account.
• Our project activities were announced through the District Governorship and the District Directorate of National Education's Instagram accounts.
• An expert-led talk and presentation were conducted to educate school students on marine ecosystem and marine cleanliness topics.
• Informative presentations were organized for our school students in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conservation Association and the Datça Coast Guard Command using the collective effort method.

REPORT OF WORK DONE

• To increase public awareness, a coastal cleanup operation was conducted. The project students created short videos for social media to reach a broader audience.
• In these videos, titled 'Datça Seagulls', they highlighted the negative consequences of marine pollution and the beauty that clean seas would bring.

• Each of our project students designed at least one unique logo representing the project's goals and activities.
• From the designed logos, we selected one as our project logo.
• In our logo, the sun symbolizes hope and a bright future. We aimed to symbolize the joyful exuberance of a clean sea with waves.
• The seagulls represent our project student team, the voluntary guardians of the sea.

OUR LOGO

• We wanted to symbolize world peace and the culture of Atatürk and peace, which we will always uphold, with the white color of seagulls. As Atatürk also said, "Peace at Home, Peace in the World,« which aims for both domestic peace and security as well as international peace and security.
• As friends of the sea, the 'Datça Seagulls,' we believe it is time for peace with marine life as well. We invite all conscientious people around the world to collaborate with us in protecting the seas to safeguard the rights of marine creatures to live.

OUR LOGO

WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND FROM SUCCESS IN OUR PROJECT?

• By brainstorming to create a sharing environment for ideas and synthesizing our thoughts to generate new ideas,
• Using quality tools and resources in the most accurate and beneficial way,
• Fostering a productive work environment with a strong team spirit,
• Effectively utilizing technology,
• Informing our target audience about both "Measures to Prevent Marine Pollution" and "Atatürk and the Culture of Peace" to raise awareness and promote sensitivity on these topics and contributing to the emergence of a generation aware of their surroundings and sensitive to issues are our core objectives.
• Achieving these goals would signify significant success for us.
• We will gauge our progress towards these objectives through periodic observations.

IMPLEMENTATIONS

• First, we conducted a preliminary survey to assess the project students' readiness levels regarding concepts of mucilage and marine pollution. Using the survey results, we identified our research and learning topics. We shaped our work process based on the ideas, suggestions, expectations, and needs expressed by our students.

• We decided that debating is the most effective way to thoroughly examine all aspects of a topic. Debates are necessary for analyzing and resolving issues from different perspectives.
• The use of debates in the educational process offers numerous benefits for both students presenting their views and those respectfully listening to opposing views. Debates help students enhance skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, self-expression, written and oral communication, and presentation abilities.

• The use of debates in the educational process offers numerous benefits for both students presenting their views and those respectfully listening to opposing views. Debates help students enhance skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, self-expression, written and oral communication, and presentation abilities.

WHAT WE LEARNED?

• As a result of our project activities, we have observed an increase in awareness and sensitivity towards marine conservation among our target audience, including our school students, adults in our community, and various institutions and organizations.
• Following our project work, several coastal and environmental cleaning activities were conducted in collaboration with the municipality, District Directorate of National Education, schools, and non-governmental organizations along the coastline of Datça district.
• We observed that residents of our district have started paying attention to not littering on the beaches and have begun to remind each other about this issue.
• We inspired new projects on marine cleanup in different classes and schools.

SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION ON MARINE CLEANUP AND MEASURES TO PREVENT MARINE POLLUTION IN BASIC EDUCATION TEXTBOOKS IN TURKEY.

• Introduction: Oceans are known as the blue heart of the Earth and are crucial for the continuation of life on our planet. Turkey, being surrounded by seas on three sides, greatly benefits from its seas. However, the increasing threat of pollution jeopardizes the existence of our seas and marine life. Therefore, raising awareness about marine cleaning and pollution prevention measures is of paramount importance.
• Temel Eğitim Kitaplarında Yer Alan Bilgiler: Türkiye'de temel eğitim kitaplarında deniz temizliği ve deniz kirliliğini önleme tedbirleri ile ilgili çeşitli bilgiler yer almaktadır. Bu bilgiler genellikle şu başlıklar altında ele alınmaktadır:
• Basic Education Textbook Information: In Turkey, basic education textbooks include various information about marine cleaning and pollution prevention measures. These pieces of information are typically covered under the following headings:
• Effects of Marine Pollution: Textbooks emphasize that marine pollution has lethal effects on marine life, disrupts marine ecosystems, threatens human health, and negatively impacts tourism.

SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION ON MARINE CLEANUP AND MEASURES TO PREVENT MARINE POLLUTION IN BASIC EDUCATION TEXTBOOKS IN TURKEY.

• Measures to Prevent Marine Pollution: Textbooks outline various measures that can be taken at individual and societal levels to prevent marine pollution. Individual measures include recycling waste, reducing plastic usage, and maintaining cleanliness of coastal areas. Societal measures include establishing wastewater treatment plants, improving solid waste management, and enforcing marine protection laws. (The ability to adequately implement and widespread these societal measures is directly linked to economic capability.)
• Scientific Evaluation: The information found in basic education textbooks is generally accurate and comprehensive. However, there are some shortcomings and inaccuracies. For instance, some sources and effects of marine pollution are not sufficiently detailed. Additionally, specific examples of measures to prevent marine pollution are not provided.
• Basic education textbooks need to be updated to provide more scientific and current information on marine cleaning and pollution prevention measures. To achieve this goal, it would be beneficial to consult experts in fields such as marine biology, marine chemistry, and maritime law.

SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION ON MARINE CLEANUP AND MEASURES TO PREVENT MARINE POLLUTION IN BASIC EDUCATION TEXTBOOKS IN TURKEY.

• Suggestions: Suggestions for enhancing information on marine cleanliness and measures to prevent marine pollution in basic educational textbooks can be outlined as follows:
• The sources and effects of marine pollution should be examined in more detail. Concrete examples should be given regarding measures to prevent marine pollution. Expertise from specialists in marine biology, marine chemistry, and maritime law should be utilized. Information found in books should be regularly updated in light of current scientific findings. Visuals and graphics related to marine cleanliness and pollution prevention measures should be used. Applications and activities should be developed to actively engage students.
• Result: Our seas are a valuable treasure that must be preserved for future generations. Therefore, increasing awareness about marine cleanliness and measures to prevent marine pollution is of great importance. Basic educational textbooks can play a significant role in this regard. Through basic educational textbooks that contain scientific and up-to-date information, students can understand the value of our seas and acquire the necessary knowledge to protect them.

STANDARDIZE BY TAKING PRECAUTIONS

• We carried out this project to address current issues through the philosophy and approach of Atatürk and through his perspective, aiming to find solutions. In line with Atatürk's vision, promoting peaceful coexistence in every aspect of life, preventing marine pollution, and raising societal awareness for the protection of marine life were our goals.
• As part of the project, students created short videos to share on social media, aiming to reach a broader audience. In these videos, they highlighted the negative consequences of marine pollution and the beauty that clean seas can bring.

�https://datcamartilari.my.canva.site/

LITERATURE REVIEW

Istanbul Artificial Reef Project and Mucilage Disaster

Introduction: The Marmara Sea is a sea that is exposed to intensive coastal use and faces problems such as pollution. In order to address these problems and protect the habitats of marine life, the "Istanbul Artificial Reef Project" was initiated.

Importance of the Article: This study is important in terms of showing how artificial reefs are affected by environmental disasters such as mucilage disaster and what role they can play in such disasters. It is also important in terms of contributing to the prevention of marine pollution and taking the necessary steps for sustainable marine management.

Source: Gül, B. (2023). Istanbul Artificial Reef Project and Mucilage Disaster. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, 8(4), 795-802. https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.1265122

Article 1

LITERATURE REVIEW

Microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea: Sources, Pollution Intensity, Marine Health, and Regulatory Policies.

Introduction: Microplastic pollution is a global environmental problem, and the Mediterranean Sea is one of the seas where this problem is most intense. This article examines the sources of microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea, pollution levels, impacts on marine life, and efforts to control plastic pollution.

Source: Sharma, S., Sharma, V., & Chatterjee, S. (2021). Microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea: Sources, Pollution Intensity, Marine Health, and Regulatory Policies. Frontiers in Marine Sciences , 8 , 634934.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.634934/full

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Article 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Monitoring Plastic Pellet Pollution in Coastal Environments by Handheld Raman Spectroscopy: Data from the Mediterranean Coast (Southern Italy) Introduction: Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine environments worldwide. A major source of this pollution is pre-manufactured plastic, namely plastic pellets. This study aims to investigate plastic pellet pollution in the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Southern Italy and to assess the feasibility of handheld Raman spectroscopy in monitoring this pollution.

Source: Donato, A., Spadaro, D., Giuffrida, D., Sabatino, G., Di Bella, M., Trusso, S., & Ponterio, R. C. (2024). Monitoring plastic pellet pollution in coastal environments by handheld Raman spectroscopy: Data from the Mediterranean coast (Southern Italy). Marine Pollution Bulletin , 202 , 116312.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X24002893

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116312

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Article 3

LITERATURE REVIEW

Seasonal Investigation of Marine Litter on Urla (İzmir/Turkey) Beaches

Introduction: This study was carried out between October 2017-October 2018 at Kum Denizi Beach and Demircili Bay Beach, which are located 38 km west of İzmir and are a coastal district of Urla, and which hosts touristic and fishing activities in particular. The purpose of determining the types and amounts of marine litter found at these stations seasonally was to assist other studies in terms of discussing the measures that can be taken to prevent the increase in marine litter.

Source: Güngören Z, Başaran A (2021). Seasonal Investigation of Marine Litter on Urla (İzmir/Turkey) Beaches. , 53 - 61. 10.12714/egejfas.38.1.06

DOI: 10.12714/egejfas.38.1.06 

https://search.trdizin.gov.tr/tr/yayin/detay/443592

Article 4

LITERATURE REVIEW

Risk Assessment of Plastic Pollution on Marine Diversity in the Mediterranean Sea Introduction: Plastic pollution poses a global threat to marine ecosystems. The Mediterranean Sea is disproportionately affected by this pollution and poses a significant risk to marine diversity. This study aims to develop a framework to assess the risk of marine ingestion of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. Significance of the Study: This study is a comprehensive study to assess the risk of marine ingestion of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. The findings provide a better understanding of the impact of plastic pollution on marine diversity. They can be used to guide management and conservation efforts. Source: Compa, M., Alomar, C., Wilcox, C., van Sebille, E., Lebreton, L., Hardesty, BD, et al. (2019). Risk assessment of plastic pollution on marine diversity in the Mediterranean Sea. Science. Total Environment. 678, 188–196. DOİ: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.355

https://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/318663/1/25433.pdf

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Article 5

REFERENCES

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• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4DoyMmvbP4
• https://www.turmepa.org.tr/
• https://tudav.org/calismalar/kirlilik/
• https://www.wwf.org.tr/
• https://csb.gov.tr/sss/deniz-ve-kiyi-yonetimi
• https://orgm.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2020_03/22224335_Ders_Kitaplarina_Ulasim.pdf
• https://www.canva.com/
• “Hayal Köksal İmece Circles Training PPT”

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

• Our coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hayal KÖKSAL,
• Our lead teacher, Science Teacher Ali ERGEN,
• Our support teacher, IT Teacher Tümer KARA,
• Our support teacher, English Teacher Kenan GÜMÜŞ,
• Our supporting parent, Burcu KÖSEL AYAZ,
• Our supporting parent, Dilek BİNBOĞA,
• Our school principal, Ms. Tülay DEMİRCİ BOĞATEMÜR,
• Mediterranean Conservation Association,
• Datça Coast Guard Command,
• Datça Haber Newspaper,
• Everyone who attended and listened to our presentation at the Yılmazlar Middle School 4006-B TÜBİTAK Science Fair.
• We extend our thanks for their collaboration and contributions.

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