BIOECONOMY FOR OUR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Author: Semih ESENDEMIR

Abstract

As a science teacher, I organized an online activity called “Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Future” with my students ranged in age from 9 years to 12 years between 6 – 19 April 2020. At the end of this activity, students are expected to learn the concept of bioeconomy and increase their awareness of bioeconomy. I believe that this awareness will have a great share in creating environmental awareness among students who will shape our future. I started my activity by introducing the concept of bioeconomy, a new concept for my students. I tried to draw attention by giving examples of the positive changes that can be achieved by using bioeconomy in our lives. To keep the attention and desire on the subject, I prepared videos, discussions, online educational materials, games, and experiments to prevent Covid-19 pandemic by preparing disinfectant from organic waste.

Figure 1: Preparation of citrus peels for bio-based disinfectant production

As a result of all these entertaining activities, my students actively participating in the process have recognized the concept of bioeconomy and have contributed to bioeconomy by transforming the organic waste they collected in their homes into new products that can be used. As a result of the feedback of my students, seeing that they look at their environment from a different perspective shows that this activity has reached its goal. I am more hopeful about the future.

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