TURKEY 2008 Intel ISEF Ed Academy

2 Introductions Prof. Dr. Cemil Çelik National Organizer – TUBITAK The Acting Director of the Department of Science Fellowships & Grant Programmes The Scientific & Technological Research Council Of Turkey Dr. Turan Sisman Information Technology Services Department Manager Education Technologies General Directorate Ministry of National Education Melih Gezer Corporate Affairs Manager Intel Turkey Burçin Alparslan National Organizer – TUBITAK Assistant Expert, the Department of Science Fellowships & Grant Programmes The Scientific & Technological Research Council Of Turkey

3 Educational Environment TURKEY-Population: 73 million, 37 million under 27 yrs –Number of K-12 Schools: –Number of K-12 Students: 14.5 million –Number of K-12 Teachers: 630,000 –Number of Schools connected to Internet: ~ –Number of people using ISDN or Broadband:1.2 million households –8 years mandatory education

4 Educational Environment Centralized Educational System (over 95% of schools managed by gov’t). In Turkey, math and science education start as early as the first year of primary school, and their level of difficulty increases as years pass. National examinations – High school entrance examination replaced by yearly exams – University entrance examination Math and Science are included during the entire education process. At the elementary level, science is focused on the understanding of natural phenomena and some basic scientific rules.

5 Science Fairs Existing fairs: 12 Regional project contests are organized National contest organized for regional finalists Supported Programs: Primary and Secondary School Students Students Undergraduate, Graduate and Postgraduate Students and Researchers International Scientific Exchange Fellowship Programs

6 Science Fairs JUMP in APPLICATIONS of TÜBİTAK NATIONAL PROJECT CONTEST

7 Science Fairs Biggest obstacles: –Lack of sponsorship –Increasing participation from developing regions

8 BKM’s Promoting advisory seminars on academic research targeting science teachers Working with regional science fair coordinators to raise interest and awareness