GUHEM as a tool to support Turkish national space program

Paper number

IAC-22,E1,6,5,x73242

Author

Mr. Halit Mirahmetoglu, Turkey, Gokmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM)

Coauthor

Mr. Alp Osman Akoglu, Turkey, Gokmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM)

Year

2022

Abstract

Learning is the process of active participation in which we gain experience. People learn to make sense of the world. Learning involves the development or deepening of skills, knowledge, understanding, awareness, values, thoughts and feelings. Effective learning, on the other hand, brings about change, development and the desire to learn more. Science centers are effective learning spaces that aim for in-depth learning and bring together children, teenagers or adults with science and technology by giving their visitors the pleasure of learning, the excitement of experimenting and the happiness of discovery.

Studies show that informal learning environments are experience-enhancing for both educators and students. Science centers also provide opportunities for the development of professional experiences and offer individuals the opportunity for lifelong learning. Learning in science centers provides students with physical, three-dimensional and audio-visual learning environments, allowing students to decide for themselves the direction and pace of learning. Thus, it offers alternative approaches both outside the school and the standardizing education model of formal education. These new learning approaches offer an inquiring perspective to students and allow science centers to develop their own teaching activities.

Science centers such as Gökmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM), which aim to develop active and competent human resources in the field of space within the scope of the National Space Program, aim to increase the interest of children and young people in space and to encourage them to make their career choices in this field. In line with these purposes, it is necessary to examine to what extent and how space science centers support education curricula as lifelong learning environments. As a result of the scans and interviews with children, young people and teachers, it was concluded that touching and listening reinforce the space topics in the curriculum, increase the success of the students in the exams and contribute to the professional development of the students. 

In this paper, Turkey's first space science museum, GUHEM's contribution to the development of space awareness will be discussed.

Abstract document

IAC-22,E1,6,5,x73242.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-22,E1,6,5,x73242.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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