Summer Activities Continue at Mersin Metropolitan Municipality MERCAN

Operating under the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Climate Change and Zero Waste, the MERCAN 100th Year Climate and Environment Science Center continues to engage children throughout the summer holiday. As in previous years, the MERCAN Summer School has attracted great interest, offering children a fun and educational summer through workshops in Astronomy and Space Sciences, Marine Sciences and Underwater Exploration, Climate, Environment and Innovation, and Fundamental Sciences. In addition, MERCAN will continue to host its Little Inventors Workshop for preschool children throughout the summer. With hands-on activities designed for both children and their parents, the center promises an enjoyable and enriching summer experience for the whole family.

At the MERCAN 100th Year Climate and Environment Science Center, operating under the Department of Climate Change and Zero Waste of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, children continue to explore science throughout the summer holiday. As Türkiye's first science center dedicated to climate and environmental themes, MERCAN provides an inspiring learning environment where scientific knowledge, environmental awareness, and hands-on experiences come together.

Designed to help children grow with scientific thinking and environmental responsibility, the center offers interactive educational programs covering climate change, environmental pollution, renewable energy, global warming, biodiversity, and sustainability. Through robotics and coding activities, participants also develop essential technological skills for the future. By reinforcing what they learn at school through visual, practical, and hands-on experiences, children discover that science can be both engaging and enjoyable.

Ezici: "All of Our Workshops Follow a Thematic Structure"

Duygu Ezici, Head of the MERCAN 100th Year Climate and Environment Science Center, announced that the Summer School program began with the start of the school holidays and is being conducted through a thematic educational model.

"This year, we launched our Summer School with a thematic approach. Children attend the workshop camp of their choice for two weeks, participating two days a week for a total of eight hours, allowing them to gain in-depth knowledge in the subject that interests them most," she said.

Ezici explained that the center currently offers workshops in Astronomy and Space Sciences, Marine Sciences and Underwater Exploration, Climate, Environment and Innovation, and Fundamental Sciences.

"Our workshops are designed for primary and middle school students. Each program consists of eight hours of instruction, enabling participants to develop a solid foundation in their chosen field. All of our workshops follow a thematic structure, allowing children to explore each subject in greater depth," she added.

Ezici also noted that the Robotics and Coding Workshop continues throughout the summer.

"In addition to our thematic workshops, we offer Robotics and Coding programs for primary and middle school students who wish to further develop their technological skills. We are delighted to see so many children enjoying their time at MERCAN."

She added that the workshops, which began in July, will continue throughout August. Families wishing to register or obtain further information can contact the center by phone or visit the official website.

Children Enjoy Spending Their Summer at MERCAN

Children participating in the workshops expressed their enthusiasm for the activities and shared how the programs have inspired them.

Participant Cemre Fideli said that creating marine animal models using a 3D pen was an exciting experience.

"I really enjoy activities like this. It's a wonderful way to spend my free time. In the future, I want to become a scientist, design innovative inventions, and contribute to society. I'm so glad this science center exists."

Another student, Almira İli, described MERCAN as one of her favorite places.

"I love being here because science is so much more enjoyable. Science and mathematics become more colorful and exciting at MERCAN. I would like to become a psychologist in the future, and I believe this science center will make a significant contribution to my career. At the same time, I have a lot of fun."

Student İlke Söğüt, who has a strong interest in astronomy, said the workshops have expanded his curiosity about space.

"We learn about planets, meteorites, stars, and how they are formed. Black holes especially fascinate me. My father is a physics teacher, and I often ask him questions about black holes. Learning more about them here has made the subject even more interesting. Perhaps some future scientists will emerge from MERCAN."

Participant İpek Günaydın highlighted the diversity of the workshops.

"We are currently designing marine animals with 3D pens. Marine life is fascinating to me, and I'm having so much fun. MERCAN Science Center is an amazing place, and I encourage every child who is curious about science to visit."

Rüzgâr Oktay said that the activities have made his summer holiday both enjoyable and educational.

"We play games, participate in exciting activities, and learn about marine life. It was my first time using a 3D pen. I would like to thank all of my teachers for making my summer holiday so enjoyable."

Regular visitor İsmail Alp Yokuş explained why he frequently visits the center during the summer.

"I enjoy spending time here because it's close to my home. We take part in activities, play games, build models, have lessons, and learn many new things. I'm always happy when I'm at MERCAN. Everything here captures my attention, and I especially enjoy the films in the planetarium. I invite all children to visit."

Student İpek Candan, who had previously attended the center, said she enjoys exploring different workshops.

"We built airplanes in the Fundamental Sciences Workshop. These activities are a great way to spend my summer holiday. There is so much to learn here. I've already attended the Marine Sciences Workshop, and I would love to join more workshops."

Sena Çevik, who participated in the Climate and Environment Workshop for the first time, said she was impressed by the experience.

"This is my first visit, and I really enjoyed the workshop. We learn while having fun, and my summer holiday has become much more enjoyable. I love science, so this place is very special to me."

Another participant, Adnan Demir Kurtuluş, explained that they created various objects from recycled materials and learned about plant germination.

"Through the Climate and Environment Workshop, we contributed to recycling while developing our imagination. I love MERCAN Science Center because learning here is enjoyable. It's truly a wonderful place."

Parent Highlights the Importance of Science Education

Parent Süleyman Koç, who attended the center with his child, emphasized the value of the programs.

"Here, our children gain valuable technological skills and practical knowledge. My older son also loves coming here. This center is an invaluable opportunity for families."

Koç noted that while Mersin is well known as a coastal city offering many recreational activities, science centers such as MERCAN provide children with equally valuable opportunities to develop scientific thinking and technological competence.

"In addition to the sea and outdoor activities, this center gives our children the technological skills they need for the future. We've lived in other cities, but Mersin is unique. The educational opportunities provided by the municipality are truly outstanding."