Eko-stem approach to ecological literacy in aquatic systems

Although there are many factors affecting environmental problems, the increase in the human population that is expected to accelerate in the next decade is the most important factor. Rapid population growth reduces the natural resources of our planet and disrupts habitable ecosystems. Water is at the forefront of the endangered natural resources. Turkey has an annual 450 billion m3 of annual rainfall. 69 billion m3 of this feeds groundwater and only 28 billion m3 of it returns to the world to create a fresh water source. Some of the groundwater seeps through cracks and evaporates and is wasted. Today, many methods are used to store leachate, and most of the collected water can disappear before it reaches the reservoir. The subject of this study is to make a leachate available in Payas Çınarlık Plateau (location: 36° 45'18,4 "N 36° 16'01,8"E). This study was carried out with the participation of students with the Eco-STEM approach and the facilities of Payas Municipality. Eco- STEM; It is an approach of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines to be used in solving daily life problems while keeping an eye on ecology with precision. The method used to collect and make the said leachate available on site has yielded a very positive result, with an average of 280 ml of fresh water per second. During the realization of this project, 159 students who participated in the project were given "ecological literacy" training and awareness raising was provided. In addition, the planning of the recovery of the leachate and the rehabilitation of its environment was made by the students with the Eco-STEM approach. We must educate people and take precautions for a more livable world. We need to raise an ecological literate generation. It will be more effective to deal with these studies in educational activities. ii Key Words Page Number Supervisor : Ecology, STEM, Eko-STEM approach, Leachate, Sustainability : 70 : Prof. Dr. Şükran ÇAKIR ARICA