Dr. Lecturer Firdevs İclal Karataş AYDIN, Assistant Professor, had the opportunity to share her work on the education of gifted individuals at an international level by participating in three different academic events within the scope of the 5th International STEM Education Conference, hosted by Istanbul Ibn Haldun University on July 6-7, 2024. Karataş AYDIN's contributions, which included a multifaceted participation in the conference through oral presentations, workshops, and project presentations in a brochure event, are detailed below:
1. Oral Presentation – “The Impact of Shade Balls on Water Resources: A STEM Activity for Gifted Students”
Dr. Lecturer Firdevs İclal Karataş AYDIN ​​presented an oral presentation on an original STEM activity developed for gifted students. The presentation explained that in this activity, which aims to develop solutions to current environmental problems such as drought and water management, students examined the potential of shade balls to reduce the evaporation of water resources within the framework of mathematical modeling, science, and engineering design. The event aims to increase students' ability to analyze real-life problems from an interdisciplinary perspective, develop solutions, and gain environmental awareness.
2. Workshop Application – “Robotics-Supported STEM Applications: Interactive Applications with Teachers”
In the applied workshop held within the scope of the conference, robotics-supported STEM activities were carried out together with teachers. The workshop aimed to enable teachers to experience technology-integrated teaching methods that support 21st-century skills; participants produced original solutions by following the steps of the engineering design process through robotic materials. Through this workshop, teachers gained knowledge and experience about innovative teaching strategies that they can use in their classroom applications.
3. Brokerage Activity – “STEM Professional Development Program for Gifted Education Teachers”
In the international pairing and project development sessions (brokerage activity) held within the scope of the conference, the online teacher training program titled “STEM Professional Development Program for Gifted Education Teachers,” designed under the leadership of Dr. Lecturer Firdevs İclal Karataş AYDIN, was introduced. This program is based on a professional development model consisting of theoretical and applied modules that support differentiated STEM instruction for gifted students. Participants were provided with detailed information about the program's structure, content modules, assessment components, and pilot application findings. These multifaceted contributions demonstrate Dr. Lecturer Firdevs İclal Karataş AYDIN's expertise in the fields of gifted education, teacher training, and STEM-based instructional design, while also laying an important foundation for strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations at national and international levels.