110 students from Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School discovered the endemic species of Cyprus that they had read about in their biology class at the Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum on the Near East University campus.

110 students from Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School visited the museums on the Near East University campus. The students, who reinforced the subject of endemic species of Cyprus that they had studied in their biology class by observing them on site at the Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum, also visited the Cyprus Car Museum and the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts and had a day full of art and history.

Firstly, Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School students visited the Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum and closely examined plant species, fossils and rare natural specimens specific to Cyprus and learned detailed information about biodiversity. The students, who learned about the endemic species of Cyprus that they had studied in their biology class, had the opportunity to examine more than 20 thousand plant and living specimens. Accompanied by Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, the students had an enjoyable learning process on the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the importance of protecting nature.

The second stop of the museum tour was the Cyprus Car Museum. Examining the extensive collection from the 1900s to the present day, the students closely observed classic and modern vehicles and discovered how technology has developed since the industrial revolution. Examining the engineering marvels and technological transformations in vehicle design, the students learned about innovations in the automotive world from the past to the present.

Young people who grow up intertwined with art and science have had important gains in terms of their academic and personal development. Museums, which are also places that nourish the imagination, encourage critical thinking and develop an aesthetic perspective, shape the perspectives of young people towards art and science, and contribute to their development as creative and conscious individuals.

Diren Civa Güner: “These trips encourage scientific curiosity and strengthen environmental awareness!”

Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School Biology teacher Diren Civa Güner, who emphasized the importance of practical training and observation in addition to theoretical knowledge, said, “Putting theoretical knowledge into practice increases students’ scientific curiosity and makes the learning process more permanent.”

Diren Civa Güner, who stated that the experiences they had in the museums on the Near East University campus also affected students’ career choices, said, “Such experiences increase their interest in fields such as biology, medicine or pharmacy and help them form ideas about their career choices in future. At the same time, they have the opportunity to get to know endemic species specific to our country, thus increasing their awareness of nature and the environment. These trips encourage scientific curiosity and strengthen environmental awareness.”