A “Junioruni” Wave at the Mevlana Community and Science Center

Bornova Municipality hosted the innovative Junioruni Launch Event, bringing young people together with science and innovation. Future scientists gained hands-on learning experience by developing their own projects at different stations, ranging from robotics to virtual reality. While participants discovered the spirit of teamwork through this interactive event, they also took important steps into the world of technology.

The innovative Junioruni Launch Event, which brings young people together with science, technology and innovation, was held at the Bornova Municipality Mevlana Community and Science Center in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut. Approximately 60 students aged 13–16 took part in the five-hour event, where future scientists created their own projects through hands-on activities at interactive stations.

From Theory to Practice: Building the Confidence to Say “I Can Do This!”

The main aim of the event was to offer students a learning model based on curiosity, teamwork and practical experience beyond theoretical knowledge. Working together as teams, the young participants not only gained knowledge but also developed hands-on solutions through coding, design and scientific research processes.

Future Technologies Explored at 6 Different Stations

The participating students enjoyed an interactive experience through 30-minute sessions at six specially designed thematic stations. The activities carried out at the stations included:

Space Journey Through Virtual Reality: Students explored the depths of space in an interactive and engaging way using virtual reality (VR) headsets.

First Coding Experience with Calliope: Getting acquainted with microcontrollers, the young participants programmed mini computers and designed their own customized LED signals.

“Rescue Operation” in the Robotics Laboratory: They developed algorithms for smart robots capable of overcoming obstacles and collecting objects.

Sustainability for a Greener World: Analyzing the environmental impact of everyday decisions, the students each set themselves a personal “Sustainability Mission” at the end of the event.

Young Engineers’ Bridge Challenge: Using limited materials such as straws, paper and adhesive tape, they competed to build bridges capable of carrying the greatest possible weight, putting their knowledge of structural principles to the test.

Scientific Discovery in the Footsteps of Nature: Taking on the role of nature scientists, the students examined leaves, pinecones and stones with magnifying glasses and learned the principles of scientific classification.

Bornova Municipality Continues to Invest in the Future

Through the Mevlana Community and Science Center, Bornova Municipality remains committed to preparing children and young people for the digital world of the future and expanding science-based activities and educational programs.