In observance of the UN’s World Soil Day, the Departments of Biology and Art at Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory School organized a half-day activity combining art and science to promote environmental awareness. During the activity, BELS students had an opportunity to internalize the importance of nature and the necessity of protecting it.
Under the supervision of BELS art teacher Paul Brauer, the students took part in the creation of a structure wrapped in plaster gauze representing a human figure. They then planted seeds in the structure, which was placed in the school garden, giving students the experience of initiating the integration of structure with nature. The result of their efforts was the appearance of a new face on campus: “Dadaş” Farmer Frank, as the figure was named.
In the course of the World Soil Day activity, students demonstrated responsibility, productivity, communication, creativity, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, flexibility and leadership skills—all important for life in the 21st century. Moreover, the scientific aspect of the project took into account the limitations of Erzurum’s extreme natural conditions, notably the harsh winters there, offering insight into how humans can work within the confines of nature for the benefit of both.