Chemistry of the Century Project

This project aims to enhance young people’s water literacy, strengthen their connection to the field of chemistry, and encourage university chemistry students to engage directly with water resources. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness among youth about producing solutions for the impending water crisis by utilizing blue economy and innovation resources.
The workshops organized as part of the project aim to provide participants with theoretical and practical knowledge about the chemistry of water and to demonstrate the applicability of this knowledge in chemistry and other multidisciplinary fields. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the critical role of water in the life cycle, its industrial applications, and alternative water sources in an engaging and experiential way.
To evaluate the social impact of the project, a comprehensive 60-question survey was conducted with participants before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention. The results of the survey revealed that students gained awareness on water literacy and water management issues and that they would be able to show positive behavioral changes towards the protection of water resources in the future.
The project increased young people’s interest in the field of chemistry and strengthened their motivation to learn more. At the end of the project, it was observed that the number of participants who developed a notable interest in chemistry and curiosity about innovations in chemistry increased significantly. In addition, there was a significant increase in the level of awareness of the participants on water pollution and sustainable water use, and the foundations for permanent behavioral changes towards environmental problems were laid. These outcomes represent a longterm achievement that enhances scientific awareness and academic success potential.