International symposium: Developing Science Teaching Materials Through Design Thinking
Bridging Innovation, 3D Printing, and Frugal Approaches in Science & Environmental Education
Dec 16, 2025 — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description
The accelerating pace of global scientific advancement requires educators to adopt innovative pedagogical tools that nurture creativity, deepen conceptual understanding, and address students’ misconceptions effectively. Two highly promising approaches in this regard are Design Thinking the human-centered innovation framework used globally across disciplines and Frugal Innovation & 3D Printing, which democratize access to quality teaching materials by relying on low-cost, accessible resources.
This international symposium showcases ongoing research and practice from Türkiye, Canada, and Nigeria. It focuses on how Design Thinking can be used to identify students' alternative conceptions and develop targeted science teaching materials, and how frugal innovation and 3D-printed models can deepen engagement in science and environmental education.
The event highlights a doctoral study conducted at Marmara University, where pre-service teachers applied all stages of the Design Thinking cycle to create materials informed directly by middle school students’ misconceptions. It also features global perspectives on frugal innovation and 3D printing from the University of Ottawa and University of Benin.
Program
| Description | Presenters |
|---|---|
| Welcome & Opening Remarks | Giuliano Reis, PhD |
Key Presentation 1 : Design Thinking in Science Education: Empathy, Misconceptions, and Material Development | İlknur Güven, PhD |
Key Presentation 2 : 3D Printing and Frugal Innovation in Science and Environmental Education | Norris Igbinosa Erhabor, PhD |
| Joint Discussion & Q&A | Interactive conversation with both speakers, inviting questions from participants. |
| Closing Remarks | Giuliano Reis, PhD |
By bringing together cutting-edge perspectives from Türkiye, Canada, and Nigeria, this symposium provides a rare international platform for exploring how design thinking, 3D printing, and frugal innovation can reshape science and environmental education globally. The event highlights not only innovative teaching approaches but also the importance of empathy, collaboration, and accessible material design in addressing persistent challenges in STEM learning.
İlknur Güven
Professor of Science Education, Marmara University, Türkiye
Professor Güven specializes in conceptual change, design thinking, material development, inquiry-based teaching, and comparative science education. Her international experience includes research appointments in Canada and Italy. She teaches across programs in science education, instructional technologies, media literacy, and research methods. Her recent research brings together pre-service teachers and middle school students to apply Design Thinking in designing science teaching materials.
Norris Igbinosa Erhabor
Senior Lecturer, University of Benin, Nigeria
Professor Erhabor is an environmental and science educator whose work centers on frugal innovation, low-cost STEM materials, 3D printing, and design thinking in teacher education. He leads the international Eco-STEM initiative promoting accessible, locally sourced science teaching materials. His research involves interdisciplinary collaborations across various countries, integrating makerspace tools and hands-on learning for science and environmental education.