Evaluation of primary school fourth grade students' drawings regarding the harmful effects of natural events

This study aimed to evaluate fourth-grade primary school pupils' perceptions of the destructive impacts of natural phenomena through their artistic representations. The investigation employed a qualitative research approach, specifically utilising a phenomenological design. A total of 13 students from a single school participated in the study, comprising 8 boys and 5 girls, with 11 participants aged 10 and 2 aged 9. During the research, pupils were instructed to create drawings depicting their perceptions of natural phenomena and their deleterious effects. These illustrations were subsequently analysed within relevant thematic frameworks. The data analysis involved examining both the students' drawings and their explanations of their artwork. The research sought to elucidate pupils' awareness of natural phenomena, their comprehension of the destructive impacts of these events, and the primary themes around which these perceptions clustered. Findings revealed that students generally associated natural phenomena with their damaging consequences, such as floods, earthquakes, storms and forest fires. Moreover, the drawings highlighted the students' emphasis on how these events affect human life and the environment. The study underscores the significance of educational initiatives aimed at enhancing children's awareness of natural phenomena. Finally, students have a strong awareness that natural events can be prevented and their effects can be reduced with environmental and structural measures.