Science and classroom teacher candidates' knowledge about heavy metal and pesticide pollution:Sinop University example

Environmental pollution is increasingly threatening human health today. Permanent solutions to this problem are possible only through an effective environmental education which starts at an early age. Pesticide and heavy metal pollution are also important environmental problems. Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to determine the knowledge levels of science and classroom teaching students of Sinop University on pesticide and heavy metal pollution. The study was carried out with 330 students who study Science and Classroom Teaching at Sinop University Faculty of Education. Qualitative research method was used in this study. The form which was applied to the students consisted of 16 open-ended questions. The data were analyzed in detail by content analysis method. As a result of the research, it has been determined that pre-service science teachers have a certain knowledge, but this knowledge is superficial and not sufficient. With the increasing number of studies on this subject, it will be possible to identify deficiencies in teacher candidates and make arrangements accordingly.