Comparison of ecological footprints and recycling attitudes of science candidate teachers

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between candidate Science teachers' recycling behaviors and their ecological footprint awareness. The sample of this research is composed of 312 women volunteer (86.2%) and 50 male (13.8%) candidate teachers who study in Science Education Departments of the two different state universities during the spring semester of 2016-2017 academic year. Relational model was used in the research. Thus, it has been determined the level of relationship between recycling behaviors and ecological footprint awareness of candidate teachers. "Recycling Behavior Awareness Scale" consisting of 28 items of 5 Likert type was developed by the researcher and the "Ecological Footprint Awareness Scale", consisting of 46 items, was developed by Coşkun (2013) was used as data collection tool in the research. Descriptive statistical techniques, t-test of independent groups, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the analysis of the data collected as a result of the applications. In addition, because of the continuous and normal distribution of the total scores received from the scales, Pearson correlation coefficients were used by simple linear correlation analysis to determine the intergroup relations. According to result of the research; the level of recycling behaviors and ecological footprint awareness of female students were found to be significantly higher than male students. Differences were found in terms of the frequency of recycling behavior awareness and waste separation frequency of science teacher candidates In the context of place of residence, education level of mothers, recruitment of course content in undergraduate education, family income level variables. The level of awareness of ecological footprints differed in terms of general grade average, being a member of a non-governmental organization or club related to the environment, and taking recourse courses in undergraduate education. According to these results, some suggestions were developed regarding environmental education, recycling and sustainability. Keywords: Ecological footprint, pre-service teacher education, recycling, recycling behaviors, science teacher candidates, student behaviors.