Pre-service science teachers' perceptions of virus and their views on the effects of the pandemic on their lives

In this study, it is aimed to determine pre-service science teachers' perceptions of viruses and to examine the effects of epidemics on their daily life routines and educational experiences. In addition, it was aimed to determine the effects of the epidemic on science education and what should be done in science classrooms for an effective science lesson in case of possible future epidemics. The participants of the study were selected as 4th grade pre-service science teachers studying in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Department of Science Education. Purposive sampling method was used to determine the participants. Case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. For this purpose, Virus Metaphorical Perception Form (VMAF), Virus Perception/Drawing Form (VAF), Virus / Epidemic Written Interview Form (V-SYGF), Daily Routine Determination Form and Virus / Epidemic Semi-structured Interview Form (V-SSIF) were applied to the participants. The data obtained from the participants were analyzed by content analysis method. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the participants' daily life routines changed negatively, except for their perception of nutrition. In general, it was concluded that education and science education were negatively affected by the pandemic process. As a result of the research, suggestions for what can be done to ensure the effective, efficient and qualified sustainability of education in the event of a possible epidemic are included in the recommendations section. KEY WORDS: Virus Perception, Covid-19, Science Education, Pre-service Science Teachers