Science teachers' understandings about socio-scientific issues and their teaching

In this research, it was aimed to examine the understanding of science teachers about socio-scientific and teaching of socio-scientific issues. The study group of this research consists of 22 science teachers (14 female, 8 male). They are selected according to the convenience sampling method. The case study approach from qualitative research approach is taken on in this research. The source of data of this research is created by questionnaire for science teaching and socio-scientific issues. Data obtained from the research is analyzed according to content analysis anddescriptive analysis technique. Research, it is determined that the majority of the science teachers have not heard of the term 'SSI (socio-scientific issues).' The science teachers are asked to determine their place and approach when it comes to the science programme and SSI program. It is seen that some teachers who did not know the meaning of SSI looked up the meaning of the word and defined SSI generally as scientific subjects related to society. It is also seen that the teachers found it difficult to give examples to these socio-scientific issues. The teachers clarified that they use direct instruction, case study, and discussion methods when teaching SSI in science classes. At the end of the research, the majority of the science teachers defined science class and the purpose of science class generally as 'the understanding of nature.' The teachers clarified that the students can learn science more effectively by doing more, experimenting, and actively participating in activities. The science teachers also said that in their classes, they use many different methods and techniques such as test method, question-answer technique, direct instruction method, case study method, discussion method, brainstorming technique. At the end of the research, the science teachers have asked to be interviewed about the teaching of SSI and have made recommendations for the specialists to come to class and teach the subjects. Key Words: Socio-scientific issues, science teacher, the teaching of science, science programme