Determination of science and technology teacher candidates sensitivity about recycling

The aim of this study is to determine whether the sensitivity of the teacher candidates of the science and technology subject for environmental recycling changes according to their gender and their environment before the university. The sample of the study consists of students receiving education in the department of teaching of science at Fırat and Dicle universities during the 2012-2013 academic year. A total number of 312 teacher candidates, 221 females (71%) and 91 males (29%), participated in the study. As the data collection instrument of the study, a 5-point likert-type ?Recycling Sensitivity Scale? developed by the researches was used. The answer choices ofthe scale were rated from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), the negative statements were reversed and coded. For the scope validity of the scale, opinions were gathered from the experts at education faculty of Fırat University. Obtained data were analyzed by use of SPSS statistical program. The Arithmetic means, frequencies and percentages were identified, and a t-test and ANOVA test were used for comparisons.According to the findings, gender factor did not constitute a significant difference for the environmental recycling sensitivity of teacher candidates. Moreover, the candidates? pre-university environment did not make any significant difference for their sensitivity.In this context; at the universities, environment education related to recycling has to be given place in the lessons and sensitivity of recycling has to be given to students. Keywords: Environmental Recycling, Gender, Recycling Sensitivity Scale, Science and Technology