Job utility of achieved environmental awareness acquisitions in elementary school curriculum

This study aims to establish the job utility of environmental awareness acquisitions included in the elementary school curriculum. For the purposes of this study, a qualitative approach was adopted in collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. 10 students attending Kınık Elementary School, under Pazaryeri District Directorate of National Education in Bilecik province, were included in the study during fall term in academic year 2010-2011. Criterion method was used among purposive sampling methods for the selection of participants in this study. Research data were collected through clinical interviews. Data collected during clinical interviews were analysed via descriptive analysis method, and findings were interpreted in the light of research questions.As a result of the study, it was noted that students initially opted to provide a general description of actions that are illustrated in the photographs they were shown related to the duties in clinical interviews. In the light of findings, which were deducted from students? statements, the following conclusions were reached: Generally speaking, students are particularly knowledgeable enough about environmental pollution and factors causing the pollution, consequences of human activities as well as measures that can be taken to erase the impact of these consequences both on an individual level and on the level of authorities. However, they lack sufficient knowledge about following particular topics: "environmental rights", "pollution types such as light and noise pollution", "impact of technology on the environment", as well as acquisitions related to "global environmental problems" and "recycling".In the light of findings that were established upon analysing acquisitions related to creating environmental awareness and efficient use of environmental resources in different classes and grades; the number of relevant acquisitions in elementary school programme were found to be the highest in fourth grade and in Science and Technology Teaching Programme. It was concluded that more acquisitions aiming to develop environmental awareness in the teaching programme of the above-mentioned class were achieved. All relevant acquisitions were observed to be achieved in ?Culture of Religion and Knowledge of Ethics?, ?Turkish? and ?Social Studies? classes in spite of the fact that there are few relevant acquisitions in their teaching programmes. Furthermore, it was concluded that acquisitions related to environmental awareness in ?Visual Arts? and ?Natural Science? Teaching Programmes were also achieved to a large extent. It was noted that acquisitions found in such intermediate disciplines as ?Guidance and Psychological Counselling?, ?Sports Culture and Olympic Training? and ?Human Rights and Citizenship? that match the relevant classes were efficient in facilitating the acquisition of environmental awareness. In conclusion, this study resulted in findings, supporting in general terms that the majority of acquisitions related to environmental awareness in all grades and in teaching programmes of all classes were achieved.Key Words: Teaching programme, acquisition, environment, environmental training, environmental awareness