Examination of primary schools within the scope of environmental sustainability in education

In this study, it was aimed to determine the environmental sustainability levels of primary schools affiliated to the Ministry of National Education and to determine the characteristics that should be present in an environmentally sustainable school by taking the opinions of classroom teachers. Case study design was used in this qualitative research. Within the scope of the study, 8 primary schools in Bağcılar district of Istanbul affiliated to MoNE were examined with the "Environmental Sustainability School Observation Form" prepared by the researcher. 24 classroom teachers working in these 8 primary schools were interviewed within the scope of the "Teacher Interview Form". The data obtained as a result of the interviews and observations were analyzed descriptively and content-analyzed, and the findings were formed and interpreted. As a result, it was determined that the environmental sustainability levels of the primary schools examined were low and insufficient, the school buildings were old and the garden areas were narrow, and the classroom teachers did not have sufficient knowledge about environmental sustainability. It was determined that renewable energy sources were not used, insulation (heat, sound, doors and windows), rainwater was not collected and stored, and there was no area in the garden that could be used for agricultural fields. It was determined that teachers working in schools that are partially more qualified in terms of environmental sustainability compared to other schools are more active and willing to conduct studies. Based on the results, it was determined what a qualified school should have in terms of environmental sustainability.