Teaching human and environmental unit with deep ecology based out of class education activities

The aim of this research is to examine the changes which occur in students' awareness, knowledge and attitudes as a result of the application of deep ecology-based out of class education activities of the "Human and Environment" unit in the secondary school fifth grade science course curriculum. The deep ecology-based out of class education activities that were prepared for unit learning outcomes were implemented for six weeks. In the research, which was conducted through mixed reseacrh method, the evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative data were done separately. Looking at the evaluation, as a result of the associated t-test analysis of the pre-test and post-test values, it was seen that there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the post-test for each scale. There was found no significant difference between the scores of the students according to their gender. The correlation values were examined in order to see whether there was an interaction between knowledge, attitude and awareness. There was found no relationship between knowledge and attitude, and knowledge and awareness. On the other hand, positive at medium and high levels among the awareness and attitude scales were found. Regarding the qualitative findings of the study, it was put forth that students participate in the lesson more willingly and enthusiastically when they study outside, and they are excited for the next activity. The observations which were done during the activities demonstrated that students developed positive behaviors for the environment with each activity, caused less harm to nature, left less garbage and tended to warn their friends. In addition, the positive changes in knowledge, attitudes and awareness and the desire to take action have also supported the quantitative data. The students were supported to reach the upper levels of evaluation and creation according to Bloom's taxonomy with out of class education activities. The results of the research reveals that out of class education can be used as a part of schools, the activities in which the process is evaluated within the course should be used, and especially in out of class activities, more attention should be given to the pedagogy and a philosophical approach suitable fort he environment of out of class education.