Investigation of the effects of pre-school environmental education on student behaviors

In this study, the effect of environmental education given to pre-school children on children's behavior was examined. Case study, one of the qualitative approaches, was employed in the study. 35 pre-school students from 3 different schools in Kastamonu province of Turkey were incorporated into this research by using convenient sampling method. During the research process, 6 different environmental activities were applied. All of these activities were developed by the researcher. Environmental Attitude Scale adapted to Turkish by Kahriman-Öztürk (2010) and an interview form were used in the study. In addition, observations were conducted by the researcher and 3 practice teachers and field notes were taken accordingly. The research process covers an 8-week period. The research findings were analyzed with qualitative data analysis methods. At the end of the research, it was determined that preschool children showed great interest in environmental activities. It was also observed that environmental activities affect children's attitudes and behaviors in a positive fashion. In light of the results of the research, it could be put forth that the intensive use of environmental-themed activities in the preschool period changed children's attitudes towards nature and the environment they live in positively. It is suggested that environmental activities carried out in the pre-school period should find more place in science education and environmental education.