Investigation of the awarness of the secondary students on biodiversity

The purpose of this study is to examine the levels of 5th 6th 7th and 8th grade students' awareness of the biodiversity in the immediate environment around them. The sample is consists of 460 students studying in Antalya in 2015-2016 education year. 16 authentic, high quality and high resolution pictures of plants growing in Antalya region and 16 pictures of animals, whose natural habitat is Antalya Region were handed out to the students on two seperate sheets of A4 paper. Students were asked to write the names of the animals and plants next to the pictures. According to the result of the survey regarding the animals, the awareness of the boys is higher than those of girls' and there has been no significiant difference in awarness with regards to plants among boys and girls. It has been observed that the educational level of students' parents, their income level and students' following a TV programme about natüre do not statistically affect students' awareness of the biodiversity. Despite this, it has been established that the students who have pets are better able to recognize animals than those who don't. In the light of the data gathered, the students must be in direct contact with the enviroment and learn by donig while they are being given education on enviroment and biodiversity. It is reasoned that students' growing their own plants, coming across plants and animals in nature and having a pet will help them understand the concept of biodiversity much better.