Exploring the level of pre-sevice elemantary teachers? conceptual knowledge and misconceptions involving the topic of gases

In this study pre-service elementary teachers? level of understanding of gases concepts and misconceptions about gases were determined. Sample of the research consisted of 71 pre-service elementary teachers from Mustafa Kemal University and 19 pre-service elementary teacher from Fırat University. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are used in the study. For the purpose of the study a two-tier test developed with using an existed test at the literature. There are five multiple choose test at the first level of the test and a zone for students? cause of choose what they select at the first level. Reason of using two-tier test is to determine the misconceptions deeply. The results of the research show that the pre-service elementary teachers? level of understanding of gases concepts was low and they have a lot of misconceptions about gases. Some suggestions for the teaching about gases to the pre-service elementary teachers presented at the end of the study.Key Words: Science Education, Chemistry Education, Gases, Misconception, Pre-service Elementary Teachers