Social studies and geography teachers' opinions on providing effective education and raising awareness about natural disasters in schools

Natural disasters are natural events that are unpredictable, whose impact area and impact level cannot be predicted, and that can result in a large number of lives and property losses. A significant part of the natural disasters that occur in the world also occur in Turkey. Many natural events and disasters that will have a global impact in the future will also affect Turkey and the nearby geography. When we think about today and the future, it is inevitable for our people, especially our children and young people, to be educated and prepared for disasters. There are many physical, economic, social, behavioral and psychological effects caused by disasters, as well as injuries, mutilations, cleaning, infectious diseases, nutrition, etc. Creating disaster awareness through effective education and practice on the basis of solving problems is an important issue. The natural disasters we have experienced, and especially the earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023, which we describe as the disaster of the century, have demonstrated our level of disaster awareness. Schools are primarily the place and basis for creating a permanent and effective disaster awareness infrastructure in society. The guide for this is teachers, especially social studies and geography teachers. This study aims to provide effective education and raise awareness about natural disasters in schools. It was done by taking the opinions of social studies and geography teachers working in public and private schools affiliated with Antalya Governorship, Provincial Directorate of National Education. Qualitative research method was applied in the study. A semi-structured interview form was used to collect data. Teachers participated in the study on a voluntary basis. Ethical rules were adhered to in the study.