An investigation on raising ecological awareness through design on early cildhood

Beginning from the basic needs of humans, due to the damaging ecological effects created on earth, the result of our all consumption necessitates the efficient use of the limited natural resources. It is the responsibility of all societies to produce precautions and solutions to this globally critical ecological situation. Following various solutions, studies on waste management are increased in our country at the beginning of the 2000s, and it has been determined that social awareness should be raised. Today, as a result of this process, public and educational institutions are focusing on the studies on children's awareness in order to create a sustainable effect. The importance of environmental awareness, especially given in early childhood, has been the subject of many studies. In Turkey, adequacy of the related programs covered in school curricula for various age groups is being discussed, and the content is still being developed. Besides, providing opportunities for learning by experiencing in non-school learning environments can be preferred because it facilitates understanding, increases the permanence of information, and supports the desired positive change in attitudes. In this study, preparing a design-oriented, non-school learning program, which brings a holistic perspective to the subject, is aimed in order to increase the ecological awareness of children in early childhood. The primary purpose of the study is to determine the essential criteria to be considered for an implementation program that will be prepared in this context. It is aimed to contribute to the related fields, which will support activities to raise ecological awareness through design, such as; training programs, workshops, events, games, and toy design. At the end of the study, a sample implementation program is arranged by using the revealed criteria.