AN EXAMINATION OF SCIENCE TEACHER CANDIDATES' AWARENESS ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF GLOBAL POLLUTION AND ITS EFFECTS ON LIVING THINGS

Authors

  • Tugce Ozdogan Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Graduate Education Institute, Adıyaman University, Turkiye
  • Petek Piner Benli Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cukurova University, Faculty of Ceyhan Veterinary Medicine, Adana, Turkiye
  • Mustafa Yazici Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i7.6810

Keywords:

science, global pollution, teacher candidate

Abstract

The purpose of this study is defined as examining the awareness of preservice science teachers studying in faculties of education regarding the concept of global pollution and its effects on living things. The study group consisted of first- and fourth-year students studying in the Science Education Departments of the Education Faculties of four public universities in Turkiye using a convenient sampling method, a purposive sampling method. The study was conducted with a total of 80 prospective teachers, 10 from each grade. The study employed a semi-structured interview technique, a qualitative research method. The researcher developed an interview form containing six open-ended questions on "Biological Effects of Global Pollution on Living Organisms" as the data collection tool, and content validity was ensured through expert opinion. The research data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The research findings indicated that prospective science teachers had a high level of awareness regarding the biological effects of air and water pollution on living organisms. It was determined that science teacher candidates have a higher awareness of the negative effects of global pollution on humans, but a lower awareness of its negative effects on plants and animals. Furthermore, it was determined that science teacher candidates and female teacher candidates who take environmental courses have a higher awareness of the biological effects of global pollution on living things.

Author Biographies

  • Tugce Ozdogan, Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Graduate Education Institute, Adıyaman University, Turkiye

    Tuğçe Özdoğan completed her master's degree at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education at Adıyaman University. Her research interests include environmental education, environmental literacy, biomimicry, STEM education, sustainable development, and teacher education. She has served as a researcher and project coordinator in various national and international projects related to science and environmental education. She has also presented research papers at international scientific conferences in the field of science education.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5238-0842

  • Petek Piner Benli, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cukurova University, Faculty of Ceyhan Veterinary Medicine, Adana, Turkiye

    Prof. Dr. Petek Piner Benli is a faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Faculty of Ceyhan Veterinary Medicine, Çukurova University. Her research focuses on molecular and biochemical toxicology, environmental pollutants, environmental toxicology, and biological/chemical risk assessment. Dr. Piner Benli continues to contribute to the scientific literature by publishing original research articles in prestigious national and international (SCI-indexed) journals, as well as presenting conference papers and leading research projects.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2324-9047

  • Mustafa Yazici, Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkiye

    Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yazici conducts research in science education and teacher education. His research interests include science teaching, environmental education, teacher training, scientific process skills, and curriculum development. He has supervised numerous graduate theses and has published extensively in national and international academic journals.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1071-0316

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Published

2026-06-20

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 7 (2026)

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Articles

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