A Study for Determining the Elemantary School Students’ Environmental Knowledge and Environmental Attitude Level

AbstractWith this study, it was aimed to reveal the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of students at 5th and 8th grades in elementary school by deliberating indirect indicators showing the levels and awareness on environmental subjects; to determine the differences instigated from socio-demographic factors and to set a scientific-based database in this respect. The research was conducted by sampling 841 first and second level students at four elementary schools in Corlu in 2007–2008 academic years. ‘Survey’ method was used and “Environmental Knowledge Test and Environmental Attitude Scale” for 8th grade students, who are the 2nd sample group, was prepared. While preparing the questionnaire forms, the literature about environmental education was surveyed. The questionnaires were handed in and collected the same day. In order to determine the efficiency of education on environmental studies at elementary school; looking for answer of “Could environmental knowledge studied in the curriculum direct students on this matter?” and determining the students’ knowledge levels and attitudes according to their social level and social preferences formed the main problem of this research