Investigation of the Opinions of Preservice Science Teachers about Chemical Wastes

Abstract

This research was carried out with the aim of investigating the opinions of preservice science teachers about chemical wastes. The research conducted with the screening model was carried out with the voluntary participation of 54 preservice teachers studying at the Department of Science Education at a state university in the 2019 2020 spring semester in Turkey. An opinion form composed of 6 questions prepared by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. Expert opinions were taken for the validity of the questions in the form. Opinions of preservice teachers were analyzed by making content analysis. As a result of the research, preservice science teachers stated that people exposed to chemicals through breathing, food and contact; that chemical wastes cause environmental problems such as water, air and soil pollution; that chemicals have toxic effects that can cause health problems, respiratory diseases and death; that chemicals have effects on all living creatures and the environment such as diseases and restriction of habitats; that the collection, utilization and disposal of chemical wastes is done by recycling; that there is a connection between chemical wastes and bacteria or virus outbreaks and they can lead to diseases / outbreaks.

Key words: Chemical wastes, Opinions of preservice teachers, Preservice science teachers

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-10-01