A study on the perceptions of Turkish primary school students regarding the environment, climate change, and sustainability.

AbstractIn this study, the impact of the Environmental and Climate Change Education program on the perceptions of 4th-grade students regarding environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability was investigated. The study group consisted of 22 (12 boys, 10 girls) 4th-grade students aged between 9–10 years, who were all studying in the same class at a central primary school in Eskişehir. Conducted throughout the 2022–2023 academic year, the research was carried out in three stages: before the implementation, after the implementation, and 9 months after completing the program. Data were obtained through drawings created by the students and interviews based on these drawings. Initially, the students’ drawings depicted basic concepts such as air, water, trees, and waste. However, after participating in the Climate Change Education program, significant changes were observed in their understanding and perceptions of environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability. The activities of the program significantly increased the students’ awareness and comprehension of these critical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]