Awareness of Preservice Science Teachers on Zero Waste Approach

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the awareness of preservice science teachers on zero waste approach. The research that carried out with the general screening model was carried out with the voluntary participation of 29 preservice science teachers in the fourth year of a public university in the spring semester of 2018-2019. A form of awareness was prepared by the researchers as data collection tool. Preservice teachers were asked to write the definition of zero waste concept, the necessity of applying zero waste approach and the objectives of zero waste approach with three open-ended questions in this form; also, they were asked to design a cloth bag suitable for zero waste approach and to present their designs with drawings. The data were analyzed by content analysis. As a result of the research, it was determined that preservice science teachers' awareness on zero waste approach wasn't sufficient. It was understood that preservice science teachers' statements on zero waste approach were structured on the basis of waste management and recovery, environmental impacts, savings, economy and society awareness.