Özet:

Abstract In this study, it was aimed to determine the perceptions of 60-72-month-old preschool children about the environment. The study group of the study, in which the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used, consists of 75 children between 60-72 months attending preschool. The data of the study were obtained by a semi-structured interview form created by the researchers. The data were analyzed with content and descriptive analysis techniques. In the results of the research, young children mostly stated the concept of protecting nature in their views on the environment. An important part of the children stated that they want to live in an environment with natural beauty. Most of the children presented correct information about the subjects except for the concepts of global warming and environmental problems. It can be said that children's knowledge of the concept of recycling and recycling materials is varied. While a significant part of the children thought that it was necessary not to pollute the environment in order to prevent environmental problems, they gave priority to human-induced causes of environmental problems. In addition, children emphasized the importance of protecting and cleaning the environment in order to beautify the environment. In the answers to all the questions within the scope of the research, it is seen that there are children who state that they do not have knowledge about the subject or that they do not know the concept. In line with the findings of the research, the importance of revealing the knowledge and experiences of young children about the environment in general, and the necessity of increasing studies on current concepts such as global warming and environmental problems can be expressed. Research on environmental education is becoming more and more diverse.

Anahtar Kelimeler: