Abstract:

This study is a phenomenological design in qualitative that study aiming to reveal environmental issues perceived by children and their opinions on these problems. Total of 187 children participated in the study, who were 5th grade students attending to three elementary schools located in Adana city. In data collection process Written Feedback Form consisting of open-ended questions was used and data were analyzed by content analysis method. As a result of the study, it was determined that children related environmental issues to humans most and they were aware that environmental issues were not independent of each other. Local and national environment issues (waste, air and water pollution, destruction of forests) are perceived most by children whereas global environment issues that awareness was the low. Children also expressed their vital worries about their future and they bring many suggestions to protect environment that includes personal, institutional and legal dimensions.

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