Abstract:

The aim of this study is to examine Social Studies and Geography Teachers' Opinions on Drought In the study, qualitative research method was adopted. Phenomenology, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. "Phenomenology," which is a methodological and in-depth depiction of how people experience phenomena, is frequently used in qualitative research that is based on human experiences. In this research, the focus is on how social studies and geography teachers perceive and describe the phenomenon of drought. The study group consisted of Social Studies and Geography teachers who work in secondary schools affiliated with MEB in the 2020-2021 academic year. A total of 57 teachers participated in the study. A survey form consisting of open-ended questions developed by the researchers was used in the study to collect teachers' opinions. Due to the coronavirus, it was decided that it would be more appropriate to obtain data online -via Google form- instead of meeting face to face. Among the open-ended questions, the ones open to comment were selected. Before starting the analysis of the data, every teacher's form was examined and forms were coded. Forms were coded and listed according to branches and genders. The data collected via open-ended forms were analysed by the content analysis method. The content analysis includes the processes of coding data, finding themes, organizing codes and themes, defining and interpreting the findings. According to the findings obtained from the research; teachers defined drought as a low amount of precipitation, lack of water, water scarcity, disaster and end. According to the teachers; possible future situations due to drought include wars, famine, epidemics, migrations, extinction, starvation, mass deaths and desertification. They emphasized that visuals should be used in the education process, activities and excursions should be included, and some curriculum studies should be done to raise awareness about drought among students. Based on the research findings; to increase the awareness of students about drought, it is thought that more place should be given to learning by doing and living in the lessons.

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