Abstract:

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is the name given to organisms obtained by changing their existing properties or equipping them with new properties by means of adjusting their gene sequence through biotechnological methods. The aim of this study is to examine primary school teacher candidates' attitudes towards and knowledge of a socio-scientific issue, GMOs. Survey model, a quantitative research method, was employed, and the population consisted of undergraduate students studying at primary education. The participants were 449 primary school teacher candidates studying their first, second, third and fourth year in Kırşehir, Nevşehir and Muğla Universities. The results revealed no significant difference in the teacher candidates’ attitudes based on gender, university, year of study and age. As a result of the study, because of GMOs being part of our lives with the advances in technology, teachers starting from primary school level should be informed about these products. The higher our level of awareness about GMOs, the easier it will be to adopt a positive or negative opinion about them. In order to achieve this, it can be suggested to include practices or seminars on this topic in undergraduate programs.

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