PRE-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS' KNOWLEDGE LEVEL ABOUT SOME BASIC AIR POLLUTANTS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the Turkish pre-service science teachers' level of knowledge about air pollution. The participants' levels of knowledge about "Air Pollution" were identified via a closed form questionnaire. The measuring instrument is applied on 325 female and 137 male students inside of the sample and a total of 462 students was applied this test. The questionnaire using in this study consisted of 17 statements. The results of the study revealed that, even though Turkish pre-service science teachers' level of knowledge about air pollution were well shaped, it is shown that most of these pre-service science teachers have misconception. The results show that they did not hove adequate knowledge (level) about some basic air pollutants and their effects. The results also revealed that pre-service teachers have misconceptions about whether the pollutants CFCs, CO2 and Hydrocarbons are pollutants or not. In order to prevent that, pre-service teachers should be informed about the effects and activities of these pollutants and what should be done.