Analysing the Opinions of Primary School Students’ on the Environment and Environmental Problems; Example of Giresun Province, Turkey

This study aims to delve into the opinions of the students living in urban and rural areas on the matters of environment and environmental problems. A qualitative method, “phenomenology” was the selected research design for this study. 20 students from 19 Eylül Primary and Boztekke Primary Schools of Giresun Province were selected through “criterion sampling” and “convenience sampling” methods. The research data wereobtained through semi-structured interview technique. The data obtained in this study were analyzed through “content analysis” method where in the answers of the students were analyzed in depth and were portrayed in tables. The study found that the students living both in urban and rural areas define the environment as “the place that contains the living”, “the place that contains the living and non-living and humans” “a place (everywhere)”. Most of the students living in urban and rural areas identified the hazel tree with “healthy life” whereas the students living in rural areas mostly viewed the hazel tree as “economic”. Both groups of students presented opinions as to “its environmental benefits” though at smaller degrees. The most common environmental problem, according to the students, is “wastes and garbage”. As to the solutions for environmental problems, the students most commonly answered respectively “solution to the waste problem”, “afforestation and protection of trees”, “protection of the living” and “planning the living space”. In conclusion, it can be stated that the second-grade students living in Giresun Province are sensitive to environment and environmental problems. Due use of topics and learning outcomes that facilitate creative thinking as well as innovative designs, illustrated children’s books, short videos, etc. might be suggested for environmental education programs