A new vision for chemistry education students: Environmental education

The present study aimed to determine level of pre-service chemistry teachers‟
environmental literacy and their perceptions on environmental education. This study was
realized during the fall semester of 2006-2007 academic year with the participation of 60
students enrolled in five-year chemistry teacher education program. The data collected by
administration of Environmental Literacy Test and Environmental Education Perception
Survey were analyzed by descriptive statistics and content analysis. The pre-service
chemistry teachers strongly emphasized promotion of feelings of concern for the
environment, development of awareness and sensitivity to the total environment, and
gaining social values to protect the natural resources through teaching on environmental
issues. The results also revealed that these participants had favorable attitudes toward the
environment and feelings of personal responsibility to create a better environment.
However, pre-service chemistry teachers did not have a sound understanding of
environmental issues. Although the participants were lack of necessary subject matter
knowledge, they were willing to integrate environmental issues into their teaching practice.
Thus, chemistry education students are potential candidates as environmental educators and
their education programs may be strengthened in this respect.