The Effects of Nature-Based Environmental Education on Environmental Perception and Behavior of Primary School Students

Abstract

This study deals with the effects of nature-based environmental education program on the primary school students' perceptions of and behaviors towards their environments. The study was conducted among primary school second level students (n = 20) attending at a primary school in Mugla-Akyaka according to experimental design. The data in the study were collected by means of "environmental perception scale" and "environmental behavior observation form" and through the interpretations of the "stories" written by the students. At the end of the study, it was found that the students' concrete concerns and reactions about the environmental problems which they are facingstrengthen their environmental values and raise their awareness of the destruction of these values.