Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
4EEC068Early Childhood Environmental Education3+0+03508.10.2026
Course Details
Language of Instruction Turkish
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program Pre-School Teaching
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course The aim is to foster the teacher ` s knowledge and awareness regarding the importance of environmental education, fundamental environmental concepts, and various educational approaches; to enable them to learn how to plan environmental education and understand the techniques and methods employed; and to equip them with the skills to prepare and implement appropriate educational programs, evaluate environmental education-based curricula and practices, and develop initiatives that support environmental education for both children and their families.
Course Content This course covers fundamental concepts and theories related to the environment and environmental education, the philosophical and historical development of environmental education, and the importance of environmental education during early childhood. It addresses various educational models and approaches regarding environmental education, as well as environmental literacy, nature education, and the use of out-of-school learning environments (such as parks and nature trails) in early childhood. Furthermore, the course examines the planning of environmental education processes in the preschool period; the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of curricula integrated with science, mathematics, art, drama, and play using specific methods and techniques; and the role of the qualified teacher, along with the inclusion of families and the immediate community in the educational process.
Course Methods and Techniques Each class will begin with the instructor introducing the weekly course content. The teaching process will utilize lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and case studies, and will incorporate group discussions. Therefore, it is mandatory to complete preparatory work on the topic to be covered prior to the class.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator Prof.Dr. Nilüfer Darıca https://profil.hku.edu.tr/akademik/nilufer-darica/ nilufer.darica@hku.edu.tr
Name of Lecturers Prof.Dr. Nilüfer Darıca https://profil.hku.edu.tr/akademik/nilufer-darica/ nilufer.darica@hku.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Öz, S. (2024). Environmental education in the Eco-Schools program during early childhood. Eğiten Kitap.
Course Notes There are no prerequisites.

Course Category
Field %100

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Mid-terms 1 % 40
Final examination 1 % 60
Total
2
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 3 42
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 14 3 42
Assignments 1 20 20
Mid-terms 1 18 18
Final examination 1 28 28
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 5 150

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 They recognize and grasp the importance of environmental education during the preschool period, acquire environmental awareness, and know how to instill environmental awareness in children within early childhood education.
2 Explains the basic concepts related to environmental education.
3 Knows the points to consider in environmental education.
4 Plans environmental education activities; is familiar with examples of activities and projects used in environmental education; and develops practical examples of implementation.
5 Knows the methods and techniques used in environmental education.
6 Can integrate environmental activities with science and mathematics activities in particular.
7 It contributes to children, families, and their immediate circles collaborating with environmental awareness.
8 Follows developments related to environmental education.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introductions and Presentation of the Course Syllabus There is no preliminary preparation. Course Syllabus.
2 The Environment and Basic Concepts Related to the Environment Students should come to class having read about the topic. Atasoy, E. (2015). İnsan Doğa Etkileşimi ve Çevre için Eğitim; Ogelman, H. (2014). Çocuk ve Çevre.
3 The Philosophy and History of Environmental Education You should come to class having done the reading. Atasoy, E. (2006). Education for the Environment: Child-Nature Interaction; Akdağ, Z. (2014). Environmental Education in the Preschool Period.
4 Environmental Education in Early Childhood You should come to class having done the reading. Başal, H. A. (2015). Applied Environmental Education for Preschool and Primary School Children; Gülay, H. & Önder, A. (2011). Environmental Education in the Preschool Period.
5 Environmental Education Through Nature in Out-of-School Learning Settings - Part I You should come to class having done the reading. Amsel, S. (2012). The All-Around Environmental Book for Children; Karadağ, A. P., & Bayraktar, V. (2018). Natural Sciences and Activities in Early Childhood.
6 Environmental Education Through Nature in Out-of-School Learning Environments - II You should come to class having done the reading. Gülay, H. (2010). Environmental Education Activities for Preschool Children; Karadağ, A. P. and Bayraktar, V. (2018).
7 Nature Education and Practices You should come to class having done the reading. Ogelman, H. G. (2014). Child and Environment—Handbook on Young Children and Environmental Education; Başal, H. A. (2015).
8 Midterm Exam
9 Environmental Literacy in Early Childhood You should come to class having done the reading. Akdağ, Z. (2014); Darıca, N. & Mercan, Z. (Eds.). (2022). Nature education in early childhood. Eğiten Kitap.
10 Environmental Education Models and Approaches for Preschool-Age Children You should come to class having done the reading. Darıca, N. & Mercan, Z. (Eds.). (2022). Nature education in early childhood. Eğiten Kitap.; ogelman, H. (2014).
11 Preparation and Planning of the Environmental Education Process You should come to class having done the reading. Gülay, H. (2010); Başal, H. A. (2015).
12 Activities Related to Environmental Education in Early Childhood - I (Integration of Science and Mathematics) Derse okuma yapılmalı. Karadağ, A.P. and Bayraktar, V. (2018); Mercan, Z., Tanju Aslışen, E.H. & Darıca, N. (Eds.). (2024). Nature education in early childhood education programs.

 
Sustainable Development Goals
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14
C1 5 3 4 3 4 3 1 2 2 2 3 3 2 2
C2 4 3 5 2 3 2 1 2 2 2 3 3 1 2
C3 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2
C4 4 5 4 5 5 4 3 4 5 3 4 4 3 2
C5 3 5 4 5 5 3 3 3 4 2 3 3 2 2
C6 4 5 4 5 5 3 3 3 4 2 3 3 3 2
C7 3 4 3 4 4 3 2 3 4 5 3 4 4 3
C8 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 5 4 5 3

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant