Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the behavior and thinking levels of secondary school students towards the environment according to grade and gender. Relational screening model was used for the study. The sample includes a total of 958 (512 females and 446 males) secondary school students. Of the participants, 261 (27.2%) are in 6^th grade, 461 (48.1%) are in 7^th grade, and 236 (24.6%) are in 8^th grade. The sample was chosen randomly. As a data collection tool, Environmental Attitude Scale developed by Uzun and SaÄŸlam was used. Using ANOVA, the study shows that there is a statistically significant difference between the levels of environmental behavior in terms of grade (F (2-952), p<.01). In order to determine the source of the difference, post-hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was implemented, and the findings indicated that there is a significant difference between 6^th and 7^th grades and 6^th and 8^th grades. There is also a statistically significant difference between the environmental behavior levels of students according to their gender (F (1-952), p<.01). There is no statistically significant difference according to their gender and grades (F (2-952), p>.05). However, a significant difference was found between the levels of environmental thinking of secondary school students according to gender (F (1-952), p<.01). The level of environmental thinking of male students (X=33.94) is higher than that of females (X=31.39).

Key words: Environmental behavior, environmental thinking, secondary school, gender differences.