AN EXAMİNATİON OF SCİENCE TEACHERS’ AWARENESS OF BİOMİMİCRY AND STEM

Gamze Ekici, Murat Aydin

Abstract


In this study, it was aimed to examine science teachers’ awareness of biomimicry and STEM, and to evaluate their awareness levels in terms of variables such as gender, years of experience, STEM training status, and school type. The study was conducted using the survey model and the causal-comparative model, which are among the quantitative research methods. The sample of the research consisted of 153 science teachers working in the province of Adıyaman during the 2022–2023 academic year. The data collection tools used in the study were the Biomimicry Awareness Questionnaire and the STEM (FeTeMM) Awareness Scale for Secondary Education Teachers. According to the results, it was determined that science teachers had a basic level of awareness regarding the concept of biomimicry; however, their in-depth knowledge and practical experience related to the concept were limited. The teachers’ general attitudes toward the STEM approach were found to be positive. It was found that STEM awareness levels did not differ significantly according to gender, years of seniority, STEM training status, or type of school in which the participants worked. Additionally, it was concluded that the type of school in which teachers worked did not have a significant effect on STEM awareness. Based on the findings of the research, several recommendations were made to enhance teachers’ awareness and competencies regarding biomimicry and STEM practices.

Keywords


biomimicry; STEM; science education; science teachers

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i8.6977

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