Determining the Awareness in the Adaptation Process of Changing Chemical Labeling System: The Views of the Pre-service Science Teachers

Abstract

Considering the developments in the field of science education, changes on laboratory safety are among the most important issues. A new regulation on chemicals is being worked on in order to make laboratories in schools safer. The aim is to create a general and universal labeling system in schools, industries, chemical sectors and daily lives for the whole world. The study is aimed to determine the awareness of pre-service science teachers in the adaptation process of changing chemical labeling system. Study conducted by the researcher used semi-structured interview with 6 questions. While preparing the form, the dimensions examined within the scope of the research (introducing chemicals, using glass materials, fire safety, electrical safety, personal protective measures, biological hazards and first aid) were taken into account. The interview was conducted with 10 randomly selected volunteer pre-service science teachers. The data obtained from the records of interviews coded and grouped into categories with using content analysis method. Specific concepts and opinions which are similar to each other are combined and interpreted. Encoding reliabilities (correspondence percentage) was calculated for each item. According to the results most of the pre-service science teachers were able to make corresponding matches in the old and new chemical labeling system, but could not provide sufficient explanations about the regulations that should be included in a typical chemical label, new pictograms and reasons for changing in chemical labeling system.