CONCEPTS OF VEGETABLE AND FRUIT IN PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the way the concepts of fruit and vegetable are presented in teaching materials, used in pre-school education and in the textbooks of life sciences and science and technology courses in elementary education, in addition to the students and teachers' knowledge and opinions related to these concepts. Qualitative research techniques were used in this study. The sample of the study comprises the students receiving education in pre-school and elementary education and the teachers serving at these levels. 258 students and 83 teachers took part in this study. A survey, which was developed by the researcher, including two forms, was administered. Teaching materials in pre-school education and course books in elementary education were also used as data sources. When the research findings are considered, it stands out that these concepts have different definitions in different fields and thus, they have no common definitions. This situation seems to have been reflected in the teaching materials used both in pre-school and elementary education. Also, it is seen that there are important differences between teachers' opinions about these concepts.