The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a creative drama and gamification-based educational experience on children's levels of nature connectedness and recycling behaviors. With the increasing environmental problems today, instilling environmental awareness in children at an early age and helping them establish a bond with nature is of great importance for a sustainable future. In this context, creative drama stands out as an effective method in shaping environmental attitudes, as it supports children's emotional development and enhances their ability to empathize. Gamification, on the other hand, is a pedagogical strategy that increases children's active participation in learning processes and boosts their motivation.
In the study, an experimental design will be used, and a group of students will participate in an educational program themed around nature and recycling, incorporating creative drama and gamification activities. At the end of the program, children's nature connectedness and recycling behaviors will be measured, and pre-test-post-test comparisons will be made. Nature connectedness is defined as an individual's perception of nature as a whole and seeing themselves as a part of that whole, and it is strongly associated with environmentally friendly behaviors. Recycling behaviors include individuals' voluntary efforts to separate and repurpose waste.
This study aims to reveal how creative and interactive learning methods influence children's environmental awareness and behaviors, and it seeks to contribute to the development of environmental education programs.