Question 1

Studies of development in children's social knowledge and thinking indicate that children first ted to this as
A)psychologists
B)sociologists
C)economists
D)political scientists

Accepted Answer

Children first tend to think like psychologists, focusing on understanding their own and others' thoughts, feelings, and motives.

Question 2

The most powerful and lasting economic lessons are likely to be those that involve
A)simulations emphasizing financial literacy accompanied by activities that allow students to discover the meaning of economic choices and consequences.
B)fanciful children's literature as a vehicle for teaching economic concepts and principles followed by classroom discussions.
C)classroom debate about controversial issues that involve economic matters followed by thoughtful debriefing sessions.
D)experiential learning in which students are engaged in economic activities or decision making followed by debriefing discussions

Accepted Answer

Experiential learning engages students actively in economic activities or decision-making, allowing them to apply concepts in real-world contexts, which enhances understanding and retention.

Question 3

Children explain social phenomena with narratives that are
A)immature in development and often contain elements of fantasy.
B)representative of events and goals of a few people.
C)reflective of their particular learning styles.
D)simplistic in nature and build on their prior experiences.

Accepted Answer

B

Question 4

Service learning is viewed as a way of practicing good citizenship. The rationale for it is that governments
A)provide all the essentials for the people and service learning can provide the frills.
B)cannot be expected to do everything and good citizens contribute to the common good as individuals.
C)cannot be expected to do everything; however, when there is left over money from taxes it can be used for service learning.
D)waste lots of money and are in debt and service learning is used to pay off the loans.

Accepted Answer

Service learning is based on the idea that while governments play a crucial role in society, they cannot address every need or solve every problem. Good citizenship involves individuals contributing to the common good, which includes participating in service learning to help fill gaps that the government cannot cover. This approach emphasizes personal responsibility and community involvement.

Question 5

Children's literature is an especially rich source for teaching about individual development and identity.

Accepted Answer

Children's literature often explores themes of growth, learning, and self-discovery, making it a valuable tool for teaching about individual development and identity.

Question 6

The authors recommend planning special units that address global curriculum topics rather than infusing global and multicultural perspectives throughout one's teaching.

Accepted Answer

The authors generally recommend infusing global and multicultural perspectives throughout one's teaching rather than isolating these perspectives into special units. This approach ensures that students consistently engage with diverse viewpoints and understandings, making global awareness a fundamental part of their learning experience rather than an occasional topic.

Question 7

When asked to explain macro-level social phenomena, children tend to respond with narratives that personalize the events around the goals and motives of a few people.

Accepted Answer

Children often use personalization in their explanations of macro-level social phenomena, focusing on the goals and motives of individuals rather than on broader societal or systemic factors. This is because their cognitive and social development at early stages leads them to understand the world primarily through their immediate experiences and interactions, which are more about individuals than abstract systems.

Question 8

To help students understand why governments are needed and what they do for people, the authors of this text recommend developing instruction around the basic idea that
A)public policies and citizenship behaviors typically reflect the stated ideals of a democratic republican form of government.
B)the "common good" is typically strengthened through governmentally approved single points of view.
C)tax money is collected to pay for services that support the common good as well as make money for the people.
D)governments provide facilities and services that people need, but are too big in scope and expense to provide for themselves.

Accepted Answer

Governments are essential because they provide facilities and services that are too large and expensive for individuals to provide on their own, ensuring the needs of the community are met efficiently and effectively.

Question 9

Sociologists investigate the structure of social groups, organizations, and society as a whole, and how people interact within these contexts.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists study the structure and dynamics of groups, organizations, and societies, and how individuals interact within these contexts to understand social behavior, relationships, and institutions.

Question 10

In the elementary grades very few economic themes and content are included as part of the social studies curriculum.

Accepted Answer

Elementary social studies curricula often include basic economic concepts such as goods and services, needs vs. wants, and the concept of exchange. These foundational ideas help students understand the economic aspects of their community and the world.

Question 11

Social studies is a pan-disciplinary school subject that bears special responsibility for socializing students to fulfill their roles as citizens in a democratic republic.

Accepted Answer

Social studies is indeed a pan-disciplinary subject that encompasses various fields such as history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology, among others. Its curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for responsible citizenship in a democratic society. This includes understanding democratic principles, rights and responsibilities, and the ability to engage in civic discourse and participate in democratic processes.

Question 12

Most children convey a positive attitude about
A)taxes, depicting them as needed in order to pay for their schooling
B)pressure groups and protests, depicting them as evidence of a democracy
C)laws, depicting them as needed to keep us safe and orderly.
D)jurors, depicting them as the people who decide who wins in a court case.

Accepted Answer

Most children understand the concept of laws as rules that help maintain safety and order in society. They are taught early on that laws are necessary to keep people safe and ensure fairness, which is why they generally have a positive attitude towards them. Other options like taxes, pressure groups, and jurors are more complex and nuanced concepts that children might not fully understand or see in a purely positive light.

Question 13

Children enter school totally unaware of sex differences and without opinions about gender roles and expectations .

Accepted Answer

Children begin to understand and internalize societal gender roles and expectations from a very young age, often before entering school, through socialization processes involving family, media, and their environment.

Question 14

Typically, psychology is not formally taught in the K-12 curriculum and is not relevant to elementary social studies.

Accepted Answer

Psychology concepts are often integrated into the K-12 curriculum, especially within social studies, to help students understand human behavior, social interactions, and mental processes, making it relevant to their studies and personal development.

Question 15

When to compare kings and queens to the president, children think
A)the president works long hours for the good of the country while monarchs bask in their luxury.
B)kings and queens are more democratic and are more protective of the people.
C)kings and queens are more popular and they appoint officials from all socio-economic groups.
D)the president is more popular because he runs a totalitarian state.

Accepted Answer

Children might perceive the president as someone who actively works for the country's benefit, contrasting with their view of monarchs as living in luxury without the same level of responsibility or work. This reflects a simplistic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of these figures, influenced by cultural narratives and media portrayals.

Question 16

Studies focusing on children's thinking indicate that young children tend to depict a benevolent world in which political leaders are wise, caring, and attentive to the needs of everyone.

Accepted Answer

Research in developmental psychology suggests that young children often have an idealized view of political leaders, seeing them as kind, wise, and concerned with the well-being of all people. This is due to their cognitive and moral development stages, where their understanding of complex social roles and the nuances of governance is still simplistic.

Question 17

The authors of this text recommend that teachers develop instruction around the basic idea that governments provide facilities and services that people need but are too big in scope and expense for individuals to provide for themselves.

Accepted Answer

The statement aligns with a common educational approach that emphasizes the role of government in providing large-scale services and infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and defense, which are beyond the capacity of individual citizens to supply due to their extensive scope and cost.

Question 18

Educating students for citizenship is challenging because it requires some enduring dilemmas, most notably the challenge of socializing students to adopt American political values
A)while simultaneously ensuring the teacher's partisan political values are also included.
B)while simultaneously including the teacher's partisan political views and respecting cultural diversity and gender equity.
C)while simultaneously respecting cultural diversity and fostering dispositions toward active political participation.
D)while challenging those of other cultures when they interfere with the teacher's partisan views.

Accepted Answer

The correct choice emphasizes the balance between respecting cultural diversity and encouraging active political participation, which aligns with the goals of citizenship education without imposing partisan views.

Question 19

Sociology focuses on the
A)past, present, and future of organizations and society.
B)self and personal identity within a complex organization.
C)structure of social groups, organizations, and society.
D)production, distribution, and consumption of goods/services.

Accepted Answer

Sociology primarily concerns itself with the structure of social groups, organizations, and society, examining how they interact and influence individual behavior and societal development.

Question 20

Studies related to knowledge and thinking about government indicate that young children tend to think of government as
A)benevolent and trustworthy.
B)powerful and influenced by rich people.
C)corrupt and dishonest.
D)run by appointed officials that can help the needy.

Accepted Answer

Young children often have a simplistic and positive view of government, seeing it as benevolent and trustworthy. This perspective is shaped by early education and socialization, which tend to emphasize the protective and service-oriented roles of government.

Quiz 7: How Can I Teach the Other Social Science Content Powerfully

Studies of development in children's social knowledge and thinking indicate that children first ted to this as

The most powerful and lasting economic lessons are likely to be those that involve

Children explain social phenomena with narratives that are

Service learning is viewed as a way of practicing good citizenship. The rationale for it is that governments

Children's literature is an especially rich source for teaching about individual development and identity.

The authors recommend planning special units that address global curriculum topics rather than infusing global and multicultural perspectives throughout one's teaching.

When asked to explain macro-level social phenomena, children tend to respond with narratives that personalize the events around the goals and motives of a few people.

To help students understand why governments are needed and what they do for people, the authors of this text recommend developing instruction around the basic idea that

Sociologists investigate the structure of social groups, organizations, and society as a whole, and how people interact within these contexts.

In the elementary grades very few economic themes and content are included as part of the social studies curriculum.

Social studies is a pan-disciplinary school subject that bears special responsibility for socializing students to fulfill their roles as citizens in a democratic republic.

Most children convey a positive attitude about

Children enter school totally unaware of sex differences and without opinions about gender roles and expectations .

Typically, psychology is not formally taught in the K-12 curriculum and is not relevant to elementary social studies.

When to compare kings and queens to the president, children think

Studies focusing on children's thinking indicate that young children tend to depict a benevolent world in which political leaders are wise, caring, and attentive to the needs of everyone.

The authors of this text recommend that teachers develop instruction around the basic idea that governments provide facilities and services that people need but are too big in scope and expense for individuals to provide for themselves.

Educating students for citizenship is challenging because it requires some enduring dilemmas, most notably the challenge of socializing students to adopt American political values

Sociology focuses on the

Studies related to knowledge and thinking about government indicate that young children tend to think of government as