Question 1

While the children were outside on the playground, the teacher asked them to note the many different birds, insects, and animals that were also on the playground that day. This activity encourages ______.

Accepted Answer

This activity encourages STEM learning by engaging children in observing and identifying different species, which is a key aspect of science education. It promotes inquiry and exploration, fundamental components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Question 2

Which of the following best reflects what experts recommend for preschoolers learning about animals?

Accepted Answer

Experts recommend that preschoolers learn about animals in their immediate environment as it helps them relate better and understand the ecosystem they are part of.

Question 3

Physics, chemistry, and meteorology are considered part of which area of STEM learning?

Accepted Answer

Physics, chemistry, and meteorology are categorized under physical sciences, which study non-living systems, in contrast to life sciences that study living organisms.

Question 4

Having children roll balls of different sizes and weights best supports learning in which of the following STEM areas?

Accepted Answer

Rolling balls of different sizes and weights helps children explore concepts such as gravity, force, motion, and mass, which are fundamental to physics.

Question 5

Activities that involve cutting, blending, mixing, heating, and cooling best support learning in which of the following STEM areas?

Accepted Answer

These activities involve changes in physical states, reactions, and properties of materials, which are key concepts in chemistry.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about STEM learning is true?

Accepted Answer

Most children today have been exposed to technology from a very young age through devices like smartphones and tablets, making them familiar with basic tech concepts before starting preschool. This early exposure can be leveraged in STEM learning.

Question 7

Which of the following math standards is considered developmentally appropriate for children in prekindergarten through second grade?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing shapes is developmentally appropriate for children in prekindergarten through second grade, as it involves basic geometry concepts that are suitable for early learning stages.

Question 8

Which of the following is considered essential to supporting STEM learning in infants and toddlers?

Accepted Answer

A safe, loving environment is crucial for the development of infants and toddlers, including their ability to engage in STEM learning. It provides the security and stability necessary for young children to explore, experiment, and learn.

Question 9

Which of the following games would best encourage STEM learning during the sensorimotor stage?

Accepted Answer

Peek-a-boo encourages STEM learning during the sensorimotor stage by helping infants develop object permanence, an essential cognitive skill that forms the foundation for understanding the physical properties of objects and their continuity of existence, even when not directly observed. This understanding is crucial for later complex problem-solving and scientific reasoning.

Question 10

Which of the following correctly describes what research shows about the development of infants' brains?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that babies can experience stress and uneasiness when they are with unfamiliar caregivers, which can impact their ability to learn. Familiar caregivers provide a sense of security that supports learning and exploration.

Question 11

One difference between STEM learning in the concrete operations period compared with the preoperational period is that concrete operational children have ______.

Accepted Answer

During the concrete operations period, children develop a growing ability to think abstractly, which is a key difference from the preoperational period where thinking is more concrete and literal.

Question 12

As outlined by DAP, which of the following activities is considered appropriate math learning during the primary grades?

Accepted Answer

Using a scale to measure the weights of different objects is considered appropriate because it involves hands-on, experiential learning, which is a key component of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) for young children. This activity encourages exploration and understanding of mathematical concepts in a concrete and meaningful way.

Question 13

Which of the following particularly supports math learning for visually impaired students?

Accepted Answer

Sorting objects based on tactile discrimination allows visually impaired students to engage with mathematical concepts through touch, making it a supportive method for math learning.

Question 14

Which of the following is considered a particular benefit of STEM learning for children with social, emotional, or behavioral disorders?

Accepted Answer

STEM learning helps children with social, emotional, or behavioral disorders understand cause and effect, which can be applied to social situations. This understanding can improve their ability to interact with others and navigate social environments more effectively.

Question 15

Which of the following reflects how teachers can successfully respond to families' concerns about a program that uses developmentally appropriate practices?

Accepted Answer

Holding an informational evening with an expert speaker helps address concerns by providing evidence-based information and fostering understanding about the benefits of developmentally appropriate practices.

Question 16

Which of the following is considered a developmentally appropriate method of teaching STEM subjects in preschool?

Accepted Answer

Hands-on activities are considered developmentally appropriate for teaching STEM subjects in preschool because they engage young children in active, exploratory learning that aligns with their natural curiosity and desire to interact with the world around them.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key concept that early childhood educators need to convey to families who might be anxious about their child's progress?

Accepted Answer

Children learn through play is a fundamental concept in early childhood education, emphasizing that play is a critical aspect of learning and development for young children. This approach helps in the development of social, cognitive, and physical skills.

Question 18

What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8?

Accepted Answer

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a framework or approach in early childhood education outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), emphasizing best practices based on research about how children develop and learn.

Question 19

Which of the following practices is considered developmentally inappropriate for early childhood education?

Accepted Answer

Having children work quietly on number worksheets is considered developmentally inappropriate for early childhood education because it does not engage them in active, hands-on learning or social interaction, which are crucial components of developmentally appropriate practices at this age.

Question 20

Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has been the most influential theory on early childhood education.

Accepted Answer

Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which outlines how children's intellectual abilities evolve from infancy through adolescence, has significantly influenced educational practices, particularly in early childhood education, by emphasizing the importance of developmental stages and active learning.

Quiz 12: Cognitive Development Through the Curriculum