Final answer:
Julio, age 12, is in Erik Erickson's stage of industry versus inferiority and is at risk of developing a sense of inferiority. Parents and teachers can help by offering encouragement, recognizing abilities, and providing constructive feedback.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, Julio, age 12, is currently in the stage where the main challenge is to develop a sense of industry versus inferiority. At this stage, children begin to compare themselves with their peers and either develop a sense of pride and accomplishment, or they feel inferior and inadequate when they believe they don't measure up. Since Julio cannot get his science project to work and feels that nothing he makes ever works properly, according to Erikson, he is at risk for developing a sense of B. Inferiority.
Parents and teachers can aid children in this stage by providing encouragement, acknowledging their efforts, and helping them recognize their abilities. Celebrating successes and providing constructive feedback, rather than solely focusing on failures, will help children like Julio develop a sense of competence, which is crucial for their self-esteem and future development. It's also important to allow them to explore various roles and activities to help them build confidence in their capabilities.