Question

A growing focus on STEM-science, technology, engineering, and math- has brought funding and excitement for these subjects into schools. Meanwhile, the push for standardized testing is requiring teachers to devote a large proportion of class time to reading and math test preparation. One consequence of these dual trends is that schools are skimping on social studies instruction.

Mindful world citizens need, at a minimum, a general awareness of foreign cultures, a passing familiarity with geography, and a basic understanding of history. If you're not sure your child's school is instilling these basic foundations of knowledge, you need to support your kids' learning yourself. Daunting as this may sound, it doesn't need to take an inordinate amount of time and effort.

A good first step is to keep a globe or world map in a prominent location in your home. Whenever possible, refer to this resource in conversation. For instance, if your child is interested in a particular animal, point out where in the world it lives. If older children ask questions about the news, show them where current events are happening If your budget allows it, keep a good children's atlas handy too. This will allow your conversations to go into greater depth if your children show interest.

Children have ever-greater access to high-quality fiction about people and cultures around the world. If you're reading together about a foreign place or time-or if you see your older child picking up a historical or multicultural book--take a moment to find a children's nonfiction book on the same subject. If you don't have time to do this research during a family library trip, most libraries allow patrons to browse and order books online.

Which conclusion is not supported by the article?

a. The author thinks teachers have limited time and energy.
b. The author thinks people benefit from understanding history.
c. The author thinks many parent read regularly with their kids.
d. The author thinks STEM instruction is a waste of children's time.

Answer 1

The unsupported conclusion is the idea that the author views STEM instruction as wasteful. Instead, the article advocates for integrating social studies with other subjects to create well-informed global citizens (Option D).

Step-by-step explanation:

The conclusion not supported by the article is that the author thinks STEM instruction is a waste of children's time. The article highlights the importance of fostering a general awareness of foreign cultures, geography, and history, as well as the urgency to support children's learning in these areas. It encourages parents to utilize resources like globes, world maps, children's atlases, and nonfiction books to deepen their children’s understanding of the world.

Furthermore, it emphasizes how the study of world history and geography is essential in forming mindful world citizens, prepared for modern life and global workplaces.

Thus, the correct option is D.