Exploring STEM: Definitions and Disciplines Quiz

African American Studies

NCSS

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| Questions: 20 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025

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1. What does the STEM acronym stand for?

Study, Technology, Equipment, Mechanics

System, Technology, Evolution, Math

Society, Technology, Education, Mathematics

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

The STEM acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, representing key fields in education and industries.

Explanation

The STEM acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, representing key fields in education and industries.

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About This Quiz

Explore pivotal moments and influential figures in African American history through this engaging quiz. Assess your knowledge on historical events, cultural impacts, and key contributions of African Americans, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of this vital subject area.

2. What's your name?

We’ll put your name on your report, certificate, and leaderboard.

2. What is the definition of STEM?

Integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a new cross-disciplinary subject in schools.

A program for growing and cultivating plants in soil.

A type of dance popular in the 1970s.

A technique for catching fish using a net in the ocean.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and is focused on integrating these subjects into a cross-disciplinary field in education.

Explanation

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and is focused on integrating these subjects into a cross-disciplinary field in education.

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3. What is the definition of Technology?

Technology refers only to gadgets and electronic devices.

Technology is the modification of the natural world to meet human wants and needs (ITEA, 2000, p. 7).

Technology is the process of creating art.

Technology is the study of living organisms.

Technology encompasses a wide range of human-made modifications to the natural world, not limited to gadgets and electronic devices.

Explanation

Technology encompasses a wide range of human-made modifications to the natural world, not limited to gadgets and electronic devices.

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4. What is Engineering?

Engineering is the profession in which the knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences is applied to develop ways to... Engineering is the profession in which the knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences is applied to develop ways to utilize the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind

Engineering is the study of weather patterns and natural disasters.

Engineering is a form of art that involves creating visually appealing structures or products.

Engineering is a type of agriculture that focuses on sustainable farming practices.

Engineering involves the application of mathematical and natural sciences to develop solutions benefiting society, focusing on materials and forces of nature.

Explanation

Engineering involves the application of mathematical and natural sciences to develop solutions benefiting society, focusing on materials and forces of nature.

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5. STEM

What is Science?

What is Technology?

What is Engineering?

Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships. It provides an exact language for technology, science, and engineering.

Explanation

Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships. It provides an exact language for technology, science, and engineering.

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6. In what year did Congress pass a bill establishing a National Science Foundation, but President Harry S. Truman vetoed it because it did not give the president authority to name the director of the agency?

1949

1945

1950

1947

The correct year when Congress passed a bill establishing a National Science Foundation, but President Harry S. Truman vetoed it was in 1947. In this year, the disagreement over the authority to name the director of the agency led to the veto.

Explanation

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7. STEM What was established on May 10th, 1950 with the passing of Public Law 81-507?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Environmental Protection Agency

National Science Foundation

Department of Education

The National Science Foundation was established on May 10th, 1950 with the passing of Public Law 81-507 to promote the progress of science and advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare.

Explanation

The National Science Foundation was established on May 10th, 1950 with the passing of Public Law 81-507 to promote the progress of science and advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare.

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8. What is the National Science Foundation (NSF) tasked to do?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is responsible for regulating scientific ethics and standards.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is tasked to keep the United States at the leading edge of discovery in areas... The National Science Foundation (NSF) is tasked to keep the United States at the leading edge of discovery in areas from astronomy to geology to zoology.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) works to promote international cooperation in the field of science.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) primarily focuses on political advocacy for scientific research funding.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) focuses on funding basic research and education across all fields of science and engineering.

Explanation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) focuses on funding basic research and education across all fields of science and engineering.

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9. What is the College Science Improvement Program and when was it established?

The College Science Improvement Program is a research program that was established in 2005 to study the impact of technology... The College Science Improvement Program is a research program that was established in 2005 to study the impact of technology on college science education.

The College Science Improvement Program is a global initiative that was established in 1990 to promote international collaboration in scientific... The College Science Improvement Program is a global initiative that was established in 1990 to promote international collaboration in scientific research.

October of 1967, the College Science Improvement Program was established to assist predominantly undergraduate institutions to upgrade their science teaching.

The College Science Improvement Program is a scholarship program that was established in 1975 to provide funding for students pursuing... The College Science Improvement Program is a scholarship program that was established in 1975 to provide funding for students pursuing degrees in science fields.

The correct answer gives the specific establishment date and purpose of the College Science Improvement Program, which is different from the incorrect answers provided.

Explanation

The correct answer gives the specific establishment date and purpose of the College Science Improvement Program, which is different from the incorrect answers provided.

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10. Fill in the Blank: The first Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching (PAESMT) are presented in a White House Ceremony on ________.

April 12th, 1995

November 25th, 1979

September 7th, 2006

October 19th, 1983

The correct date for the first Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching (PAESMT) ceremony was on October 19th, 1983. This date marks the beginning of this prestigious recognition event.

Explanation

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11. Who is the author of the following quote? '... Leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today—especially in science, technology, engineering and math.'

President Barack Obama

Mark Zuckerberg

Albert Einstein

Marie Curie

The quote emphasizes the importance of education in STEM fields, aligning with President Barack Obama's focus on science, technology, engineering, and math during his presidency.

Explanation

The quote emphasizes the importance of education in STEM fields, aligning with President Barack Obama's focus on science, technology, engineering, and math during his presidency.

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12. Fill in the Blank: The 1957 launch of Russian satellite _________ inspired a generation of innovation in technology and engineering in America.

Sputnik

Apollo 11

Skylab

Challenger

The correct answer is 'Sputnik'. The launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of the space race and quickly led to increased emphasis on STEM fields in America.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'Sputnik'. The launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of the space race and quickly led to increased emphasis on STEM fields in America.

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13. How much did The White House’s 2014 Budget invest in programs across the Federal government on STEM education?

B. $3.1 billion

$1.3 million

$1.3 billion

The correct amount invested in programs across the Federal government on STEM education in The White House’s 2014 Budget was $3.1 billion.

Explanation

The correct amount invested in programs across the Federal government on STEM education in The White House’s 2014 Budget was $3.1 billion.

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14. In what year did the National Science Foundation (NSF) establish the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Under Graduate Program (HBCU-UP) to assist HBCUs in their effort to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and research capacity as a means to broaden participation in the Nation's STEM workforce?

2000

2005

2010

1995

The correct year is 2000 when the National Science Foundation established the HBCU-UP program.

Explanation

The correct year is 2000 when the National Science Foundation established the HBCU-UP program.

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15. Name three of the current Member School Systems in the NC STEM Learning Network.

Alleghany County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, Lee County Schools, Caldwell County Schools, Lenoir County Public Schools, Catawba... Alleghany County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, Lee County Schools, Caldwell County Schools, Lenoir County Public Schools, Catawba County Schools, Moore County Schools, Edenton Chowan Schools, Onslow County Schools, Franklin County Schools, Perquimans County Schools, Henderson County Public Schools, Rutheford County Schools, Johnston County Schools, Surry County Schools

Surry County Schools, Catawba County Schools, Franklin County Schools

Moore County Schools, Onslow County Schools, Johnston County Schools

Lee County Schools, Caldwell County Schools, Lenoir County Public Schools

The correct answer includes Alleghany County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools, and Buncombe County Schools which are current member school systems in the NC STEM Learning Network.

Explanation

The correct answer includes Alleghany County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools, and Buncombe County Schools which are current member school systems in the NC STEM Learning Network.

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16. How are the 100 eight grade girls chosen to attend the annual STEM Girls conference at East Carolina University?

Girls are chosen based on their popularity within their grade level.

Girls are selected by teachers and counselors because they have shown an interest in math or science, are self-motivated, or... Girls are selected by teachers and counselors because they have shown an interest in math or science, are self-motivated, or they have the potential to be inspired by the event.

Girls whose parents are alumni of East Carolina University are automatically chosen to attend.

Girls are randomly selected from the school's yearbook.

The correct answer explains the selection process based on interest, motivation, and potential to be inspired by the event, rather than random selection, popularity, or parent alumni status.

Explanation

The correct answer explains the selection process based on interest, motivation, and potential to be inspired by the event, rather than random selection, popularity, or parent alumni status.

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17. What is the name of the STEM high school closest to Pitt County and where is it located?

Johnston County High School in Wilson

Greene STEM High School in Greenville

Edgecombe Technical High School in Rocky Mount

Wayne School of Engineering on the Goldsboro High School Campus

The correct answer, Wayne School of Engineering, is located on the Goldsboro High School Campus, making it the closest STEM high school to Pitt County.

Explanation

The correct answer, Wayne School of Engineering, is located on the Goldsboro High School Campus, making it the closest STEM high school to Pitt County.

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18. Which North Carolina HBCU landed on Forbes Top Colleges 2013 list?

North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Central University

Johnson C. Smith University

Shaw University

Forbes Top Colleges 2013 list featured North Carolina A&T State University as one of the top North Carolina HBCUs.

Explanation

Forbes Top Colleges 2013 list featured North Carolina A&T State University as one of the top North Carolina HBCUs.

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19. Fill in the Blank: Science Outreach Summer Academy (SOSA) primary objective is to increase the number of minority graduates in biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science at ________.

Stanford University

Shaw University

Harvard University

Howard University

The correct answer is Shaw University because SOSA specifically targets minority students in STEM fields to increase the number of graduates in areas like biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science at Shaw University.

Explanation

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20. Who is Charles Drew?

Charles Drew (3 June 1904 – 1 April 1950) Born in Washington, D.C., Drew earned advanced degrees in medicine and... Charles Drew (3 June 1904 – 1 April 1950) Born in Washington, D.C., Drew earned advanced degrees in medicine and surgery from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, in 1933 and from Columbia University in 1940. He is particularly noted for his research in blood plasma and for setting up the first blood bank.

Michael Faraday (22 September 1791 – 25 August 1867)

Marie Curie (7 November 1867 – 4 July 1934)

Alexander Fleming (6 August 1881 – 11 March 1955)

Charles Drew was a prominent African-American surgeon and medical researcher known for his work in blood plasma and the establishment of the first blood bank.

Explanation

Charles Drew was a prominent African-American surgeon and medical researcher known for his work in blood plasma and the establishment of the first blood bank.

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