A student in a kindergarten class is curious about why some toys float while others sink. Which response from the teacher would align most strongly with constructivist learning?

The response that encourages the exploration of why some toys float and others sink aligns strongly with constructivist learning because it invites students to actively engage in hands-on experimentation. Constructivist learning emphasizes the importance of learners constructing their own understanding and knowledge through experiences rather than passively receiving information.

In this case, the teacher's suggestion to experiment with various objects allows students to hypothesize, test, and reflect on their findings, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning. By encouraging students to "figure it out together," the teacher promotes inquiry-based learning, where understanding is built through exploration and peer discussion.

In contrast, the other responses involve more passive forms of learning. Reading a book might provide information, but it doesn't engage the students in discovery. Asking other students may lead to answers but lacks the direct experience of exploration. Offering a direct answer later implies that learning is about being told information rather than discovering it, which doesn't promote the hands-on investigation that is central to constructivist principles.