1. Recent research examining obesity in the US indicates that young children in America are becoming heavier in comparison to children many years ago. Obesity, and particularly childhood obesity, is becoming an increasing concern in the US. In addition, the percentage of obese individuals varies from state to state. More specifically, the highest percentage of obese individuals resides in the southeast portion of the country. What are some of the reasons that childhood obesity is on the increase? Is this something people in the US should be alarmed/concerned by- why or why not? Think about the fact that obesity is much more common in the southeast. Why is the case and how might the issue be addressed by parents, educators, etc.?

2. Some friends are in an argument concerning cognitive development during early childhood. One of them thinks that Piaget had the best explanations of how children develop, the second believes that Vygotsky has the most plausible theory, and the third says that Gelman and information processing offer the best explanations and has criticisms of Piaget's theory. Discuss the one theory that makes the most sense and why.