Introduction to Science

• Scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity drive scientists when exploring the natural world
• Scientists are often driven by a deep passion to discover things
• Scientific revolution began in the early 16th century and lasted up to the 18th century in Europe
• Period of enlightenment when mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed society’s views of nature

Defining Science

• Science includes ideas, theories, systematic explanations, and observations of the natural and physical world
• Science is a systematic and practical study of the natural and physical world
• Science deals with learning about the natural and physical world
• Science is knowledge and activities done by humans to understand the world better

Contributions of some key people to science

• Nicolaus Copernicus's work significantly changed knowledge about the universe
• Copernicus resembled the Greek ancient philosophers and thinkers
• His ideas were an example of a thought experiment.
• Though judged heretical at the time, Copernicus placed the sun as the centerpiece of the universe
• Copernicus believed that the earth and all the planets orbit the Sun, while the moon orbits the Earth
• Charles Darwin's work changed the world's concept of creation and its evolution
• Darwin's book "The Origin of Species" is regarded as one of the most important works of scientific literature
• Darwin's observational skills extended beyond plants and animals to humans
• Sigmund Freud is a famous figure in the field of psychology
• Freud contributed to the scientific world through the development of psychoanalysis
• For Freud, psychoanalysis is a scientific way to study the human mind and neurotic illness

Cradles of Early Science

• A cradle of civilization is a location and culture where civilization was created independently
• Earliest civilizations began in regions with abundant water
• Mesoamerica is a region where agricultural revolution occurred independently

Mayan Civilization

• Maya Civilization is one of the most dominant indigenous societies of Mesoamerica
• The classic period of Mayan culture lasted from about 250 CE until about 900
• The Maya were known for their works in astronomy.
• The Maya empire reached its peak around the sixth century A.D.
• The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, writing, calendars and mathematics
• The Maya built looms for weaving cloth
• The Mayans were skilled in mathematics and created a number system based on the numeral 20

Inca Civilization

• The Incas made advanced scientific ideas considering their limitations as an old civilization
• The Incas invented roads paved with stones and irrigation systems for storing water
• This civilization also developed a calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals
• The Incas created the first suspension bridge and quipu, which is a system of knotted ropes to keep records

Aztec Civilization

• The Aztec emphasized education, mandating it regardless of socio-economic class, gender, or age
• The Aztecs also used a type of antispasmodic medication that could prevent muscle spasm and relax muscles
• Chinampa is a form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming, which divided land into rectangular areas that were surrounded by canals
• The Aztecs invented created the canoe, a light narrow boat that was used for travelling in water systems

Science in India

• Indians developed ideas and technologies in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine
• They discovered medicinal properties of plants
• Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine that originated in ancient India, and is still used today
• The Indians are known for manufacturing iron and in metallurgical works

Science in China

• Chinese civilizations have greatly influenced many of its neighboring countries, and others that belong to the old silk road.
• The first recorded observations of comets, solar eclipses, and supernovae were made in China
• The compass, gunpowder, paper making and printing were among the most important technological advances in China

Science in the Middle East during Islamic Teaching

• Early Islamic teaching encouraged the pursuit of scholarship and science
• Islamic engineering included reservoirs, aqueducts, water wheels, and elaborate systems for irrigation
• Algebra first became a separate field of mathematics in Islam

Science in Ancient Egypt

• The ancient Egyptian civilization contributed to astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and agriculture
• Egyptians used lunar and stellar calendars and had knowledge of geometry
• Egyptians invented metal tools used in their homes and in agriculture

Science in Africa

• Africa has the world's oldest record of human technological achievement, the oldest stone tools in the world.
• Blessed with natural and mineral resources, science emerged in this part of the planet long before the Europeans colonized it

History of Science and Technology in the Philippines

• Pre-Spanish Filipinos used scientific knowledge in planting crops, taking care of animals, and predicting seasons
• They also built houses, irrigations, and tools for everyday life
• Metal Age also had a significant influence on the lives of early Filipinos, who made tools, jewelry, and metal tools have helped in the development of different tools

Science and Technology Under Spanish Colonization

• Spaniards established schools for boys and girls, introducing subjects and disciplines
• Filipinos replicated Spanish technology using indigenous materials
• Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities
• The Galleon trade brought additional technology and development

Science and Technology Under American Colonization

• The Americans established the public education system, improved engineering works, and improved health conditions
• A modern research university, the University of the Philippines, was established
• Mineral resources were explored, and transportation and communication systems were improved

Science and Technology in the Philippines

• Science and technology may have a significant impact on the lives of the people and in the development of Philippine society
• Areas for future research and projects include alternative energy, mineral resources, disease cures, climate change, food production, and infrastructure development
• Emerging areas of research and innovation include artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, space science, and climate change adaptation

Improving Science Education in the Philippines

• The Philippines is trying to improve science education in the country.
• Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science
• In basic education, science education helps students learn important concepts and facts that are related to everyday life (Carele & Campo; Meador, ; Worth & Grollman, 2003) including important skills such
• The state provides scholarships to encourage more students to pursue science courses.

Science schools in the Philippines

• The Philippine government supports the establishment of science schools in various parts of the country to promote science education
• Examples include the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) and Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) project
• Quezon City Regional Science High School, Manila Science High School, and Central Visayan Institute Foundation are focused institutions to promote science and technology