Science, Technology, and Society Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the origin of the word 'science'?

Derived from the Greek word 'techne'

Derived from the Latin word 'scientia' (correct)

Derived from the Arabic word 'ilm'

Derived from the French word 'connaissance'

What characterizes the scientific method?

A reliance on anecdotal evidence for conclusions

A process of subjective interpretation and assumptions

A systematic and methodical approach to gathering knowledge (correct)

An unstructured approach to experimentation

Which of the following best describes technology?

A strictly theoretical discipline with no practical applications

A random application of knowledge and creativity

The integration of art, skill, and scientific principles to solve problems (correct)

An unrelated field to scientific methodologies

What is one of the key components of society?

An organized group of people with common culture Signup and view all the answers

How do science and technology interact?

Science provides knowledge that aids in the development of technology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of society?

A collection of individuals with conflicting values Signup and view all the answers

What does technology specifically utilize from science?

Scientific laws and principles Signup and view all the answers

The field of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) primarily focuses on which of the following?

Interactions between scientific advancements and societal contexts Signup and view all the answers

What are the three periods of the Ancient Times?

Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age Signup and view all the answers

Which age began about 2.6 million years ago?

Stone Age Signup and view all the answers

The Bronze Age introduced the use of iron tools.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary advancement in the Iron Age?

Heating and forging of iron Signup and view all the answers

Around 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians began writing on _____.

papyrus Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the invention of the ancient wheel?

The Sumerians Signup and view all the answers

What is a shadoof?

A hand-operated device used for lifting water for irrigation. Signup and view all the answers

The world's oldest known mechanical computer is known as the _____.

Antikythera Mechanism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Science, Technology, and Society

STS is an interdisciplinary field concerning science and technology’s interactions with society, including social, cultural, political, and economic contexts
STS examines how science and technology affect society as well as society's influence on scientific and technological advancements.

What is Science?

Originates from the Latin word “scientia,” meaning knowledge
Represents a collective body of knowledge concerned with understanding the natural and physical world.
It's a structured approach to learning about the universe through observation, experimentation, and data collection.
Science relies on the scientific method to acquire and organize knowledge about the natural world.

What is Technology?

Comes from the Greek word “techne”, signifying art, skill, or dexterity.
The practical application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to develop products, services, materials, tools, and machines, aimed at resolving real-world challenges.
Involves using tools, techniques, and procedures to transform scientific findings into practical applications.
Examples: gadgets, machines, electronics, cars, pencil sharpeners, calculators, appliances, etc.

What is Society?

A large group of people who live together in an organized manner, collectively making decisions and sharing responsibilities
Refers to a group of individuals who share similar culture, values, and norms and interact within a specified geographic or social community.
Composed of:
- People
- Government
- Territory (geographic area under government jurisdiction)
- Culture (traditions, values, beliefs, way of life, etc.)

Interconnection between Technology and Science

Science encompasses the knowledge acquired through the scientific method, while technology focuses on utilizing that knowledge to create tangible things.
Science and technology mutually contribute to each other's progress.
Scientific knowledge facilitates the development of new technologies.

Ancient Period

The earliest known technology is the use of stone tools during the Stone Age.
Ancient times are divided into three periods: Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.
The Stone Age began around 2.6 million years ago.

Stone Age

It is divided into three smaller periods: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic.
Humans used basic stone and bone tools during the Paleolithic period, carving figurines from stone, clay, bones, and antlers.
The Mesolithic period saw humans use smaller, polished stone tools attached to spears and arrows, leading to agriculture and the development of villages.
People developed more advanced tools and farming techniques during the Neolithic period, focusing on food production and settlements.

Bronze Age

The Bronze Age started around 3,000 B.C., marked by advancements in metalworking, with the use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin.
It also witnessed advancements in architecture and art, including the potter's wheel and textiles.
The Bronze Age also saw the emergence of organized government, law, warfare, and religion.

Iron Age

The Iron Age began around 1,300 B.C., driven by the discovery of ironworking.
Iron was considered more precious than gold and easier to manufacture than bronze.

The rise of ancient civilizations

The rise of civilizations led to further advancements in science and technology.
Ancient civilizations focused on improving communication, transportation, organization, and enhancing their quality of life.

Key Inventions from the Ancient Period:

The Wheel: Invented by the Sumerians, enabling easier transportation with animals.
Paper: Invented by the ancient Egyptians around 3,000 B.C. using the cyperus papyrus plant, replacing stone and tablets for recording and writing.
Shadoof: A hand-operated device invented by the ancient Egyptians to irrigate by lifting water using a counterweight.
Antikythera Mechanism: A mechanical computer discovered in Greece, believed to be created by Greeks. It functioned like a clock with gears and complex workings.

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Description

This quiz explores the interdisciplinary field of Science, Technology, and Society (STS), examining the complex interactions between scientific advancements and societal factors. Learn about the definitions of science and technology, their origins, and their impact on each other and the world we live in.