Science, Technology, and Society Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the Heliocentric Theory propose about the solar system?

The planets orbit the Sun in circular paths.

The Earth is at the center of the universe.

The stars revolve around the Earth.

The Sun is at the center of the solar system. (correct)

Which of the following describes Kepler's Law of Equal Areas?

A planet moves faster when closer to the sun.

Planets orbit the sun in perfect circles.

The area swept by the planet in a given time is constant. (correct)

The distance from the sun does not affect orbit speed.

What did Galileo's observations reveal about celestial bodies?

Only planets can be observed with advanced telescopes.

All stars are visible to the naked eye.

The Earth is flat and surrounded by stars.

Sunspots are evidence of the sun's movement. (correct)

Which law states that an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an external force?

Law of Inertia Signup and view all the answers

According to the Law of Universal Gravitation, what determines the gravitational force between two objects?

The masses of the objects and their separation distance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) studies?

The relationships between societal values and scientific research. Signup and view all the answers

Which period is not explicitly mentioned as part of the historical development of science and technology?

Digital Age Signup and view all the answers

What role does technology play in relation to scientific inquiry?

It is the application of knowledge to solve practical problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes science according to the content?

An organized and dynamic inquiry based on the scientific method. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant product of the Stone Age mentioned in the content?

Sharp-edged tools Signup and view all the answers

How do STS scholars perceive the impact of science and technology on society?

They recognize both positive and negative influences. Signup and view all the answers

What does technology represent according to the content?

A complex system of methods, tools, and resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes science as a social enterprise?

It involves collaboration among people and resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization was the first to learn the process of glass-making?

Egyptian Civilization Signup and view all the answers

Which innovation was NOT developed during the Medieval period?

Astrolabe Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary characteristic of Cretan (Minoan) civilization?

Overseas trade Signup and view all the answers

Which feature was particularly significant in Roman engineering?

Aqueducts Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the Father of Medicine?

Hippocrates Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural technique was introduced during Medieval times?

Three-field crop rotation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a contribution of Greek civilization?

Glassblowing Signup and view all the answers

The irrigation systems flanked by earthen dikes were developed by which civilization?

Babylonian Civilization Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization constructed the Hanging Gardens?

Babylonian Civilization Signup and view all the answers

Which of these civilizations had a significant focus on embalming techniques?

Egyptian Civilization Signup and view all the answers

What significant event in the 14th century led to a decline in scientific change in Europe?

The Black Death Signup and view all the answers

Which invention is credited to Johann Gutenberg during the Renaissance?

Printing press Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas saw significant advancements during the Renaissance?

Mathematics Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for his contributions to the understanding of circulatory systems during the Renaissance?

William Harvey Signup and view all the answers

What type of knowledge emerged from the Scientific Revolution?

Modern science and empirical investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument helped in the study of celestial bodies during the Scientific Revolution?

Telescope Signup and view all the answers

What was an essential technique introduced by the Republic of Ragusa to combat the Black Death?

Quarantine Technique Signup and view all the answers

Alchemy during the Renaissance primarily focused on which of the following concepts?

Transformation of base substances Signup and view all the answers

What was the most significant discovery of man during the Stone Age?

Fire Signup and view all the answers

Which materials were primarily used in the production of tools during the Bronze Age?

Copper and tin Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Iron Age in terms of tool-making material?

Iron was the dominant material. Signup and view all the answers

What significant advancement did the Sumerian civilization contribute to science and technology?

The development of the potter's wheel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a tool or invention attributed to the Stone Age?

Sickles Signup and view all the answers

How did bronze tools provide an advantage to Bronze Age civilizations?

They were harder and more durable than other materials. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement is associated with the Iron Age's impact on agriculture?

Iron plow tips Signup and view all the answers

Which river is specifically mentioned as significant to the development of the Sumerian civilization?

Tigris River Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Science, Technology, and Society

STS focuses on the intricate relationship between social, political, and cultural values and scientific progress.
STS scholars are concerned with understanding how innovation impacts society and navigating potential risks and directions of science and technology.
STS is connected to the history and philosophy of science with a broader emphasis on social factors.

### Science

Science is a dynamic process governed by the scientific method.
Science is a human activity, involving scientists, knowledge, skills, resources, technologies, and facilities.

Technology

Technology originates from scientific inquiry and is a materialized product.
Technology is used to address scientific and real-world problems to improve human survival and quality of life.
Technology is a complex system that incorporates knowledge, methods, resources, skills, tools, and materials for developing, producing, and operating new products.

### Historical Antecedents: Pre-Historic Times

Stone Age: Humans used various stones for tools, including flint, chert, basalt, and sandstone.
- Tools evolved from simple to specialized types, each designed for specific functions (cutting, shaping, scraping, sawing).
- Stone tools were shaped or chipped into flakes, blades, hand axes, spears, darts, arrows, and weapons made from wood, bone, shell, antler, and other materials.
- Key inventions during the Stone Age included needles and thread, skin clothing, harpoons, spear throwers, and fishing equipment.
- Fire was a crucial discovery and invention that led to food preparation, cooking, and the development of containers and utensils.
Bronze Age: The Bronze Age marked the start of mining and metallurgy.
- People began smelting copper and alloying it with tin or arsenic to create bronze tools and weapons (swords, axes, plows, locks, chariots).
- Bronze, a harder and more durable material, provided Bronze Age civilizations with a technological advantage.
Iron Age: Iron became the dominant tool-making material.
- Iron Age technology focused on producing tools and weaponry using ferrous (iron-containing) metallurgy.
- The use of iron significantly impacted daily life.
  - Iron farming tools (sickles and plow tips) increased efficiency and allowed farmers to work tougher soils and experiment with new crops.

### Historical Antecedents: Ancient Times

Sumerian Civilization:
- Developed cuneiform writing (pictograms and drawings).
- Used clay tablets to record historical information and cultural knowledge.
- Invented the potter's wheel for efficient movement of heavy objects.
- Pioneers in astronomy, laying the foundation for logic, mathematics, engineering, architecture, agriculture, transportation, and medicine.
- Developed the sexagesimal system (number system based on 60).
- Established a systematized approach to farming.
Babylonian Civilization:
- Established the Hammurabi Law, which provided stability and rules for the region.
- Constructed the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
- Created the Isthar Gate.
- Developed an irrigation system of canals.
- Introduced double-entry bookkeeping and created multiplication, division tables, and used geometry for calculations.
- Made accurate predictions of solar and lunar eclipses and other astronomical phenomena.
Egyptian Civilization:
- Learned to heat metal ore (copper, gold, bronze) for making weapons, pottery, and utensils.
- Became the first to master glass-blowing techniques, creating glass jars and beads.
- Utilized papyrus reeds for writing tools (ink and brushes).
- Developed hieroglyphics (pictorial writing system).
- Mastered the art and science of embalming the dead.
- Developed a 29 1/2-day calendar and divided the day into 24 hours.
- Advanced their understanding of astronomy, particularly regarding the disappearance of the star Sirius.
- Constructed pyramids, showcasing their skills in geometry, engineering, architecture, and labor management.
- Implemented extensive irrigation systems for agriculture, producing wheat and barley.
- Built houses from sun-dried mud bricks.
- Developed shipbuilding techniques and constructed canals, dikes, and ditches.
- Raised livestock (ducks, geese, pigs, goats, cattle, sheep).
- Manufactured soap, oils, perfumes, and eye makeup.
Cretan (Minoan) Civilization:
- Engaged in overseas trade, exporting tin, wine, oil, jewelry, and crafts.
- Built the first major navy ship in the world.
- Crafted statues, ceramics, frescoes, jewels, and inscriptions, revealing knowledge of mathematics, engineering, and architecture.
- Developed drainage systems, public halls, courtyards, religious shrines.
- Practiced polyculture and maintained a healthy diet.
Greek Civilization:
- Established the Olympic Games.
- Invented the astrolabe for astronomical measurements and location.
- Developed theater, water clocks, Greek fire, levers, cranes, water mills, catapults.
- Advanced surveying and mathematics.
- Notable philosophers:
  - Hippocrates (Father of Medicine)
  - Aristotle (Father of Biology)
  - Archimedes (Laws of the Lever)
  - Theophrastus (Father of Plant Science)
- Introduced the arch, fundamental in Persian building construction.
Roman Civilization:
- Utilized water power and water mills.
- Exploited wood and coal.
- Developed aqueducts to supply water, as well as dams, bridges, and amphitheaters.
- Advanced astronomy, astrology, geography, and other sciences.
- Perfected glassblowing techniques, resulting in window glass, hanging glass oil lamps, and other objects.

### Historical Antecedents: Medieval Times

Medieval times (500-1500 AD) encompassed the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
Key Agricultural Innovations:
- Heavy wheeled plow
- Three-field crop rotation system
- Horse collar
- Stirrup
- Horseshoe
- Artesian well
- Wheelbarrow
Military Technology:
- Armor: Used for protection
- Bow: Used for hunting and warfare
Technological Advances:
- Vertical windmills
- Spectacles
- Mirrors
- Mechanical clocks
- Hourglass
- Watermills
- Spinning wheels
- Furnaces
Educational Advancements:
- Development of Oxford and Cambridge Universities with focuses on theology, medicine, and law.
The Black Death (14th Century):
- Marked a sudden end to a period of significant scientific change.
- Killed 25-50% of the European population.
- Led to the establishment of the quarantine technique (40-day isolation period), introduced by the Republic of Ragusa.

### Historical Antecedents: Renaissance Times

The Renaissance marked a period of cultural and intellectual rebirth and creativity.
It was a golden age for advancements in art, literature, science, geography, astronomy, chemistry, physics, mathematics, manufacturing, anatomy, and engineering.
Key Inventions and Innovations:
- Printing Press (Johann Gutenberg): Enabled widespread printing of the Bible in various languages.
- Invention of the Newspaper.
- Improvements in mining and metallurgy.
- Development of the nautical compass and mariner's astrolabe.
- Advancement in firearms, including the musket (muzzle-loaded long gun).
Scientific Advancements:
- Alchemy focused on transforming substances and finding cures for diseases, extending life.
- Medicine: Increased focus on experimental investigations, particularly dissection and body examination.
  - Andreas Vesalius described the anatomy of the brain and other organs, giving rise to neurology.
  - William Harvey provided detailed descriptions of the circulatory system and developed effective drugs.

### Historical Antecedents: Modern Times

### Science and Technology During the Scientific Revolution

The Scientific Revolution witnessed the emergence of modern science during the early modern period.
It coincided with the Enlightenment or Age of Reason.
This period marked the development of the microscope, barometer (air pressure measurement tool), thermometer, and telescope.
These instruments contributed to the rise of new intellectual knowledge, particularly in the fields of magnetism, electricity, heliocentric theory (Sun-centered universe), elliptical orbits of celestial bodies, discovery of planets and moons.

### Key Scientific Theories During the Scientific Revolution

Heliocentric Theory (Nicolaus Copernicus): The Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion:
- Planets travel in elliptical orbits around the Sun, with the sun at one focus of the ellipse.
- A planet's movement around the Sun is such that a line drawn from the planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times.
- The square of a planet's orbital period is proportional to the cube of its mean distance from the Sun.
Other Significant Discoveries:
- Galileo Galilei observed numerous stars invisible to the naked eye, sunspots, phases of Venus, and Moons of Jupiter.
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's observations of minute living things (invisible to the naked eye) gave rise to microbiology.
Newton's Laws of Motion:
- Law of Inertia: An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
- Law of Acceleration: The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to its mass.
- Law of Interaction (Action-Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
- Law of Universal Gravitation: Every object in the universe attracts every other object. This attraction is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between scientific progress and societal values through this quiz on Science, Technology, and Society (STS). Understand how innovation impacts society, and the role of technology in solving real-world problems. This quiz bridges the history and philosophy of science with contemporary issues.