Unit 1 - General Concepts in STS History

Unit 1 - General Concepts and STS Historical Developments

• This unit covers the interactions between science, technology, and society throughout history.
• Objectives include: discussing science and technology interactions throughout history; analyzing how scientific and technological developments impact society and the environment; identifying historical paradigm shifts; explaining how science and technology shape societies; recognizing the contributions of past civilizations to advancements; and evaluating the impact of Philippine government science and technology policies on nation-building.

Ancient Times

• Early humans explored their environment, gaining knowledge, and creating a comfortable lifestyle.

• Ancient civilizations and empires emerged, leading to increased scientific understanding.

Medieval or Dark Ages

• This period was characterized by a lack of significant scientific advancements, great art production, or notable leaders.

• Key events like the Fall of Rome and the Black Death were noted.

• Books were expensive and rare, requiring hand-copying for each book.

Gutenberg Printing Press

• Johannes Gutenberg's printing press revolutionized the production of written works.

• It enabled easier access to information and marked the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Revolutionary Discoveries in Modern Ages

• Nicolaus Copernicus's heliocentric theory placed the Sun at the center of the solar system.

• Isaac Newton's law of gravity explained the force that keeps celestial bodies in motion.

• Galileo Galilei's discoveries in the fields of the telescope, motion, and inertia profoundly impacted scientific thought.

First Industrial Revolution

• James Watt's steam engine and Edmund Cartwright's mechanical loom were pivotal advancements.

Stages of Technological Advancement

• The document outlines four stages of technological advancement. They are Mechanical Production, Mass Production, Digital, and Cyber Physical Systems.

Pre-Spanish Period and Spanish Colonial Period

• Philippine pre-colonial societies, as evidenced by the Banaue Rice Terraces, exhibited early technological advancements.

• The Spanish colonial era brought changes, including introduction of institutions and the Suez Canal.

American Period and Post Commonwealth Era

• The American period established key government science and technology institutions like the Bureau of Government laboratories and Institute of Science.

Marcos Era and Martial Law

• Government agencies like National Grains Authority (NGA), PAGASA, Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) were established or re-organized during this period.

The Fifth Republic

• Corazon Aquino's administration was marked by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988, which included the Science for the Masses program.

Fidel V. Ramos Presidency

• This period saw initiatives such as science high schools in Visayas and Mindanao, the Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel, and the inventors incentives act.

Pres. Joseph Estrada Presidency

• This period was marked by the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000.

Pres. Gloria Arroyo Presidency

• This period was referred to as the "Golden Age" of science and technology, with emphasis placed on environmental and science laws.

• The Biofuels Act focused on creating alternative energy sources

Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III Presidency

• Four new National Scientists were recognized in this period.

Some Filipino Inventors and Inventions

• The presentation highlights significant inventions by Filipinos from the 17th century to the 20th century.

• Examples include the Yo-yo, Banana Catsup, Medical Incubator, Patis or fish sauce, Erythromycin, Video Phone, Isolated Rice Breeds, Lunar Rover, and 16-bit computer microchip.

• Inventors and their inventions, with specific years of creation, are given.