Module 2: Science, Technology, and Nation Building PDF

GE 6: Science, Technology and Society A Module Prepared by: JEAN A. BALDOZA Instructor College of Management 1st Sem SY: 2023-2024  MODULE GUIDE This module is designed for i...

GE 6: Science, Technology and Society A Module Prepared by: JEAN A. BALDOZA Instructor College of Management 1st Sem SY: 2023-2024  MODULE GUIDE This module is designed for independent and discovery learning. As a student, you are expected to be in charge of your own learning process by going through the different tasks and activities prepared for you. Thus, it is necessary that you carefully follow the directions. Every lesson begins with the objectives and an introduction to guide and give you an initial idea of the topic and the skills you are expected to acquire upon completing the lesson. After which are these sections which provide you with the instructions to follow, questions to answer, activities to accomplish, or texts to read and understand. To wit: ✓ Let’s Get Started. In this section, you will be asked do an activity or answer several questions to either activate your prior knowledge about the new topic or review the past ones. In answering this part of the lesson, you should only rely on your prior knowledge and NOT cheat by reading the next section or searching for answers online. ✓ Let’s Read. This contains the text or readings about the topic. Be it known that these materials are only outsourced from various print and online references. Copyrights rightfully belong to the respective authors which are cited at the end of the lesson. ✓ Let’s Remember. This contains a summary or a list of the major points or ideas from reading. ✓ Let’s Do It. This is the formative assessment of the lesson where you will answer questions to gauge your attainment of the objectives. Do as the directions say. Should you need more space for your answers, attach additional sheets of papers. At the end of each module is a major output or a performance task that will have you apply what you learned from the different lessons in the module. Instructions are detailed for your compliance. Should you have any concern or question about the lesson or the module, feel free to contact me in the following platforms: SMS: 09300694944 Facebook/ Messenger: Jean A. Baldoza E-mail: [email protected] Disclaimer: This is for Instructional purposes only. All concepts in here are based on Serafica, J. P., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib Jr., B. N. and Alata, E. J. P. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. Rex Book Store, Inc., Sampaloc, Manila. ISBN 978-971-23-8671-8. Hence, the author of this module has no proprietary right on the same. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 2 of 16  Module 2 Module Title: Science, Technology and Nation Building Module Description: This module is all about the topics to further understand science, technology and nation-building. Purpose of the Module: This module let the students learn about the brief historical background of science and technology in the Philippines, government policies on science and technology, and science education in the Philippines. Module Guide: In using this module, students must bear in mind that they should have focus in all the things they will read. At the same time, they must imagine that they are inside the classroom while answering the activities given. If words are vague and hard to understand, students must find time to unlock the meaning of those words on their own. Students must follow the following: 1. Read the lessons carefully and with understanding. 2. Answer all the activities as instructed after each lesson. 3. Follow all the instruction written in this module and 4. Submit necessary requirements on or before the deadline. Module Outcomes: 1. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation-building; 2. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of nation-building; 3. Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino nation; 4. Discuss the concept of science education; 5. Identify science schools established to promote science education in the Philippines; 6. Discuss the concept of indigenous science; and 7. Discuss the contribution of indigenous science in the development of science and technology in the Philippines. Module Requirements: At the end of this module, the students are expected to explain the significance of science and technology in nation building and the efforts put forward by the government to science education in the Philippines. Key Terms: Government Policy, Indigenous Science, Indigenous Knowledge [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 3 of 16  Learning Plan Lesson 1: Science, Technology, and Nation-Building https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWYwT3zxito Let’s Hit These: At the end of this lesson, students should be able to: Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation-building; Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions to nation-building; and Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino nation. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 4 of 16  Let’s Get Started: Directions: Write A if the statement happened during the Pre-Spanish Period, B if during Spanish Period, C for American Period. 1. Established public education. 2. Formally introduced Science as a subject in basic education. 3. Trading with China, Indonesia, Japan, and other nearby countries. 4. Established schools for boys and girls. 5. Science is observed in the way Filipinos interpret the movements of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climate. 6. Sophisticated designs of gold and silver jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools. 7. Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by the Catholic orders. 8. Built University of the Philippines. 9. Women are taught with household chores. 10. Galleon trade. Let’s Read: [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 5 of 16  Let’s Read: Lesson 1: Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines Introduction This lesson will discuss the influence of science and technology in the development of the Philippine society. It identifies government programs, projects, and policies geared toward boasting the science and technological capacity of the country. This lesson will also include discussions on Philippine indigenous science and technology. Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines The history of science and technology in the Philippines started way back before the country gained its independence from the American colonizers. Before the coming of the Spanish colonizers, the early inhabitants of the archipelago had their own culture and traditions. They had their own belief system and indigenous knowledge system that keeps them organized and sustained their lives and communities for many years. Science, in pre-Spanish Philippines, is embedded in the way of life of the people. Scientific knowledge is observed in the way they plant their crops that provide them food, in taking care of animals to help them in their daily tasks, and for food production. Science is observed in the way they interpret the movements of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climates, and in organizing days into months and years. They use science in preparing the soil for agricultural purposes and like any other ancient cultures, they discovered the medicinal uses of plants. Technology is used by people in building houses, irrigations, and in developing tools that they can use in everyday life. They developed tools for planting, hunting, cooking, and fishing; for fighting their enemies during war or tribal conflicts; and for transportation, both on land and on waterways. They also developed technologies in creating musical instruments. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 6 of 16  The different archeological artifacts discovered in different parts of the country also prove that the Metal Age also had a significant influence on the lives of early Filipinos. The sophisticated designs of gold and silver jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools proved that their technological ideas helped in the development of different tools. Also, trading with China, Indonesia, Japan, and other nearby countries have influenced their lives by providing different opportunities for cultural and technological exchange. All these ancient practices in science and technology are considered now as indigenous science or folk science. When the Spaniards colonized the country, they brought with them their own culture and practices. They established schools for boys and girls and introduced the concept of subjects and disciplines. It was the beginning of formal science and technology in the country, known now as school of science and technology. Learning of science in school focuses on understanding different concepts related to the human body, plants, animals, and heavenly bodies. Technology focuses on using and developing house tools used in everyday life. Life during the Spanish era slowly became modernized, adapting some Western technology and their ways of life. The Filipinos developed ways to replicate the technology brought by the Spaniards using indigenous materials. Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by the Catholic orders. The galleon trade has brought additional technology and development in the Philippines. Although it is only beneficial for the Spaniards, these trades allowed other ideas, crops, tools, cultural practices, technology, and Western practices to reach the country. Some Filipino students who were able to study in Europe also contributed to the advancement of medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature in the country. The Philippines, being one of the centers of global trade in Southeast Asia during that time, was considered to be one of the most developed places in the region. Although the country is blessed with these developments, the superstitious beliefs of the people and [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 7 of 16  the Catholic doctrines and practices during the Spanish era halted the growth of science in the country. The Americans have more influence in the development of science and technology in the Philippines compared to the Spaniards. They established the public education system, improved the engineering works and the health conditions of the people. They established a modern research university, the University of the Philippines, and created more public hospitals than the former colonial master. The mineral resources of the country were also explored and exploited during the American times. Transportation and communication systems were improved, though not accessible throughout the country. The Americans did everything to “Americanize” the Philippines. They reorganized the learning of science and introduced it in public and private schools. In basic education, science education focuses on nature studies and science and sanitation, until it became a subject formally known as “Science.” The teaching of science in higher education has also greatly improved and modernized. Research were done to control malaria, cholera, and tuberculosis and other tropical diseases. The desire of the Americans to develop the human resources of the Philippines to serve their own interests is, somehow, beneficial in the country. These allowed American scholars to introduce new knowledge and technology in the country. The Protestant Church missions in different places in the country also brought hospitals and schools to far-flung areas. Little by little, these efforts built a stronger foundation for science and technology in the country. However, World War II has destabilized the development of the country in many ways. Institutions and public facilities were turned into ashes, houses were burned, and many lives were destroyed. The country had a difficult to rebuild the country may be strong but the capacity of the country to bring back what is destroyed was limited. The reparation funds focused on building some institutions and public facilities like schools, hospitals, and transportation systems. The reparation money from Japan was also concentrated on building highways and in providing technological training and human resource development in the country. The development of science and technology in the Philippines, based on its brief history, is shaped by several factors and influences. Like in the history of science in other countries, it is always shaped by human and social activities, both internal and external. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 8 of 16  Science and technology may have significant impact on the lives of the people and in the development of the Philippine society. However, improving the quality of science education remains as a big challenge in the country. School science from basic education to graduate is improving slowly, and there are only few students enrolling in science and technology courses. Think about these questions: 1. What are the significant contributions of the Spaniards and Americans to the development of science and technology in the Philippines? 2. What can you say about the state of science and technology during the Spanish and American period? 3. How does school science shape science and technology in the country? [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 9 of 16  Government Policies on Science and Technology The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs, projects, and policies to boost the area of science and technology. The goal is to prepare the whole country and its people to meet the demands of a technologically driven world and capacitate the people to live in a world driven by science. Padilla-Conception (2015) reported that in 2015, in response to the ASEAN 2015 Agenda, the government, particularly the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has sought the expertise of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) to consult various sectors in the society to study how the Philippines can prepare itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015 Goals. As a result of the consultation, the NCRP is expected to recommend policies and program that will improve the competitiveness of the Philippines in the ASEAN Region. The NCRP clustered these policies into four, namely: 1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance ✓ Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic education without adding to the curriculum ✓ Emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue ✓ Developing school infrastructure and providing for ICT broadband ✓ Local food security 2. Physics, Engineering, and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics ✓ Emphasizing degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities ✓ Outright grants for peer monitoring ✓ Review of R.A 9184 ✓ Harnessing science and technology as an independent mover of development [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 10 of 16  3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences ✓ Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-harmonizes standards by full implementation of the Food and Drug Administration ✓ Creating an education council dedicated to standardization of pharmaceutical services and care ✓ Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as pool of information ✓ Allocating two percent of the GDP to research ✓ Legislating a law supporting human genome projects 4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry ✓ Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing laws ✓ Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries ✓ Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people’s conservation ✓ Formulation pf common food and safety standards There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government through the DOST. Some of these projects are the following: Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology. The government funds basic and applied researches. Funding of these research and projects are also from the Overseas Development Aid (ODA) from different countries. Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the field of science and technology. Saloma (2015) pointed out that the country needs to produce more doctoral graduates in the field of science and technology, and produce more research in these fields, including engineering. Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System for training young Filipinos in the field of science and technology. Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and industry partnerships. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 11 of 16  Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to come home and work in the Philippines or conduct research and projects in collaboration with Philippine-based scientists. Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses to encourage academe and industry partnerships. The establishment of the National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex within the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman. These aimed to develop more science and technology and engineering manpower resources needed by the country. They also aimed to produce more researches in these fields. The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE, 2008) identified several capacity building programs such as: Establishment of national centers of excellence Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP) to produce more Ph.D. graduates in science and engineering Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries that will lead the country in different research and development areas Establishment of science and technology business centers to assist, advise, and incubate technopreneurship ventures Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine Science High School system In the field of education, several science-related programs and projects were created to develop the scientific literacy of the country. Special science classes were organized and special science elementary schools were established in different regions. Aside from these science, and mathematics in basic education were continuously improved. The current K to 12 education program included Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as one of its major tracks in the senior high school program to encourage more students to enroll in science -related fields in college. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 12 of 16  Lately, the commission on Higher Education launched in Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PICARI) project to allow several higher education institutions in the Philippines and some US-based laboratories, Research institutes, and Universities to work on research and projects related to science, agriculture, engineering, health, and technology. This project is hoped to strengthen the STEM competitiveness of the country. There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to embark various research and projects. The following are some of them. 1. Use of alternative and safe energy 2. Harnessing mineral resources 3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness 4. Climate change and global warming 5. Increasing food production 6. Preservation of natural resources 7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities 8. Infrastructure development. The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and technology. These laws serve as a legal framework for science and technology in the country. These laws vary according to different themes such as: conservation, health- related, technology-building, and supporting basic research, among others. Some laws and policies are in line with international treaties such as the United Nations (UN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other international agencies. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 13 of 16  Figure 4. Development of Science and Technology Policies in the Philippines As shown in the diagram, the development of policies in science and technology is shaped or influenced by several variables: policies need to be aligned to national goals, consider international commitments based on legal frameworks, and respond to various social needs, issues, and problems. Science and technology policies ensure that the whole country and all people will experience the progress that science can bring. Policies are guides to direct all efforts to a goal of developing a scientifically advanced country. Famous Filipinos in the field of Science School science is filled with names of foreign scientists: Einstein, Galileo Galilei. Newton. Faraday, Darwin, and many other Western scientists. We rarely hear of Filipino scientists being discussed in science classes. Lee Chua (2000) identified 10 outstanding Filipino scientists who have made significant contributions in Philippine science. These scientists are also famous abroad especially indifferent science disciplines: agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, chemistry, engineering and biology. The Filipino scientists are: 1.Ramon Cabanos Barba - for his outstanding research on tissue culture in Philippine mangoes 2. Josefino Cacas Comiso - for his works on observing the characteristics of Antarctica by using satellite images 3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. - known internationally in the field of electrical engineering; was elected as officer of the famous Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 14 of 16  4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz - notable for her research on sea snail venom 5. Fabian Millar Dayrit - for his research on herbal medicine. 6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero Ill - for his research on tilapia culture 7.Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. - for inventing the meconium drugs testing 8. Lilian Formalejo Patena - for doing research on plant biotechnology 9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz - for being an outstanding educator and graph theorist. 10.Gregory Ligot Tangonan - for his research in the field of communications technology There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who are recognized here and abroad for their outstanding contributions in science: ✓ Caesar A. Saloma - an internationally renowned physicist ✓ Eduardo Gomez - famous scientist in marine science ✓ William Padolina - chemistry and president of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)Philippines ✓ Angel Alcala - marine science There are other scientists in the Philippines who were not identified in the list. Yet, the Philippines still need more scientists and engineers, and there is a need to support scientific research in the country. The University of the Philippines-Los Baños is a science paradise for agriculture, forestry, plant and animal science, and veterinary science. It has produced numerous scientists and various research in the fields mentioned. The University of the Philippines-Visayas is also a national center for marine science, fisheries, and other related sciences. The University of the Philippines-Manila is a center of excellence and has produced many researchers, doctors, health professionals, and scientists in the area of medical and public health. The University of the Philippines-Diliman also has established a national science and engineering complex to develop more research and produce more scientists and engineers in the country. The government must find ways to establish more research laboratories and research institutes. There is also a need to find ways on how their research are disseminated to the public. Many of these Filipino scientists are products of good school science. It means they were taught and inspired by great teachers. Their interests in science started to manifest during their childhood years. Their natural environment ignited their curiosity to learn more [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 15 of 16  about the natural and physical environment. Schools and the laboratories where they studied and worked nurtured this. SCHOOL CIENCE Individual Interests SCIENCE LABORATOR in Science IES (TEACHERS AND LEARNING (REAL- Family LIFE ENVIRONMENT CONTEXT) ) Natural Environment FILIPINO SCIENTISTS Figure 5. Factors that Influence the Development of Filipino Scientists Many Filipino scientists whether they are in the country or abroad, always excel in their jobs. The Filipino spirit in their souls has never faded. They continue to bring honor to the country. They make ordinary things in an extraordinary way. They are always at par with other scientists in spite of the limited facilities we have here in the country. Think about these questions 1. Identify several issues in the Philippines. What science and technology-related politics could be developed and implemented to solve the issues? 2. What can you say about the implementation of some science and technology policies and projects in the country? 3. What are the laws related to science and technology in the Philippines from the year 2000? 4. How are these laws implemented? Activity 1. Identify several Filipino scientist. 2. Research on their contribution in the field of science. 3. Examine what made them pursue a career in science. 4. Present the result of your work in class. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 16 of 16  Lesson 2: Science Education in the Philippines LESSON OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to: ✓ Discuss the concept of the science education and; and ✓ Identify science schools established to promote science education in the Philippines. INTRODUCTION The Philippines is trying it’s the best to improve the state of science education on the country. The lesson will discuss the concept of science education and will identify some strategies to promote science education in the country. One of the strategies is to establish science schools thar will encourage students to pursue their career in science and technology and to nurture their gifted potentials in science. THE CONCEPT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION Science and education focus on teaching, learning, and understanding science. Teaching science involves developing ways on how to effectively teach science. The means exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers each scientific concepts and processes effectively. Learning science, on the other hand, includes both pedagogy and the most interesting aspect, which is helping students understand and love science. Understanding science implies developing and applying science-process skills and using science literacy in understanding the natural world and activities in everyday life. Getting deeper into the discourse of science education, John Dewey (2001) stressed the importance of utilizing the natural environment to teach students. Accordingly, nature must indeed furnish its physical stimuli to provide wealth of meaning through social activities and thinking. It is not surprising therefore that science education is important. In fact, Marx (1994) opines that science is going to be one of the most important school subjects in the future. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 17 of 16  Science education is justified by the vast amount of scientific knowledge developed in this area that prepares citizens in a scientifically and technologically driven world. Science education provides skills and knowledge that are necessary for a person to live in what knight (1986) describes as the age of science and to develop a citizenry that will meet the goals of science in the society (Tilghman,2005). Developing a science culture is therefore an immense responsibility for schools. Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education In basic education, science education helps students learn important concepts and facts that are related to everyday life (Carale and Campo, 2003; Meador , 2005; Worth and Grollman, 2003) including important skills such as process skills, critical thinking skills and life skills that are needed in coping up with daily life activities( Chaille and Britain, 2002). Science education also develop positive attitude such as: the love for knowledge, passion for innovative things, curiosity to study about nature and creativity (Lind, 1997). Science education will develop a strong foundation for studying science and for considering science related careers in the future. This is an investment for the country to develop a scientifically cultured and literate citizenry. In tertiary education, science education deals with developing students understanding and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works. This is done through offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum. Science education in the tertiary level also focuses on the preparation of science teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professional in various science-related fields such as engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences. The state provides scholarships to encourage more students to pursue science courses. Science Schools in the Philippine One outstanding program for science education supposed by the government is the establishment of science schools in various parts of the country. There are also several government program implemented by the Department of Education and few private schools for science education. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 18 of 16  Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) This is government program for gifted students in the Philippines. It is a service institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) whose mandate is to offer free scholarship basis for secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences, with the end-view of preparing its students for a science career (Republic Act No. 3661). The school maintains a dormitory for all students. Since its inception, the PSHSS continues to pursue its vision to develop Filipino science scholars with scientific minds and passion for excellence. PSHSS student have proven to be a beacon of excellence, courage, and hope for the country. They have brought honor to the Philippines through their exemplary achievements in various international competitions and research circles. When the students graduate from the school, they are expected to pursue degrees in science and technology at various colleges and universities locally or abroad. Special Science Elementary School (SSES) Project The Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project is in pursuance of DepEd Order No. 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010. This project started in June 2007 with 57 identified elementary schools that participated or were identified as science elementary schools in the country. Since its inception, the number have grown to more than 60 schools nationwide and this is now its sixth year of implementation. The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and technological knowledge, skills, and values. Its mission is to: provide a learning environment to science-inclined children through a special curriculum that recognizes the multiple intelligences of the learners; promote the development of lifelong learning skills; and foster the holistic development of the learners. The subject Science and Health is taught in Grade 1 with a longer time compared to other subjects: 70 minutes for Grade I to III and 80 minutes for Grades IV to VI. The curriculum [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 19 of 16  also utilizes different instructional approaches that address the learning styles and needs of the learners like the use of investigatory projects. Quezon City Regional Science High School The school was established on September 17, 1967. Originally, it was named Quezon City Science High School. It was turned into a regional science high school for the National Capital Region in 1999. The school was a product of a dream to establish a special science school for talented students in science and mathematics. The focus of the curriculum is on science and technology. The school still teaches the basic education courses prescribed by the Department of Education (DepEd) for secondary education. However, there are additional subjects in sciences and technology that students should take. The school envisions to serve as a venue in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted students to develop spirit of inquiry and creativity. The school is well- supported by the local government unit and by the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA). The school is under the Department of Education. Manila Science High School The school was established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High School (MSHS). It is the first science high school in the Philippines. The organization and curriculum of the school puts more emphasis on science and mathematics. MSHS aims to produce scientists with souls. In order to do this, humanities courses and other electives are included in their curriculum. Students are also encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. The school administers an entrance exam, the Manila Science High School Admission Test (MSAT), for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT has five parts: aptitude in science, aptitude test in mathematics, problem-solving test in science, problem- solving test in mathematics, and proficiency in English. The school prides itself from producing outstanding alumni and for winning various national competitions. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 20 of 16  Central Visayan Institute Foundation It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). The DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories adapted to foster the highest level of learning, creativity, and productivity. The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) established in 1992, which organizes small international workshops to foster the informal but intense exchange of ideas and perspectives on outstanding problems in physics and mathematics. Think about these questions 1. What other government projects and programs are available for science education in the Philippines? 2. Are there private schools with outstanding science education program? Identify and compare their science education program with public science schools. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 21 of 16  Lesson 3: INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES LESSON OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to: ✓ discuss the concept of indigenous science; and ✓ discuss the contribution of indigenous science in the development of science and technology in the Philippines. INTRODUCTION This lesson focuses on indigenous science and technology in the Philippines. Filipinos, especially during the early times, tried to invent tools that will help them in everyday life. They also developed alternative ideas in explaining various phenomena and in explaining the world around them. This system of knowledge is called indigenous knowledge, which is the foundation of indigenous science. Indigenous Knowledge System Indigenous knowledge is embedded in the daily life experiences of young children as they grow up. They live and grow in a society where the members of the community prominently practice indigenous knowledge. Their parents and other older folks served as their first teachers and their methods of teaching are very effective in transmitting cultural knowledge in their minds. The lessons they learned are intimately interwoven with their culture and the environment. These lessons comprised of good value and life stories of people on their daily life Struggles. Their views about nature and their reflections on their experiences in daily life are evident in their stories, poems, and songs. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 22 of 16  Some examples of indigenous knowledge that are taught and practiced by the indigenous people are: ✓ predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animals' behavior and celestial bodies; ✓ using herbal medicine; ✓ preserving foods; ✓ classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural properties; ✓ preserving and selecting good seeds for planting; ✓ using indigenous technology in daily lives; ✓ building local irrigation systems; ✓ classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural properties; ✓ producing wines and juices from tropical fruits; and ✓ keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard. Indigenous Science Indigenous science is part of the indigenous knowledge system practiced by different groups of people and early civilizations (Gribbin, 2001; Mkapa, 2004; Sibisi, 2004). It includes complex arrays of knowledge, expertise, practices, and representations that guide human societies in their enumerable interactions with the natural milieu: agriculture, medicine, naming and explaining natural phenomena, and strategies for coping with changing environments (Pawilen, 2005). Ogawa (1995) claimed that it is collectively lived in and experienced by the people of a given culture. According to Cajete (2004), indigenous science includes everything, from metaphysics to philosophy and various practical technologies practiced by indigenous peoples both past and present. Iaccarino (2003) elaborated this idea by explaining that science is a part of culture, and how science is done largely depends on the cultural practices of the people. [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 23 of 16  Indigenous beliefs also develop desirable values that are relevant or consistent to scientific attitudes as identified by Johnston (2000), namely: (1) motivating attitudes; (2) cooperating attitudes; (3) practical attitudes; and (4) reflective attitudes. These cultural beliefs therefore can be good foundation for developing positive values toward learning and doing science and in bringing science in a personal level. Pawilen (2005) explained that indigenous science knowledge has developed diverse structures and contents through the interplay between the society and the environment. According to Kuhn (1962), developmental stages of most sciences are characterized by continual competition between a number of distinct views of nature, each partially derived from, and all roughly compatible with the dictates of scientific observation and method. Sibisi (2004) also pointed out that indigenous science provides the basics of astronomy, pharmacology, food technology, or metallurgy, which were derived from traditional knowledge and practices. Pawilen (2006) developed a simple framework for understanding indigenous science. Accordingly, indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge that uses science process skills and guided by community values and culture. Figure 6. The Concept of Indigenous Science [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 24 of 16  1. Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting. 2. Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values such as the following: ✓ The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator. ✓ The Earth is revered as "Mother Earth." It is the origin of their identity as people. ✓ All living and nonliving things are interconnected and interdependent with each other. ✓ Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They have a responsibility to preserve it. ✓ Nature is a friend to human beings it needs respect and proper care. 3. Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by people and communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk astronomy. Indigenous science is important in the development of science and technology in the Philippines. Like the ancient civilizations, indigenous science gave birth to the development of science and technology as a field and as a discipline. Indigenous science helped the people in understanding the natural environment and in coping with everyday life. UNESCO's Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge (1999) recognized indigenous science as a historical and valuable contribution to science and technology. Think about these: 1. What is the role of indigenous science knowledge in the development of indigenous science? 2. What is the role of indigenous science in the development of science and technology in the Philippines? 3. How do society and culture influence the development of science and technology? [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 25 of 16  it is important to note that these men, particularly through their ideas, had shaken the world. Activity 1. Identify Filipino indigenous knowledge. 2. Research on the connection of indigenous knowledge to science and technology. 3. Present the result of your work to the class. Let’s Do This: Directions: Answer the following in a one whole sheet of paper. 1. What is the status of science education in the Philippines today? 2. Are the science programs and policies of the Philippine government effective in solving the economic, social, and environmental problems? Explain. 3. Enumerate ten Filipino scientist and their contributions in science. Suggested Readings: Here are some links for you to read and view for additional information about our first lesson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWYwT3zxito https://www.dostv.ph/blog/top-10-filipino-scientists-who-made-a-remarkable- contribution-to-the-field-of-science https://www.google.com/search?q=filipino+scientist+and+their+contributions&sc a_esv=559959589&tbm=vid&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd1qrFuveAAx XfSmwGHftQBB8Q0pQJegQIBhAI&biw=1396&bih=672&dpr=1.38#fpstate=ive& vld=cid:e522f4d3,vid:E49MO3feBOA https://www.google.com/search?q=indigenous+science++in+the+philippines&sc a_esv=559959589&biw=1396&bih=672&tbm=vid&ei=rHHoZJeRG9Cb4- EPrMav- [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 26 of 16 [GE 6]: [Science, Technology and Society] 27 of 16