STS-Handout-1.docx

**Lesson 1 Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society** **Objective**: 1. Students will understand the fundamental concepts of how science and technology interact with and influence society. They will explore examples of this relationship and reflect on its implications. **Science*...

**Lesson 1 Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society** **Objective**: 1. Students will understand the fundamental concepts of how science and technology interact with and influence society. They will explore examples of this relationship and reflect on its implications. **Science** comes from the Latin word ***scientia***, meaning '**knowledge**.' It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both. **Technology**, for its part, is the application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems. It comes from the Greek root word techne, meaning 'art, skill, or cunning of hand. **Science** is the study of the natural world by systematic methods of observation and experiment. Technology is the application of science to practical purposes. Moreover, Society uses those technologies. That is how they are connected. Its primary focus the explication and analysis of science and technology as complex social constructs with attendant societal influences entailing myriad epistemological, political, and ethical question ("Science, Technology, And Society Studies," 2021). Let us imagine we are on top of the most remote mountain in the Philippines; unless we live in such a place, imagination is not needed. Science would become a big deal for us. Without it, there could be no cellular phones for communication and entertainment: no broadcasts are sharing important news nationwide; no electricity to light the night; nothing! Admit it or not, our life is entirely dependent on technology. Eventually, it will reshape our mode of thinking about what is happening around us. That is STS. Science is the study of the natural world by systematic methods of observation and experiment. Technology is the application of science to practical purposes. Moreover, Society uses those technologies. That is how they are connected. **Definition of Science** Philosophers have offered various definitions and perspectives on science throughout history. Here are some notable interpretations: **Aristotle (384--322 BCE):** Aristotle viewed science as a systematic pursuit of knowledge through observation and reasoning. He defined it as the study of the natural world based on empirical evidence and logical deduction. For Aristotle, science involves categorizing and understanding the causes and principles underlying natural phenomena. **Francis Bacon (1561--1626):** Bacon is known for developing the empirical method, which emphasizes observation, experimentation, and inductive reasoning. He defined science as a process of acquiring knowledge through careful experimentation and the systematic collection of data to form general principles. **René Descartes (1596--1650):** Descartes defined science as a methodical pursuit of knowledge based on reason and mathematical principles. He believed that the scientific method should be grounded in deductive reasoning and clear, logical thinking, often focusing on the certainty of mathematical and mechanistic explanations. **Karl Popper (1902--1994):** Popper defined science in terms of falsifiability. According to him, a theory or statement is scientific if it can be empirically tested and potentially refuted. Science progresses by proposing hypotheses that can be rigorously tested and potentially disproven, rather than by confirming pre-existing beliefs. **Thomas Kuhn (1922--1996):** Kuhn introduced the idea of scientific paradigms and revolutions. He defined science as a series of paradigms or frameworks that guide research within a scientific community. According to Kuhn, scientific progress occurs through paradigm shifts, where a prevailing scientific framework is replaced by a new one in response to anomalies and breakthroughs. **Paul Feyerabend (1924--1994):** Feyerabend argued against the notion of a universal scientific method. He defined science as a diverse and anarchic practice that cannot be constrained by a single method or set of rules. According to Feyerabend, scientific progress is best understood as a result of various methods and approaches, rather than a strict adherence to a specific methodology. The interconnectedness of science, technology, and society is a dynamic and reciprocal relationship where each component influences and shapes the others. **1. Science** - **Impact on Technology:** Scientific discoveries and research often lead to technological innovations. For instance, advances in materials science (a branch of science) have led to the development of new materials used in electronics, medicine, and construction. - **Influence from Society:** Societal needs and challenges often drive scientific research. For example, research on climate change is driven by societal concerns about environmental impact and global warming. **2. Technology** **Interconnection with Science and Society:** - **Influence from Science:** Technology often relies on scientific principles and discoveries. For example, the development of computer technology is based on principles of mathematics and physics. - **Impact on Society:** Technological innovations can dramatically alter societal norms, behaviors, and structures. The rise of social media platforms has changed how people communicate, access information, and form social connections. **3. Society** **Interconnection with Science and Technology:** - **Impact on Science:** Societal needs, values, and problems often shape scientific research priorities. For example, public health concerns can drive research into new vaccines and treatments. - **Influence from Technology:** Technology can transform societal structures and everyday life. Innovations such as smartphones and the internet have revolutionized communication, commerce, and education. **Interconnectedness Explained Through Examples:** 1. **Medical Advancements:** - **Science:** Research in biology and medicine leads to the discovery of new treatments and drugs. - **Technology:** Technologies like MRI machines and robotic surgery systems are developed based on scientific research. - **Society:** Advances in medical technology improve healthcare outcomes, influence public health policies, and impact daily life. 2. **Climate Change:** - **Science:** Climate science provides data on global warming and environmental impacts. - **Technology:** Technological solutions such as renewable energy sources (solar, wind) and carbon capture technologies are developed to address climate change. - **Society:** Societal awareness and policy responses are shaped by scientific findings and technological solutions, influencing behavior and regulations. 3. **Information Technology:** - **Science:** Theoretical computer science and engineering principles underpin the development of software and hardware. - **Technology:** Computers, the internet, and mobile devices emerge from scientific and engineering research. - **Society:** These technologies transform how people interact, work, and access information, shaping societal norms and structures. In summary, the interplay between science, technology, and society is a continuous cycle of influence and feedback. Science drives technological innovation, technology impacts society, and societal needs and values shape both scientific research and technological development. Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for addressing contemporary challenges and fostering progress in a holistic and responsible manner. **Science, Technology, and Society**  **Lesson 2 Historical Antecedents in Science and Technology** **Objectives** 1. Discuss the historical antecedents of science and technology across time; and 2. Explain how Philippine scientific and technological inventions shaped and were shaped by various social contexts. **I. ANCIENT TIMES ** In the ancient times, people were concerned with transportation and navigation, communication, and recordkeeping, mass production, security and protection, as well as health, aesthetics, and architecture. Transportation was significant during that time  because people were trying to go places and discover new horizons. They are travelling to search for food and find better locations for their settlements. They also travelled to trade their surplus goods in exchange for things that they lacked. Communication was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy new places. They needed a way to communicate with the natives of the areas they  visited to facilitate trade and prevent possible conflicts. The increase in size and number of nations connoted increased demand for food and other necessities, this condition also implied that the people must be able to produce food at a given time and space since resources were getting scarcer as more people struggled to share the necessities. The people thus needed a form of technology that would enable them to increase food supplies and other survival needs.    **SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION ** Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the area later became Babylonia, Sumerians, are known for their high degree of cooperation with one another and their desire for great things. They are not contented with the basic things that life can offer. This desire pushed them to develop many things connected with science and technology.  **Ancient Wheel** People in the ancient civilization used animals for transportation long before the invention of wheel. No one knows exactly who invented the wheel and when. However, through a general agreement that the ancient wheel grew out of a mechanical device called *potter's wheel*- a heavy flat disk made of hardened clay which was spun horizontally on an axis. Potter's wheel was invented shortly after 3500 BC. The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work and food process. With the use of the wheel and axel, mass production was made easier. Farmers were able to mill grains with less effort in less time.  **Cuneiform ** One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development of the first writing system known as cuneiform. It is a system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which are carved on clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry. Cuneiform allowed the Sumerians to keep records of things with great historical value or their everyday life. It is also one way of passing their traditions, cultures, and their legacy.    **Uruk** **City**  Another important contribution of the Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a great wonder not only because it is considered to be the first true city in the world but also for the way it was erected. There were no building stones in the location of this city and lumber was limited, making the construction a big challenge. The Sumerians were able to build the city using only mud or clay from the river, which they mixed with reeds, producing sunbaked bricks-a true engineering feat. They used the bricks to make houses that protected them from the harsh weather and to build a wall around the city that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering.    **The Ziggurat of Ur ** Another engineering and architectural feat of the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of Ur. The Ziggurat, also called the mountain of God, was built in the same manner that they constructed the City of Uruk. Without much building materials, the structure was constructed using sunbaked bricks. The Ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only priest was allowed to enter.    **Irrigation and Dikes ** As population increase, so did the demand for food. The Sumerians were challenged to mass produce items but the elements in the environment seemed uncooperative. It was difficult to get water from the rivers, thus they could not maintain farmlands. Some groups had scarce water supply, while others had problems with flooding caused by the river. As a solution to this dilemma, the Sumerians created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and at the same time control the flooding of the rivers. This method was considered as one of the world's most beneficial engineering works.    **Sail Boats ** Another challenge to the Sumerians was transportation. At that time, the wheel was not yet invented; the main mode of transportation was trough waterways such as rivers and seas. Boats were used to carry large quantities of products and were able to cover large distances. However, they wanted to discover faraway lands to settle since the population was getting larger, and boats were not enough to accommodate more people and products. They needed a mode of transportation that did not require much human resource. Some resources attribute to the Sumerians the invention of sailboats to address their increasing demands. Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as in fostering culture, information, and technology.      **BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION ** Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates river. The Babylonians were great builders, engineers, and architects. Babylonia emerged near the river because water is one of their basic necessities. Water brings food for them, brings energy and beauty, and it also enable them to travel from one place to another. With the use of river, they are able to exchange their goods to other places and they can also use it to conquer and also to escape    **The Hanging Gardens of Babylon ** One of their major contributions is the hanging garden of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, people can only marvel at the beauty of the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon form the stories of historians and paintings that portray the place. It was said to be a structure made up of layers upon layers of gardens that contained several species of plants, trees, and vines. However, no physical evidence has been found to prove the existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its exact location is unknown.    **EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION ** Another early civilization famous for it legacy is the Egyptian civilization located in North Africa. Many stories tell about the engineering feats of the Egyptian especially regarding infrastructures established by the Pharaohs.    **Paper/Papyrus ** Aside from the Sumerians, Egyptians also developed a system of writing, they were able to make writing easier for the world. Before, they are using tables made from clay tablets but they find it fragile, heavy, and delicate to handle. Hence, the Egyptian invention of paper or papyrus was a welcome development. Papyrus is made from the pith of the papyrus plant ***Cyperus papyrus***. It is lightweight, strong, durable, and most importantly, portable. They were able to process the plant in order to produce thin sheets on which one could write down things.    **Hieroglyphics ** Like Sumerians, the Egyptians also developed a system of writing using symbols, known as hieroglyphics. Although some say that hieroglyphics was adapted from the early writing system established in Mesopotamia as a result of trade between civilizations the Egyptians believed that this writing systems was provided to them by their gods. Their way of writing is also the root cause why many scientists are confused about their history. Hieroglyphics is not just an ordinary writing of text, but it is also consisting of many different symbols and illustrations that may lead the scientist to misinterpretation of data or meaning. Hieroglyphics was the language that tells the modern world of the history and culture of the ancient Egyptians. Their records were well-preserved since they were carved at the walls of pyramids and other important Egyptian structures.    **Cosmetics and Wigs ** Although cosmetics in the modern times are used to improve and highlight the facial features of a person, their function in ancient Egypt was for both health and aesthetic. For example, Egyptians wore ***kohl*** around the eyes to prevent and even cure eye diseases. Kohl was created by mixing soon or malachite with mineral galena. Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptian is the wig. During the ancient Egyptian times, they were used for health and wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes. They used it to cover their head from the harmful rays of the sun.    **Water Clock/Clepsydra ** Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water clock. This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from on vessel to another. This invention also leads to our modern-day clock through series of improvements done by the succeeding civilization. **Shadoof** The shadoof was an early tool invented and used by ancient Egyptians to irrigate land. It is a hand-operated device used for lifting water. Its invention introduced the idea of lifting things using counterweights. The invention of shadoof made farming efficient. It is also believed to be the ancient precursor of more sophisticated irrigation systems.   **GREEK CIVILIZATION ** Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern part of Europe. This makes their country difficult to conquer since it is an archipelago, they can hide or ambush the enemy from various island. Europe is known as the birthplace of western philosophy, some of the major achievements of the Greeks include in-depth works on philosophy and mathematics. Greek civilization has contributed much to the world especially in the fields of science and technology. **Antikythera mechanism** Even before the invention of the antecedents of the modern computer, the Greeks had already invented the ancient world's analog computer orrery. Discovered in 1902 and retrieved from the waters of Antikythera, Greece, the Antikythera mechanism is similar to a mantel clock. It is akin to a clock in the way that the case has a circular faced and rotating hands. It believed to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendar and astrological purposes. It is the oldest known antecedents of modern clockwork, invented by Greek scientists between 150-100 BC. **Aeolipile** Also known as ***Hero's engine***, the aeolipile is widely believed to the ancient precursor of the steam engine. It is a steam-powered turbine which spun when the water container at its center was heated, thus making it practically the first rudimentary steam engine. It is credited to ***Hero of Alexandria*** for his demonstration of the use of the aeolipile during the 1^st^ century AD.   **Water Mill ** Watermills were also considered as one of the most important contributions of the Greek civilization to the world. They were commonly used in agricultural processes like milling of grains which is necessary form of food processing during that time. Mass production of rice, cereals, flours and the like became common with the help of watermills. Modern-day watermills also help for converting mechanical energy into electricity which also leads to invention of windmill and turbine.     **II. MIDDLE AGES ** The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars were prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the field of weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. Most innovative minds came from this period to control the increase of trade and commerce among  nations.    **The Plow/ Heavy Plough ** Another farm technology invented by the Mesopotamians is the plow. The plow was invented to dig the earth in a faster pace. As the plow breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop the seeds and farm work would already be done.    **Printing Press ** Johann Gutenberg was able to invent the printing press, a more reliable way of printing using a cast type. This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical  printing press which was eventually used all over the world. The printing press was invented to address the need for publishing books that would spread information to many people at a faster rate.    **Microscope ** Growing population is caused massive migration and urbanization during the period. More and more people are transferred to polluted and populated urban areas which resulted in more people getting sick and needing medical attention. To develop the proper medicines for the illness, experts must understand the sickness through investigation that is why the invention of this device to magnify the small things that are invisible to the naked eye.    **Telescope ** Since the Middle Ages was also known as the age of exploration, the need for nautical inventions was high. Considering the vast and empty oceans that separated lands, ship captains needed to see far and wide for them to navigate or avoid dangers  at sea.    **Paper Money ** The first known versions of paper money could be traced back to the Chinese in 17^th^ century AD as an offshoot of the invention of block printing, which is similar to stamping. Before the introduction of paper money, precious metals, such as gold and silver were used as currency. However, the idea of assigning value to a marked piece of paper did not immediately become popular. Nonetheless, merchants and traders eventually realized the huge advantage of using paper money because it was easier to transport.  **Mechanical Clock ** Although devices for timekeeping and recording sprung from the ancient times, it was not until Middle Ages that clockwork technology was developed. The development of mechanical clocks paved the way for accurately keeping track of time.    **Spinning Wheel ** Although no consensus could be made regarding the origin of the spinning wheel, it is theorized that the Indians invented the spinning wheel between 6^th^ and 11^th^ century AD. It is a machine used for transforming fiber into thread or yarn and eventually woven into clot on a loom. Prior to the invention of the spinning wheel, weaving was done predominantly through the more time-consuming and tedious process of hand spinning.    **III. MODERN AGES ** The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded that more goods be produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient means of transportation to trade more goods and cover a larger distance. Machines that required animals to operate must thus be upgrade. Faster and easier means to communicate and compute should be developed to establish connections between and among nations. Because of these, the birth of various industries takes place. However, due to massive industrialization, the modern times again faced more complicated problems.    **Compound Microscope ** A Dutch spectacle maker named *Zacharias Janssen* is credited for the invention of the first compound microscope in 1590. Together with his father Hans, Zacharias began experimenting with lenses by putting together several lenses on a tube. This led to an amazing discovery that an object, when placed near the end of the tube, can be magnified far larger than what a simple magnifying lens can do. Today, compound microscope is an important instrument in many scientific studies, such as in the areas of medicine, forensic studies, tissue analysis, atomic studies, and genetics.  **Telescope** Perhaps the most important technological invention in the study of astronomy during the Modern Ages was the practical telescope invented by Galileo Galilei. It is Galileo who firs used telescope skyward and made important astronomical discoveries and identified the presence of craters and mountains on the moon.   **Pasteurization ** Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist, found a way to solve the problem of food spoilage. It is a challenge to keep the manufactured product from deteriorating, especially dairy products. He invented pasteurization, the process of heating dairy products to kill the harmful bacteria that allow the m so spoil faster. Through this process, milk could be stored and consumed for a longer period.    **Petroleum Refinery ** Samuel M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining petroleum. Kerosene was later on referred to as the "illuminating oil" because it was used at first to provide lighting to homes. After some time, it was applied for heating purposes. Nowadays, kerosene is still present as still used by many people for powering automobiles, factories, and power plants, among others.    **Telephone ** Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, and it was one of the most important inventions at that time. But before, the connection is very limited, the commoners cannot afford to buy one, and it is not that reliable in terms of stability and consistency. Nowadays, telephones are one of the necessities in this fast-changing world. Millennials can no longer live without it according to time magazine.    **Calculator ** Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been developed, circumstances in the modern times required a faster way to compute mire complicated  equations. The creation of modern-day calculator did not only pave the way for easier arithmetic calculations, but also resulted in the development of more complex processing machines like computer.    **Jacquard Loom ** Built by French weaver *Joseph Marie Jacquard*, the Jacquard loom simplifies textile manufacturing. Prior to the invention of the Jacquard loom, a drawloom was used which required two people to operate-the *weaver* and the "*drawboy".* In 1801, Jacquard demonstrated the ingenuity of his version of a loom in which series of cards with punched holes automatically created complex textile designs and made mass production easier.    **Engine-powered Airplane ** Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright are credited for designing and operating the first engine-powered aircraft. Orville and Wilbur proved that aircrafts could fly without airfoil-shaped wings. They demonstrated this in their original *Flying Machine* patent, showing that slightly tilted wings, which they referred to as aeroplanes, were the key features of a powered aircraft.    **Television ** Scottish engineer *John Logie Baird* is largely credited for the invention of the modern television. Baird successfully televised objects in outline in 1924, recognizable human faces in 1925, and moving objects in 1926, and projected colored images in 1928. In fact, the British Broadcasting Corporation or BBC used this for its earliest television programming in 1929.   **IV. INVENTIONS BY FILIPINO SCIENTISTS **   Filipinos have long been known for their ingenuity. Most of their inventions appealed to the unique social and cultural context of the archipelagic nation. Throughout Philippine history, Filipinos are responsible for developing many scientific and technological innovations focused on navigation, traditional shipbuilding, textiles, food processing, indigenous arts and techniques, and even cultural inventions.    **Electronic Jeepney (e-jeepney) ** Perhaps one of the most recognizable Filipino inventions and national symbol of the Philippines. Jeepneys were designed and improvised from scratch out of military jeeps that the Americans left in the country after World War II. E-jeepney is the inventive response to criticisms to the traditional jeepney that belched smoke, directly causing air pollution. E-jeepney are designed to be environment-friendly, eliminating noise and air pollution as they run on electricity. They are also more economical for electricity is far cheaper than ordinary diesel allowing jeepney driver to earn more profit.    **Erythromycin ** Illongo scientist *Abelardo Aguilar* invented this antibiotic out of a strain of bacterium called **S*treptomyces erythreus****,* which this drug derived its name. Aguilar was not credited for this discovery by Eli Lilli Co., Aguilar's US employer, to whom he sent the strain for separation. The US company eventually owned the merits for this discovery.    **Medical Incubator ** World-renowned Filipino pediatrician and national scientist, *Fe del Mundo,* is credited for the invention of the incubator and jaundice relieving device. Her original improvised incubator consisted of two native laundry baskets of different sizes that are placed one inside the other. Del Mundo was the first woman pediatrician to be admitted to the prestigious Harvard University's School of Medicine. She is also the founder of the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines. Her pioneering work in pediatrics that spanned a total of eight decades won her the 1977 Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia's premiere prize granted to outstanding individuals whose selfless service remarkably contributed to the betterment of society.    **Mole Remover ** *Rolando dela Cruz,* is credited for the invention of a local mole remover that made use of extracts of cashew nuts (***Annacardium** **occidentale***), which are very common in the Philippines.  Dela Cruz won a gold medal for this invention in the International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design, and Technology Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2000.    **Banana Ketchup ** Filipino food technologist, *Maria Orosa,* is credited for the invention of banana ketchup, a variety of ketchup different from the commonly known tomato ketchup. Historical accounts posit that Orosa invented the banana ketchup at the backdrop of the World War II when there was a huge shortage in tomatoes. Orosa made a variety of ketchup that made use of mashed banana, sugar, vinegar, and spices, which were readily available. It's original color is brownish-yellow, but is dyed red to resemble the color of the most loved tomato ketchup.   **Activity 2 If I were an inventor... (Individual)** **Materials** Long size bond paper Coloring materials   Direction: In this task, you will address this question: "If you were an inventor, what would you invent?" in thinking about an invention, make sure that you come up with one that has not been invented yet but is possible to be invented in the near future. Sketch a draft of your invention then answer the questions that follow.    1. If you were to invent, what would be your invention? Why? 2. How is your invention similar or different from existing tools or technologies in terms of function? 3. Why is there a need for this invention? How will this invention make the world a better place to live in?