STS121 - Module 1.pdf

Module 1: Nature of STS Objectives: By the end of the lessons, you must be able to: 1. differentiate science, technology, and society; 2. explain the interrelatedness of science, technology, and society; 3. give examples of scientific and technological developme...

Module 1: Nature of STS Objectives: By the end of the lessons, you must be able to: 1. differentiate science, technology, and society; 2. explain the interrelatedness of science, technology, and society; 3. give examples of scientific and technological developments that improve our way of life. Lesson Features of STS 1 The study of “Science, Technology and Society” (STS) examines the role of science and technology in society, how science and technology in society, how science and technology reflect social, economic and cultural values, and the human ethical implications of emerging technologies. Science, technology and Society (STS), also referred to as science and technology studies, is a branch or offspring of science studies. It considers how social, political and cultural values affect scientific research and technological, and how these, in turn, affect society, politics and culture. In order for a country to take steps towards being an information society, changes need to be made in the learning environments. Society consists of individuals and information is communicated through individuals. Improvement in Science would affect technology, society and environment positively and negatively. Science could develop as a result of an interaction between technology as the application of theoretical knowledge and requirements created by social needs. The National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) has identified eleven features of STS programs. These features according to (Yagger, 1992) indicate the importance of instruction over curriculum and indicate how the context of human experience is attained. The use of local resources (human and material) to locate information that can be used in problem resolution. The active involvement of students in seeking information that can be applied to solve real life-problems. The extension of learning beyond the class period, the classroom, the school. A focus upon the impact of science and technology on individual students. A view that science content is more than a concept which exists for students to master on tests. An emphasis upon career awareness, especially careers related to science and technology. Opportunities for students to act in their communities as they attempt to resolve issues they have identified. Identification of ways that science and technology are likely to impact on the future. Some autonomy in the learning process (as individuals are identified and considered). Definition of Science, Technology and Society Science - is the systematic study of nature, both living and nonliving aspects of nature including natural phenomena like thunder, weather etc. Technology - is the organization of knowledge for the achievement of practical purposes or a set of skills, techniques or activities for shaping materials and fabricating objects for practical ends Society - is the system of collective, cohabitation of groups of individuals with mutual understanding, benefits and common goals. The three, science, technology and society, aim at increasing our ability to comprehend and apply the concepts of scientific and technological systems. STS can be, therefore, defined as the discipline that raises a generation of citizens who understand the nature of things in the environment; a generation who can adjust to the changes in the environment; a generation of citizens who are aware of changes taking place around them; a generation who is equipped to deal with forces that influence the future; a generation who can take her future in her own hands. Science is dynamic, so is technology and society. As science and technology, society is affected both positively and negatively. Society becomes complex in accepting and using new technologies.  Lesson Science And Technology Fields 2 Life science - It is commonly defined by sciences that pertain to living organisms like microorganisms, plants, animals, and most importantly human beings. Fields of Life Sciences: zoology, botany, biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and biomedical technology. In the Philippines, the various fields of the Life Sciences are under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This government office is responsible for the coordination and funding of different researchers by Filipino scientists and inventors, which can potentially help the progress of science and technology in the Philippines. Botany and Biology - Botany and Biology are two of the highly sought-after research topics in the Philippines, given its rich biodiversity in flora and fauna. Biotechnology - Biotechnology is technology that utilizes biological systems, living organisms or parts of this to develop or create different products. Today, biotechnology covers many different disciplines (e.g. genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.). New technologies and products are developed every year within the areas of e.g. medicine (development of new medicines and therapies), agriculture (development of genetically modified plants, biofuels, biological treatment) or industrial biotechnology (production of chemicals, paper, textiles and food). Engineering - Is the field of science that applies both science and math to solve problems. It concerns the use of technology in practical ways that can advance the human condition. Some of the fields of engineering include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, and industrial engineering. Agriculture and Aquaculture - Agriculture is the field of science where it concerns the different techniques of land cultivation, crop and livestock raising, or otherwise farming. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is a government agency responsible for the development of the Philippine’s agriculture by generating policies, investments, and support services which are significant in the local and export-oriented trade. Metal Industry - This -industry deals with the creation and innovation of metallic and steel products. The metal/steel industry has shown remarkable technological dynamism over the centuries and with the growing product innovation, there has been a great significance on the steel' economic and political influence. Food and Nutrition - Food science or nutritional science is the field of science studying the nature of foods and the natural changes in them resulting from handling and processing. It is the science concerned with food and nourishment and the role of nutrients in health. Health - In the Philippines, healthcare is under the Department of Health (DOH). This government office is responsible for organizing public healthcare and making sure that all Filipino citizens have access to quality health services. This office is also responsible for supervising and funding research pertaining to new medicines and medical devices. Anti-Cancer Research - Soybean is a very sought-after crop, as its by-products are used to generate bioethanol, and most importantly it is linked with cancer research. During the past decade, soybean has been extensively studied due to its 43-amino acid polypeptide called lunasin. The anti-cancer properties of lunasin were first discovered by Dr. Alfredo Galvez and Dr. Benito de Lumen, both Filipino doctors, when they were enhancing the nutritional properties of soy protein. Dr. Galvez observed mitotic disruptive properties of lunasin in mammalian cancer cells. He saw that it prevented normal cells from turning into cancerous cells. This eventually led to more research about its anti-cancer properties. Social Sciences - Notable Filipino scientists have been contributors in the field of social science in the country. Raul V. Fabella. He had written articles in both theoretical and applied fields; political economy and rent-seeking; the theory of teams; regulation; international economics; and mathematical economics and was associated with the concepts of "Olson ratio" in rent- seeking, egalitarian Nash bargaining solutions, and debt-adjusted real effective exchange rate. Teodoro Agoncillo, a 20th-century Filipino historian, received the national scientist award for his contributions in the field of history. He also wrote books regarding Philippine History like History of the Filipino People. Encarnacion Alzona. She was an advocate of women's suffrage in the Philippines and authored the book The Filipino Woman: Her Social, Economic and Political Status (1565-1933) that stated a stable account for women despite their lack in political and social rights. Forestry - Forestry is the field of science that practices planting, managing and taking care of trees. The governing body for the Philippine forestry is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Under this department, the Forest Management Bureau was the sector that focuses on preserving the forest and the harvesting of its resources.  Lesson Nature of Science, Technology, and Society 3 Nature of Science Science is believed to be a systematic study of nature. Those who study science are called scientists. Scientific results are linked to the development of new products and new technologies, and contribute to economic and medical progress, and to other real social and economic activities. Nature of Technology Technology is the product of science. Technologists are scientists. Science originated from natural philosophy and was supported by people's intellectual curiosity. The concept of linking scientific results to technology for utilization in society became prevalent after around 1850, which is when the chemical industry began to develop based on utilization of knowledge about chemistry, and electrical technologies arose based on knowledge about electromagnetism. Science also has become a major influence on people’s sense of values, changing the nature of society and becoming the engine driving society’s progress from the viewpoint of civilization. Nature of Society Sociologists are the people who study Society. Society is made up of a community of people. Society itself is not stagnant. Society is dynamic. Scientist and Technologist abode in a community they see the need of the society. Any factor that affects the society has an effect on the scientist and the technologist who are also a part of the society.  Application: a) Instruction: Make your own example of the interrelatedness of the three spheres in the figure below. Provide a clear explanation of your answer on the space provided. SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY b) Instruction: Briefly answer the following questions. 1) What are the differences between science, technology and society? 2) Give one example of a scientific and technological advancement and discuss how it improved our way of life.