6.0 Intended Learning Outcomes and Topics biggest objects, but the smallest particles as well.

In this last
module, you will deal with nanotechnology. The scope of the
Introduction discussion shall include nanotechnology's definition and
dimension, its application, its challenges, and the ethical
You are now about to start the final module of this course. As dilemmas involved. 
such you will be introduced first on the Intended Learning
Outcomes (ILOs) of Module 6.  6.1.1. Definition and Dimensions
Intended Learning Outcomes Introduction
At the end of this module, you are expected to Good day!

1. define nanotechnology; This section tackles the introduction of nanotechnology, its

2. discuss the antecedents and their importance to definition, and some examples of materials that are
society; nanoscale. 
3. enumerate the positive and negative impacts of
To begin with, I would like to give first the intended learning
nanotechnology on mankind and the environment;
outcomes.
4. identify the moral and ethical dilemma surrounding
nanotechnology; Intended Learning Outcomes
5. differentiate climate change and weather;
6. identify and discuss the causes of climate change;         At the end of this lesson, you should be able to
7. explain the adverse effects of climate change on
society and the environment; 1. define nanotechnology and
8. promote the significance of disaster preparedness in 2. Cite examples of nanotechnology.
the face of natural disasters; and 
9. discuss the value of conserving and preserving the Discussion
environment to address the impacts of climate change on
society.
Scientific researchers have developed new technological tools
that greatly improve different aspects of our lives. The use of
Topics nanoscale is one important interdisciplinary area generated by
advancement in science and technology. Scientists and
1. Nanotechnology engineers were able to build materials with innovative
2. Climate Change properties as they manipulate nanomaterials.

It is now your chance to explore the final lesson. Enjoy Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering, and
learning! technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to
100 nanometers. Nanoscience and nanotechnology employ
6.1. Nanotechnology the study and application of exceptionally small things in other
areas of science including material science, engineering,
physics, biology, and chemistry.

One might be truly mesmerized about how science and

technology have developed by leaps and bounds. Who would
have thought that scientists of today can perform intervention
at the microscopic level which might be just a product of
imagination ages ago. Truly revolutionary, scientists are now
possessing the technology to improve human lives, invisible it
may seem to the naked eye.
As human technology progress, the ability to see and find the
unknown has become more possible. Unbeknownst to many,
technological advances are not only capable to explore the
 Discussion

 You may not be aware of it, but many of the things you are
using now is a product of nanotechnology. This is only possible
through decades of basic nanoscience research and decades
of focused research and development. Applications of
nanotechnology are now delivering in both expected and
unexpected ways on nanotechnology’s promise to benefit
society.
Nanotechnology is helping to considerably improve, even
revolutionize, many technologies and industry sectors:
information technology, homeland security, medicine,
transportation, energy, food safety, and environmental science,
among many others. 

Summary
The size of nanomaterials is very similar to those of biological
Nanotechnology deals with the very smallest components of molecules and structures. Therefore, these nanomaterials find
our world – atoms, and molecules. Trying to understand just extensive use in many fields, especially in biomedical
how small the nanoscale is can be very difficult for people. A applications. Nanotechnology is helping to considerably
nanometer is a unit of measurement for length just as you improve, even revolutionize, many technologies and industry
have with meters and centimeters. A nanometer is one-billionth sectors: information technology, homeland security, medicine,
of a meter, 0.000000001 or 10-9 meters. The word “nano” transportation, energy, food safety, and environmental science,
comes from the Greek word for “dwarf.” The term nanoscale is among many others. 
used to refer to objects with dimensions on the order of 1-100
nanometers (nm). 6.1.3. Challenges of Nanotechnology

You may also like to watch the video below to know more Introduction
about nanotechnology.
Hello!
Summary
The advantages brought by innovations in nanotechnology
The scientific field called nanotechnology, young as it may be, come with a price. With rapid developments in
is one of the greatest discovery in its own right. By doing an nanotechnology, its adverse effects become more visible.
intervention at the nanoscale, scientists were able to build
materials with innovative properties. A nanometer is one- To begin with, let me start with the intended learning outcome.
billionth of a meter, 0.000000001 or 10-9 meters. Imagine the Intended Learning Outcome
changes it can make to objects that we know can improve at a
great level without changing its physical appearance.             At the end of this lesson, you are expected to

6.1.2. Applications of Nanotechnology 1. identify the challenges brought by nanotechnology.

Introduction Discussion

Hello! The emergence of nanoscience in the previous decades as a

new multidisciplinary scientific research area has attracted a
Now that you know what nanotechnology is, let us now look great deal of attention in both synthesis methodologies and
into how it is being used and applied.  wide applications of medicine, energy, environmental,
electronics, etc. Despite significant progress in nanotechnology
So, let us start with our intended learning outcome. and the rise of many commercialized products involving
Intended Learning Outcome nanomaterials, nanoscience, and technology are still facing
many new challenges, especially in the areas of great concern
         At the end of this lesson, you are expected to to the public: energy and health.

1.explain how nanotechnology is applied. The reservation created against nanotechnology is rational in
the basic sense. Nanoscience and technology is relatively new
and there are many new discoveries happening every now and influenza virus? Nanotechnology has the potential to be
then related to the said discipline. It cannot be denied that due even more destructive since it gives us the power to
to less familiarity, people may have skeptic views. Below are precisely manipulate the very building blocks of our world
some of the challenges, risks, and skeptic views about the use and may even enable such things as self-aware artificial
of nanoscience and technology: intelligence systems – though that same power can also
profoundly help humanity.
 Because elements at the nanoscale behave  Environmental and Health - How much safety must
differently than they do in their bulk form, there's a we prove in nanomaterials, before introducing them into
concern that some nanoparticles could be toxic. Some the marketplace or environment? The precautionary
doctors worry that the nanoparticles are so small, that principle seems to require that if the impact of our
they could easily cross the blood-brain barrier, a research is unclear, but catastrophe or other undesirable
membrane that protects the brain from harmful chemicals events are possible, then we should pause to conduct
in the bloodstream. If we plan on using nanoparticles to more investigation to avoid these scenarios. But how
coat everything from our clothing to our highways, we strong is this principle, really? After all, other products,
need to be sure that they won't poison us. such as mobile phones, are brought to market amid
 Closely related to the knowledge barrier is the continuing questions about their safety.
technical barrier. In order for the incredible predictions  Society - How will nanosensors evolve our concept of
regarding nanotechnology to come true, we have to find privacy, particularly if they are ubiquitous (such as "smart
ways to mass-produce nano-size products like transistors dust") and virtually invisible? Does national security justify
and nanowires. While we can use nanoparticles to build a tradeoff of our rights? Nanotechnology also promises to
things like tennis rackets and make wrinkle-free fabrics, enhance our capabilities, but does this threaten the idea
we can't make really complex microprocessor chips with of being human? For instance, if some people are
nanowires yet. enhanced to become smarter or to see in infrared, that
 If molecular manufacturing becomes a reality, how may create a "nano divide" that gives significant
will that impact the world's economy? Assuming we can advantages to only these people and creates a
build anything we need with the click of a button, what communication gap, if others cannot have the same basic
happens to all the manufacturing jobs? If you can create experiences.
anything using a replicator, what happens to currency?  Politics and Markets - How will nanotechnology affect
Would we move to a completely electronic economy? global security and the distribution of power, if it can
Would we even need money? radically change the face of war and terrorism? Suppose a
nondemocratic country develops it first? Will nanotech
Those are some of the challenges posed by nanotechnology. create a new arms race? In the long term, if nano factories
But aside from it, there are also what is called ethical issues enable us to make anything we want, what will be the
that will be discussed on the next page. impact on local and global economies? These issues
speak to a need for cooperation, regulation, as well as
6.1.4. Ethical Dilemmas of Nanotechnology forethought to minimize any political or economic
disruption.
Being a relatively new industry, nanotechnology and the  Personal - A critical application for nanotechnology
people behind it should pick a lesson or two from history, and will be in medicine, such as repairing cellular damage to
never ignore public policy and issues. Such issues may reverse or retard aging. But how does a longer lifespan
include possible health and environmental hazards from affect Social Security, overpopulation, and retirement? Is
genetically modified foods - which may invite potential public living in the shadow of death an essential part of being
backlash. If nanotechnology is billed as the "Next Industrial human? Will we lose our personal identity as we become
Revolution",1 then it also must raise a host of important social more integrated with our technologies, when human and
and ethical questions that we need to consider now. machine become one, as the "theory of Singularity"
predicts?
The following are some of the issues in "nanoethics" cited by
Patrick Lin, a research director for The Nanoethics Group, a Summary
nonpartisan organization based in Santa Barbara, California,
that studies the ethical and social implications of While it is true that nanotechnology brings about revolutionary
nanotechnology.  Many of them are familiar with philosophy solutions to age-old and modern problems, it is still a very
and ethics, but considering them in the context of young discipline that needs more studying. This led to some
nanotechnology is important and can reveal new insights. pessimistic view on how it is being used, and if it is right to
interfere with what moralists call "natural". Some reservations
 Regulation - Do we have a right to research, or is take against nanotechnology are the possible health effects of
some too dangerous to publish or conduct, such as a using nanomaterial in human subjects, the danger of people
recently published recipe for making the 1918 killer
losing their jobs in the future, and even the possibility of losing  Volcanic Eruptions - When volcanoes erupt, it emits
individual liberty in the long run. different natural aerosols like carbon dioxide, sulfur
dioxides, salt crystals, volcanic ashes or dust, and even
6.2. Climate Change microorganisms like bacteria and viruses all of which are
greenhouse gases; Can cause a cooling effect to the
As how the United Nations explained, Climate Change is the lithosphere because its emitted aerosol can block a
defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. certain percentage of solar radiation.
From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production,  Orbital Changes - Also known as the Earth’s
to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic movement around the sun
flooding, the impacts of climate change are global in scope and Earth’s orbit can also cause climate change, this was
unprecedented in scale. Without drastic action today, adapting proposed by the Milankovitch theory. As the Earth travels
to these impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly. through space around the Sun, cyclical variations in three
elements of Earth-Sun geometry combine to produce
Climate is not similar with weather which is constantly variations in the amount of solar energy that reaches
changing. Climate refers to the long term weather patterns Earth.
prevailing over a given area of the planet. The term comes  Human Activities - The largest known contribution
from “klinein” (to slope) and later evolved into “klima” connoting comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases
a zone or region of the Earth characterized by its atmospheric carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere. Human activities
conditions. result in emissions of four principal greenhouse gases:
o carbon dioxide
o Methane
6.2.1. Causes of Climate Change o nitrous oxide
o Halocarbons
Introduction
Summary
Hello!
As we all know, the earth has gone through warm and cool
This section tackles the causes of climate change and I hope phases in the past, and long before humans were around.
that through this lesson, you would be able to apply the Forces that contribute to climate change include the sun’s
learnings in your own community to help our environment intensity, volcanic eruptions, and changes in naturally
recuperate from the damages brought about by the man-made occurring greenhouse gas concentrations. But records indicate
activities.  that today’s climatic warming—particularly the warming since
To start with our lesson, let me give you first the intended the mid-20th century—is occurring much faster than ever
learning outcomes, before and can’t be explained by natural causes alone.
Humans—more specifically, the greenhouse gas (GHG)
Intended Learning Outcomes emissions we generate—are the leading cause of the earth’s
rapidly changing climate. Greenhouse gases play an important
At the end of the discussion, you are expected to role in keeping the planet warm enough to inhabit. But the
amount of these gases in our atmosphere has skyrocketed in
1.  explain the causes of climate change and recent decades. 
2.  gives examples of human activities that cause
climate change. 6.2.2. Effects of Climate Change

Discussion Introduction

Indeed, Climate Change is a threat to both developing and Hello!

developed nations around the world. But what exactly causes
it? Scientists like those from NASA attribute the global Just like nanotechnology, the information age, and
warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the biotechnology, climate change has its own effects. All right,
human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" (Links to an let's start with the intended learning outcomes.
external site.) — warming that results when the atmosphere Intended Learning Outcomes
traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. But overall, there
are three major causes of climate change, though it could be At the end of the discussion, you are expected to
natural or by human activities such as:
1. identify the effects of climate change and
2. explain its impact on humans, the community, and the 2. discuss ozone depletion.
world.
Discussion
Discussion
In your high school and elementary days, you were constantly
Climate change has devastating effects on all living things reminded about the layers that protect the Earth from rays of
especially humans. The effects are so enormous that the sun and other external objects. You must also take note
discussing it for a day may not be enough. However, we may that the depletion of the Earth's protective layers - such as the
deduce it by looking into its effects on the society as a whole. Stratosphere is also affected by Climate Change.
Such effects include but are not limited to the following:
Ozone is both beneficial and harmful to us. Near the ground,
 It directly affects the basic elements of people’s lives ozone-forming as a result of chemical reactions involving traffic
like water, food, health, use of land, and the environment. pollution and sunlight may cause a number of respiratory
 Declining crop yields due to drought, especially in problems, particularly for young children. However, high up in
Africa, are likely to leave hundreds of millions without the the atmosphere in a region known as the stratosphere, ozone
ability to produce or purchase sufficient food. filters out incoming radiation from the Sun in the cell-damaging
 It will increase worldwide deaths from malnutrition ultraviolet (UV) part of the spectrum. Without this ozone layer,
and heat stress. life on earth would not have evolved in the way it has.
 Ecosystems will be particularly vulnerable to climate
change.
 Ocean edification will have major effects on marine
ecosystems, with possible adverse consequences on fish
stocks.
 Melting or collapse of ice sheets would raise sea
levels
 It will increase flood risks during the wet season and it
will strongly reduce dry-season water supplies.

Summary
Climate Change is the defining issue of our time and we are at
a defining moment. From shifting weather patterns that
threaten food production to rising sea levels that increase the
risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate change are
global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Without drastic
action today, adapting to these impacts in the future will be
more difficult and costly.

6.2.3. Stratosphere and Ozone Depletion

The stratosphere is the second major layer of the atmosphere
Introduction and lies above the troposphere, the lowest layer. It occupies
the region of the atmosphere from about 12 to 50 km above
Hello!
the Earth's surface, although its lower boundary tends to be
The ozone layer is important to us humans since it serves as higher nearer the equator and lower nearer the poles.
protection from the harmful ultraviolet rays. However, due to
Concentrations of ozone in the stratosphere fluctuate naturally
changes in the climate, it is now becoming thinner that causes
in response to variations in weather conditions and amounts of
a lot of effects on us. To know more about its effects, let us
energy being released from the Sun, and to major volcanic
explore more in this section. 
eruptions.
Let me start first with the intended learning outcomes.
Ozone depletion results in harmful effects on human health,
Intended Learning Outcomes plants, marine ecosystems, and biochemical cycles among
others.
At the end of the discussion, you are expected to

1. define concepts related to climate change and

Summary harmful to people. Both gases cause environmental and health
concerns because they can spread easily via air pollution and
Ozone depletion, gradual thinning of Earth’s ozone layer in the acid rain.
upper atmosphere caused by the release of chemical
compounds containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from Acid deposits damage physical structures such as limestone
industry and other human activities. The thinning is most buildings and cars. And when it takes the form of inhalable fog,
pronounced in the polar regions, especially over Antarctica. acid precipitation can cause health problems including eye
Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem because it irritation and asthma.
increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches
Earth’s surface, which increases the rate of skin cancer, eye Summary:
cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage.
Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any
6.2.4. Acid Deposition form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric
or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet
Introduction or dry forms. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail, or even
dust that is acidic. When an acid deposition is washed into
Hi! lakes and streams, it can cause some to turn acidic which may
lead to loss of biodiversity. 
In this section, let us try to explore the acid deposition which
causes surface water acidification and affects soil chemistry.
All right, let us start with the intended learning outcomes
 Intended Learning Outcomes
6.2.5. Thermal Inversion
 At the end of the discussion, you are expected to
Introduction
1. define acid deposition and 
2. examine the connection between acid deposition and Welcome!
climate change. Here we are again. Let us try to explore another concept
related to climate change which is thermal inversion.
Discussion
Let us start with the intended learning outcomes.
Another devastating effect of Climate Change on living things
is acid rains. Acid rain describes any form of precipitation that Intended Learning Outcomes
contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. It can also
occur in the form of snow, fog, and tiny bits of dry material that At the end of the discussion, you are expected to
settle to Earth. Normal rain is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.6,
while acid rain generally has a pH between 4.2 and 4.4.  1. define thermal inversion and 
2. explain how thermal inversion affects pollution.
Rotting vegetation and erupting volcanoes release some
chemicals that can cause acid rain, but most acid rain is a Discussion
product of human activities. The biggest sources are coal-
burning power plants, factories, and automobiles. Another devastating effect of Climate Change is the fact that
temperature in certain areas tends to become inverted. But
When humans burn fossil fuels, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and what exactly is temperature inversion or thermal inversion?
nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the atmosphere. According to Britannica Encyclopedia, Temperature inversion,
Those air pollutants react with water, oxygen, and other also called thermal inversion, a reversal of the normal behavior
substances to form airborne sulfuric and nitric acid. Winds may of temperature in the troposphere (the region of the
spread these acidic compounds through the atmosphere and atmosphere nearest Earth’s surface), in which a layer of cool
over hundreds of miles. When acid rain reaches Earth, it flows air at the surface is overlain by a layer of warmer air. (Under
across the surface in runoff water, enters water systems, and normal conditions air temperature usually decreases with
sinks into the soil. height.)
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are not primary greenhouse Although temperature inversion may be somewhat a normal
gases that contribute to global warming, one of the main phenomenon, it may have an adverse effect if coupled with
effects of climate change; in fact, sulfur dioxide has a cooling climate change and global warming. Temperature inversions
effect on the atmosphere. But nitrogen oxides contribute to the have a great effect on air pollution. Whether it's a blanket of
formation of ground-level ozone, a major pollutant that can be smog over a city or the melting of ice packs due to ozone
depletion, atmospheric temperature inversions are intricately bottle instead of using disposable plastic water bottles. Plastic
involved. They influence the scope and intensity of the effects takes an incredibly long time to break down, and a significant
of air pollution on a temporary, localized basis as well as long percentage of plastic makes it to the oceans, where it kills
term and globally.  plant and animal life. Going green might also involve using an
all-natural hair-care product, instead of a can of aerosol spray
If climate change is not controlled, temporary inversion may containing toxic chemicals.
lead to its permanence. Permanent temperature inversions
occur high above the surface of the planet. In regard to air When people ''go green,'' they are practicing environmental
pollution, the most important of these is the stratosphere. This awareness. The term means exactly what you expect it to be
atmospheric layer stretches from an average of seven miles to aware of the natural environment and making choices that
31 miles above the earth's surface. The stratosphere sits atop benefit--rather than hurt--the earth. In recent years,
the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the atmosphere environmental awareness has gained increased attention. It is
and home to the majority of all-weather. The stratosphere’s fair to say it has become a bit of a trend: from environmentally
temperature inversion impacts global, long-term air pollution. friendly tiny homes to organic food, environmental awareness
is a hot topic. However, it is nothing new and it ought to be
Summary more than just a passing fad because of its importance. Let's
dig deeper and learn more about environmental awareness.
A temperature or thermal inversion is a natural phenomenon
and ideally with the increase in height the temperature Environmental awareness is to understand the fragility of our
decreases. However, in the troposphere, the temperature of environment and the importance of its protection. Promoting
the atmosphere decreases with the increase in altitude at the environmental awareness is an easy way to become an
rate of 1 degree for every 165 meters. One of the most harmful environmental steward and participate in creating a brighter
effects of inversions is that they trap the pollution close to the future for our children.
ground, trapping the smog. 
Summary
6.2.6. Environmental Awareness
Environmental awareness is to understand the fragility of our
Introduction environment and the importance of its protection. Promoting
environmental awareness is an easy way to become an
Hello! environmental steward and participate in creating a brighter
future for our children.
In this section, we will focus on environmental awareness
which is one of the many ways to prevent climate change.  6.2.7. Disaster Risk Management
To begin with, let me give you the intended learning outcomes. Introduction
Intended Learning Outcomes
Congratulations!
At the end of the discussion, you are expected to We have reached the last topic for this module. In this section,
we will discuss the concept of disasted risk management and
1. define environmental awareness; its importance. 
2. discuss some ways to save the environment from the
pollution that causes climate change; and  All right, let us begin with the intended learning outcomes. 
3. explain the importance of environmental awareness.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Discussion
At the end of the discussion, you are expected to
Obviously, we humans are one of the agents of Climate
Change. Our actions and inactions can lead to harmful effects 1. explain disaster risk management and
on our planet. It is essential, therefore, to raise our 2. discuss the importance of disaster risk management..
environmental awareness. Mother Earth as we speak, has its
own way to heal herself. Discussion

Maybe some of you have seen posters, ads, and the like Research conducted by the United Nations indicates that the
carrying the exhortation ''Go Green!'' But, what does it mean to Earth’s climate is changing at a rate that has exceeded most
''go green''? It takes a variety of forms, but essentially, going scientific forecasts. Some families and communities have
green means being mindful of the natural environment and already started to suffer from disasters and the consequences
making economic choices that aren't harmful to the earth. For of climate change, which has forced them to leave their homes
example, this might mean purchasing a glass or ceramic water in search of a new beginning.UNHCR recognizes that the
consequences of climate change are extremely serious, a whole. Such effects include but are not limited to the
including for refugees and other people of concern. The Global following:
Compact on Refugees, adopted by an overwhelming majority 1.
in the UN General Assembly in December 2018, directly  Acid deposition
addresses this growing concern. It recognizes that ‘climate,  Ozone depletion
environmental degradation, and natural disasters increasingly  Thermal inversion
interact with the drivers of refugee movements.’  Natural disasters and many more.
7. Governments, in general, need to strengthen their
It is therefore imperative that high-risk countries must have a Disaster Risk Management programs, while the public in
well-developed Disaster Risk Management policy. Watch the particular needs to develop environmental awareness and
video to know more. disaster in order to protect the environment for future
generations.
Summary
Disaster Risk Management or simply Disaster Risk Reduction  
helps us consider our emergency response activities in light of Before finishing the course, you must first pass a series of
existing and new disaster risks. This enables us to design or assessments to check if you really learned from the lessons
adjust our activities so that people and communities become you went through. The first set of assessments is to measure
safer and more disaster-resilient, as well as safeguarding what you learned in this module, while the second part is to
efforts to create and expand enabling conditions for check your learning from all the modules discussed, through a
sustainable poverty alleviation and development. final examination. Good luck!
Module 6 Summary

Congratulations! You are now finished with the last module of

this course. The following are the summary of module 6.

1. Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering,

and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is
about 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology deals with
the very smallest components of our world – atoms, and
molecules.  A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter,
0.000000001 or 10-9 meters. The word “nano” comes
from the Greek word for “dwarf.” The term nanoscale is
used to refer to objects with dimensions on the order of 1-
100 nanometers (nm).
2. Nanotechnology is helping to considerably improve,
even revolutionize, many technologies and industry
sectors: information technology, homeland security,
medicine, transportation, energy, food safety, and
environmental science, among many others. 
3. Reservations and pessimist view on nanotechnology
is acceptable. After all, nanoscience and technology is a
relatively new and there are many new discoveries
happening every now and then related to the said
discipline.
4. Climate Change is the defining issue of our time and
we are at a defining moment. It is a threat to both
developing and developed nations around the world.
5. Overall, there are three major causes of climate
change, though it could be natural or by man-made
activities such as volcanic eruptions, orbital changes, and
human activities. 
6. Climate change has devastating effects on all living
things especially humans. The effects are so enormous
that discussing it for a day may not be enough. However,
we may deduce it by looking into its effects on society as