KOLEHIYO NG LUNGSOD NG DASMARIÑAS

Course Module
Science, Technology and Society

Created by:
Jhellee Marie D. Aquino
 Institute of Applied Sciences
Science Unit

MODULES 1-2
Interactions Between Science and Technology

Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the
circumstances surrounding the creation, dissemination, and use of technological systems. As we
use science to understand various human conditions and social issues through STS, we will be
able to develop critical thinking and creativity. We will also be able to explore the role of science
and technology in nation-building, analyze scientific ideas, theories, innovations, research, and
practices, and learn about technological advancements made possible by science for society.

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Science Unit

Learning Outcomes
1. Define Science and Technology.

2. Analyze the interrelationship of Science, Technology and Society throughout history.

3. Evaluate how humans respond to scientific and technological developments.

4. Discuss how scientific and technological developments affect society and the environment.

5. Analyze the “Waves of Technology” from the first wave to the present wave of technology.

6. Articulate ways by which society is transformed by Science and Technology based on the
perspective of the different intellectual revolutions.

7. Correlate the revolution of some technologies or innovations that influence, upgrade,

shape the industry processes, the academe, the family, and the world society using the
most influential intellectual revolution.

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OUTLINE OF TOPICS
1. Definition of Science and Technology
2. Evidence of the Use of Technology by Man
3. Interrelationship between Science and Technology
● Rationale for teaching SCITECH
● Why is SCITECH important to students?

4. Science and Technology through Human History

● Historical backgrounds in which social considerations changed the course of science
and technology.
● Changes in the environment as an effect of scientific and technological
developments.
● Paradigm shifts in history.
● In the world: Ancient, Middle, and Modern.
● In the Philippines: Spanish, American, and Japanese.

5. Intellectual Revolutions that defined society

● Copernican, Darwinian, and Freudian.
● Information and Meso-American Asian, Middle East and African.

6. Brief historical background of Science and Technology in the Philippines

● Pre-Spanish Philippines
● Spanish Era
● American Era
● The Aftermath of WWII

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LESSON PROPER
Development of the lesson:

Motivation.
1. Ask the students about their idea of Science and Technology.
2. Show several images on the board and ask several students to identify whether the
following images are science or technology.

TOPIC 1: Definition of Science and Technology

Defining Science and Technology

1. Science from the Latin word scire – know and scientia – knowledge.
2. Science (Tagalog = agham) is a systematic and methodical activity of building and
organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation,
experimentation, or both.
3. Science tests theories by logical, mathematical, and technological means.
4. Science also shapes culture and the society that uses it.
5. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge.
6. Technology from the Greek word techne meaning art, skill, or cunning of hand.
7. Technology involves designing and use of devices, processes, and materials to solve
practical problems and to satisfy human needs and wants.

Essential As a student, what do you think robots should be used

for?

Question Do you feel comfortable with the idea of Artificial

Intelligence (that robots can think)?

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Topic 2: Evidence of the Use of Technology by Man

1. Activities that humans pursue and the tools they use every day.
2. The comfort and productivity of human life today compared to their predecessors.
3. The services and products that increase quality of life.
4. The negative effects of technology dependence such as weapons, pollution, etc.

Topic 3: The Interrelationship of Science, Technology and Society

1. Science attempts to provide explanations to everything, design laws of nature, and produce
knowledge. On the other hand, technology is the application of scientific knowledge in the
form of service, object, process, and devices.
2. Society is defined as a group of people in a specific place and time and are linked by
common goals and interests.
3. Society consumes both technology and science; the demand to update, tailor-fit, and
modify science and technology is always towards the aim to improve human life and the
society itself.

Figure 1. Interrelationship of Science, Technology and Society (Source

https://bit.ly/3KqEhOD)

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Rationale for Teaching SCITECH

1. Science, Technology, and Society (SCITECH) is an interdisciplinary field of study that seeks
to explore and understand how science and technology influenced the society.
2. It also concerns how modern values affect and impact science and technology.
3. SCITECH will focus on science and technology in society. This course will also examine the
social implication of both science and technology in human society.

Why is SCITECH important to students?

1. It prepares them to use science for improving their own lives and be able to better
understand and cope with an increasingly technological society.
2. It enables them to progress through life especially in dealing with SCITECH issues in a
responsible manner.
3. It helps in identifying a body of knowledge that would enable them to deal with STS issues.
4. It helps acquire knowledge and understanding about career opportunities in the field.

Topic 4: Science and Technology through Human History

Pre-Colonial Asian Societies (Philippine Setting)

1. Early Filipinos have their own belief and indigenous knowledge system.
2. They interpreted the movements of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climates, and
in organizing days into months and years.
3. Archaeological records showed that early Filipinos settled in Batangas and Palawan during
the Palaeolithic Period (48,000 ya).
4. Artefacts showed the use of simple tools and weapons like stone flakes that later
transitioned to metals (Iron Age) of copper, gold, bronze, and iron origin.
5. Early Filipinos showed scientific knowledge in the way they planted their crops, in taking
care of animals, and their gathering.
6. Historical artefacts revealed the practice of weaving, shipbuilding, mining, and even
engineering e.g., Banaue Rice Terraces.
7. Records also revealed trade between Chinese and early Filipinos called Mait in Ma’l
(Mindoro).

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From Ancient Greeks Until the Scientific Revolution

1. The Ancient Greeks are considered as the intellectual forefathers of the west.
2. Greeks gifted us with drama, western artistic aesthetics, and geometry, and philosophy.
3. Human beings persistently observed and studied the natural and the physical world to find
answers to many questions.

Some Notable Greek Philosophers

1. Socrates - (470/469–399 B.C.E.) – Socratic teaching methods and thought-provoking

questions.
2. Plato - (428/427–348/347 B.C.E.) - Studied ethics, virtue, justice, and other ideas relating to
human behavior.
3. Aristotle (384–322 B.C.E.) – Ventured in physics, biology, astronomy, and logic.

Middle Ages

1. Intellectual activity is under the purview of the church and monasteries would be the loci
of study, contemplation, documentation.
2. With the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD and the expansion of Western
Europe in the late 15th century AD many advances in scientific and technological
development took place.

Some Inventions During the Middle Ages

1. Gunpowder – originally invented in China around 850 AD, it then travelled westwards to
the Islamic world and then finally Europe. Since its invention, gunpowder has allowed for
more advanced warfare.
2. Heavy Plough – considered as one of the most important technological innovations during
the Middle Ages. The invention of heavy plough, it became possible to harness clay soil.
3. Paper Money – Dates back to 17th century China. Before the introduction of paper money,
precious metals such as gold and silver were used as currency.
4. Mechanical Clock - The development of mechanical clocks paved the way for accurately
keeping track of time. The sophistication of clockwork technology of the mechanical clock
drastically changed the way days were spent.

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5. Spinning Wheel - A machine used for transforming fiber into thread or yarn and eventually
woven into cloth on loom.

Scientific Revolution

1. Started in the early 16th century up to the 18th century in Europe.

2. Period of enlightenment and birth of modern science.
3. It allowed people to reflect, rethink, and reexamine their beliefs and their way of life.

Events that Prompted the Scientific Revolution

1. Voyages of discovery and colonization.

2. Ancient and Middle Ages works translated into Latin, then vernacular languages.
3. New inventions and institutions that promote sharing of knowledge.
4. Heliocentric Model (Heliocentrism) - Earth is not the center of the universe and Earth is
just another planet that revolves around the Sun. The night and day are caused by Earth’s
rotation. This theory was proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus.
5. The findings of Copernicus were confirmed by Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) through
experiments and observations of planetary movement and mathematical formulae.
According to Kepler, planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits and not in circles.
6. It is with Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) that the interests of people about celestial bodies were
encouraged. Galileo designed the telescope with a lens capable of visualizing the
7. Movement of stars and the moon. This discovery was in complete contrast to the church as
the church believes heavens are fixed, unmoving. As such, Galileo was accused of heresy or
crimes against the Church. Galileo was brought to trial before the Catholic church.
8. Isaac Newton (1642-1727) founded the Universal law of motion stating that every verse
attracts every other object. In his work Mathematical.

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Scientific Revolution

1. The Industrial Revolution saw the shift from manual production to mass production.
2. Debated to span from 1760 to 1840, the Industrial Revolution accounted for the increase in
population, an increase in the standard of living, and the emergence of the capitalist
economy.
3. Transportation - before the Industrial Revolution, people relied on animal transportation
(horse and cattle) and their own feet to get around. The invention of steam locomotives
allowed mass and faster transportation.
4. Textiles – mass production of clothes because of the invention of spinning jenny and the
power loom. Machines like spinning mules and power mules were also invented to weave
cloth even faster.
5. Agriculture - the invention of the seed drill made planting crops easier and more efficient.
The reaper, and later the mechanical reaper allowed farmers to harvest their crops more
efficiently. With such convenience, more crops are grown to meet the increasing
population.
6. Steel and fabrication - with the invention of steel, buildings could be made much taller.
Steel, a mixture of iron and other elements, is harder than iron but much studier and less
corroded by rust. The steel industry created many new products and led to the invention
of the car.
7. Pollution – aside from the convenience of mass production, the Industrial Revolution also
produced a massive amount of pollution. Sources of pollution include industries and even
agricultural industries including livestock and poultry.
8. The Electric Light – It was Thomas Edison who invented electric light and a lot of things.
9. Telegraph - In 1844, Samuel Morse demonstrated his telegraph by sending a message to
Baltimore from the chambers of the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. The message,
"What hath God wrought?" marks the beginning of a new era in communication.
10. Telephone - Alexander Graham Bell patented the first telephone in 1876.
11. Henry Ford - invented the first practical car, the Model T. The car had been invented earlier,
but Ford was the first to make the car affordable.
12. Orville and Wilber Wright -The Wright brothers were the first men to successfully fly an
airplane. The flight lasted only twelve seconds, but it proved men could fly.

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4th Industrial Revolution

1. Coined by Klaus Schawb, the 4th IR describes a world where individuals move between
digital domains and offline reality through connected technology.
2. The 4th IR creates a world in which virtual and physical systems of manufacturing cooperate
with each other permitting a flexible and global transaction.

3. Technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution

A. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

B. Internet of Things
C. Robotics
D. Augmented and Virtual Reality
E. 3D and 4D Printing

5TH Industrial Revolution

1. Humans and machines will have a more mutualistic relationship.

▪ 1st – mechanization, waterpower, steam power
▪ 2nd – mass production, assembly line, electricity
▪ 3rd – computer and automation
▪ 4th – cyber physical systems
▪ 5th – mass customization and cyber physical cognitive system
2. The internet and advanced data processing will give convenience of accessing information
ranging from banking to purchasing.
3. However, there are conserved opinions on the use of such technology due to issues of
intentions and morality.

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Imperialism

Imperialism is a form of international hierarchy in which one political community, country, or

territory is ruled or controlled by another political community or country. On the other hand,
diffusion is the spread of cultural elements from one territory or culture to another. China and
India are two countries that experienced imperialism.

Science, Technology, and Society and the Modern Ages

A. Science and technology seem to progress every second.

B. The internet and the netizens.
C. People, especially the young, are wired!
D. Conflicts involving nuclear weapons, data privacy, mental health, GMO, among others.
E. Issues of morality, human rights, and ethics.

Essential •
•
Why is being intellectual important?
How does intellectual revolution influence
Question society?

Essential • What is the role of science and technology in

nation building in the Philippines?

Question • What other government projects and programs

are available for science and technology in the
Philippines?

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Topic 4: Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society

What is Scientific Revolution?

● A series of events that marked the emergence of modern science during the early modern
period.
● The developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry
transformed the views of society about nature.
● Golden Age for the people who are committed in studying the vast field of Science.
● Part of the enlightenment period also known as the Age of Reason

Characteristics of Scientists in the Scientific Revolution:

A. Creative
B. Curious
C. Critical thinkers
D. Passionate to learn the world.

Scientists Who Created A Big Impact In Intellectual Revolution

1. Copernican Revolution
● Nicolaus Copernicus
● The publication of his book, On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres is often cited
as the start of the scientific revolution.
● The Catholic Church banned the Copernican model and was ignored by Rome for the
rest of the 16th century (heliocentric model).

2. Darwinian Revolution
● Theory of Evolution
● He developed his interest in natural history during his time as a student at
Shrewsbury School.
● Darwin’s life soon changed when one of his professors recommended him to join a
five-year voyage on the Island of Galapagos.
● He published his book The Origin of Species in 1589.
● His book, the Descent of Man was so impressive yet very controversial.

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3. Freudian Revolution
● Sigmund Freud
● He studied human inner life which is called psychoanalysis.
● Is a scientific way to study the human mind and neurotic illness.
● His method of psychoanalysis was proven to be effective in understanding some
neurological conditions that were not understood by medicine at that time.

4. Information Revolution
● Gutenberg’s Printing Press in 1455
● Analytical engine by Augusta and Babbage in 1830
● Telephone in 1879
● Turing’s Work during World War II

5. Mesoamerican Civilization

● Mesoamerica is a region and cultural area in the Americas extending from

approximately Central Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua,
and Northern Costa Rica

Contributions in Agriculture:
A. Cultivation of cacao, corn beans, tomato, squash and chili
B. “Three Sisters”, the main food sources including beans, corn, and squash.
C. Domestication of turkey and dogs
D. Cotton plants were used to make textiles, and rubber trees were used to provide
rubber latex.
E. Combined crop rotation and slash-and-burn technique to retain soil nutrients.
F. Formed terraces along the mountain slopes.
G. First to use irrigation techniques
H. Known to be the first to create the calendar.

6. Asian Civilization
● World’s great early Asian Civilization: one from India and from China
● Civilizations arose in the Indus Valley 4000 years ago.
● People used weapons and utensils made of bronze and copper.
● Shops are established around Mohenjo-Daro.

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7. India
● Hinduism- is based on the four sacred books, Vedas. This holds the records of Indian
history and beliefs, which were written by the Aryan people.
● Caste System
● Buddhism -embraces followers who praise Buddha (The enlightened One), in the
person of Siddhartha Gautama human greed and selfishness lead to human pain)

8. China
● Confucianism
A. Based on the teaching of Confucius.
B. Emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social
relationship, justice and sincerity.
C. Golden Rule
● Great Wall of China
A. was built to protect themselves from the invasions of “barbarians” from
other parts of Asia their leader is Qin Shi Huang

9. Middle East Civilization

● The home of the “Cradle of Civilization”, many of the world’s oldest cultures and
civilizations were seen.
● The history started from the earliest human settlement continuing through pre- and
post- Islamic Empires
● Developed the following:
A. first writing system in the world (Cuneiform)
B. potter’s wheel, vehicular and mill wheel
C. first generalized governments and law codes
D. Foundation in astronomy and mathematics

10. African Civilization

● Said to be one of the richest civilizations in the world.
● Lineage and culture achievements include in the field of Mathematics, Astronomy,
Metallurgy, Agriculture and Engineering, Navigation and Medicine
● In Math, they developed the Yoruba system – based on units of 20 instead of 10 and
required an impressive amount of subtraction to identify different numbers.

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● First method of counting was developed in Nigeria, Africa

● In Astronomy, African Stonehenge was considered as remarkably accurate calendar.
● Advances in Metallurgy and tool making Steam engines, metal chisels and saws, tool
making Steam engines, metal chisels and saws, Copper and iron tools, Nail, Carbon,
Bronze, Glue and Steel.

TOPIC 6: Brief historical background of Science and Technology in the Philippines

Pre-Spanish Philippines

1. The early inhabitants of the archipelago had their own belief system and indigenous
knowledge system.
2. Science was observed in the way they interpreted the movements of heavenly bodies to
predict seasons and climates, and in organizing days into months and years.
3. Scientific knowledge was observed in the way they planted their crops, in taking care of
animals, and for food production.
4. They used science in preparing the soil for agricultural purposes and like any other ancient
cultures.
5. They also discovered the medicinal uses of plants.
6.
Spanish Era

1. The Spaniards brought with them their own culture and practices.
2. They established schools for boys and girls and introduced the concept of subjects and
disciplines.
3. The Filipinos developed ways to replicate the technology brought by the Spaniards using
indigenous materials.
4. Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities
established by the Catholic orders.
5. The galleon trade had brought additional technology and development in the Philippines.
6. Filipino students who were able to study in Europe also contributed to the advancement of
medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature in the country.

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American Era

1. The Americans established the public education system and improved the engineering
works and the health conditions of the people.
2. They recognized the learning of science and introduced it in public and private schools.
3. They established a modern research university, the University of the Philippines.
4. They created more public hospitals than the former colonial master.
5. The mineral resources of the country were also explored and exploited during the American
time.
6. Transportation and communication systems were improved, though not accessible
throughout the country.

The Aftermath of WWII

1. However, World War II had established the development of the country in many ways.
Institutions and public facilities were turned into ashes, houses were burned, and many
lives were destroyed.

Useful https://journals.sagepub.com/home/sts
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/scien

Links ce-and-technology-in-contemporary-china/historical-
antecedents/8F61809BB49FD5D0DE82E13C8235DF88

KEY POINTS
● Science is a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about
how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation, or both.
● Science attempts to provide explanations to everything, design laws of nature, and produce
knowledge. On the other hand, technology is the application of scientific knowledge in the
form of service, object, process, and devices.
● Science, Technology, and Society (SCITECH) is an interdisciplinary field of study that seeks
to explore and understand how science and technology influenced society.

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ASSESSMENT

Film Review

In this activity, students will watch the feature film - The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. After
watching the film, fill out the matrix that follows. Provide quality analysis and discussion. Avoid 1
sentence essay but rather provide 3-5 sentence discussion of each requirement. This activity will
be considered as a class participation.

Film Review Matrix

1. Issues/conflicts presented in the film (cite 3)
2. Role of science and technology to each issue/conflict
3. How can society benefit from the main idea of the film?

Reminders:
1. Outputs that resemble work published or unpublished in the net or in print will be
subjected to investigation.
2. Only clip arts or icons can be used with proper citation. All images should be rendered
original or drawn.
3. Handmade work is also accepted.

RUBRICS / GRADING CRITERIA

In grading students’ output, the following rubric will be used.

● 10 pts – Answers show quality of arguments, cites specific scenarios, shows valid discussion,
and creates a meaningful analysis of the issues/conflicts and its resolutions.

● 7 pts – Answers show quality of arguments, cites some scenarios in the film, presents some
valid discussion, and contains analysis of the issues/conflicts and its resolutions.

● 5 pts – Answers show mediocre quality of arguments, specific scenarios or scenes were
mentioned, discussions could be improved, and analysis present but seems incomplete.

● 3 pts – Answers show low quality of arguments, specific scenarios or scenes are missing, no
valid discussion, and poor analysis of the issues/conflicts and its resolutions were presented.

● 1 pt – No answer was given.

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REFERENCES

1. Dolla, V. (2015). Part II: Historical Antecedents. cambridge.org. Retrieved August 7, 2023, from
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/science-and-technology-in-
contemporary%20china/historical-antecedents/8F61809BB49FD5D0DE82E13C8235DF88
2. Ilagan, Y., Balinado, L., Digma, J., Taglinao, L., Bono, M., & Penaflorida, Ma. V. (n.d.). SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY. Panday-lahi.
3. Science, Technology and Society: SAGE Journals. (2023, August 6). Sage Journals.
https://journals.sagepub.com/home/sts

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