Module Title: Module in Science Technology and Society

Course Title: Science Technology and Society

Course Number: GE 108

Course Description: Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that
studies the conditions under which the production, distribution and utilization of scientific
knowledge and technological systems occur; the consequences of these activities upon
different groups of people. STS builds on the history and philosophy of science and
technology, sociology and anthropology, policy studies, and cultural and literary studies; all
of which shape the modes of analysis deployed in the field.

Overview:
This course aims to further students understanding of the social and cultural meanings of
science and technology. Ideal for students pursuing careers in law, public policy or
management, as well as for scientists, engineers and other interested in science, technology
and society. Provides students with insight into how different processes of knowledge are
initiated and progressed, and how innovative technological processes are developed,
employed and increase in importance.

Learning Outcomes:

Students majoring in STS are well prepared to pursue graduate study in related field and also
have a solid foundation for work as science journalists, policy researchers and advisers,
science educators, design and business consultants, and advocates of change around issue
such as gender and science, renewable energy and the social effects of the information
revolution. In addition, STS is an excellent academic background for students intending to
pursue careers in medicine, law, business and education.
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
To understand knowledge-making practices within the disciplines of science, and
experience those practices directly through laboratory sciences, mathematics, and/or
engineering.
To examine science and technology as historical practices and as social institutions,
being able to explain the theories, concepts, and methods used in such examination.

To explain in depth the way the social and cultural conditions of science and
technology interact with science and technology in a particular field.

To develop individual interests, through a thesis or research paper, that engage a

technological controversy, policy problem, or application; or seek comparable intellectual
depth in a cognate discipline such as philosophy, history or anthropology.

To demonstrate the ability to weave the major’s different strands together in an

intellectually robust way, through a senior thesis, the senior integrative seminar, or
comparable capstone experience.

To be well prepared for graduate work and future careers in the health sciences, science
writing, design and engineering, policy, environmental studies, law, or academia.
Indicative Content:

Chapter I General Concepts and Historical Developments

LESSON 1 Historical Antecedents which Changed the Course of Science and……………

Technology……………………………………………………………………..
LESSON 2 Science and technology and its Role in Nation Building………………………
LESSON 3 Government Laws, Policies, Plans and Projects Pertaining to Science and…...
Technology……………………………………………………………………..

Chapter II Science, Technology and Society and the Human Condition………………….

LESSON 1 The Human Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology…………………

LESSON 2 Technology as a way of Revealing…………………………………………….
LESSON 3 The Good Life………………………………………………………………….
LESSON 4 When Technology And Humanity Cross………………………………………

Chapter III Specific Issues in STS…………………………………………………………

LESSON 1 The Information Age…………………………………………………………...

LESSON 2 Gene Therapy…………………………………………………………………..
LESOON 3 Biodiversity and Healthy Society……………………………………………....
LESSON 4 The Nano World………………………………………………………………..

Chapter IV Climate Change and Energy Crisis……………………………………………..

Chapter V Environmental Awareness……………………………………………………...
Chapter VI Alternative Energy Resources………………………………………………….
Chapter 1 Lesson 1:

Historical Antecedents Which Changed the Course of Science and Technology

Introduction:
It is a well-established fact that science and technology impacts all aspects of our lives.
Science and technology is associated in all means with modernity and is considered as an
essential for rapid development. The state of science and technology determines the socio-
economic progress of a country. A country who is not able to implement science and
technology would not progress and reap the benefits of development.

Objective:
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to:
-Trace the historical development of science and technology in the world: Ancient, Middle
and Modern Ages and in the Philippines; and
-Demonstrate appreciation for the developments in science and technology

Activity: Let’s do it!

Poem:

Technology.
Technology. Will drive you insane.
The abrupt and constant changes
Pour like acid rain.

Developed by the brightest minds

Brilliant and most keen,
The intricate store of software
Remains sight unseen.
 And yet we love technology
Deem it to be best.
If compared to the pre-tech days,
Tech would pass the test.

It has made life so convenient,

Saves a lot of time.
And saves a lot of manpower,
Yet costs a cool dime.

Technology. Technology.
We've come a long way.
The world's made significant change
From back in the day.

ANALYSIS: Lets Analyze!

1. What is your understanding about the Poem?
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_____________________________________________________________________

2. What does that mean?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Abstraction:
A. History of Science and Technology in the Word: Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages
Science and technology has been around from the beginning of time. It evolves from the
everyday efforts of the people trying to improve their way of living. Throughout history,
humankind and utilized tools, machines, and techniques without understanding how or why
they worked or comprehending their physical or chemical composition.
Science and technology can be traced from the origin of human life 2 million years ago and
each era has significant advancement. The earliest form of science and technology were
human artifacts found during prehistoric time about 2.3 million years ago. They were roughly
shaped stones used for chopping and scraping, found primarily in Eastern Africa. Some of the
earliest record of science came from Mesopotamian cultures around 400 B,C., disease
symptoms, chemical substances and astronomical observations were some of the evidence of
emerging science.
During the same period in the Nile Valley of Egypt, information on the treatment of wounds
and diseases and even some of the mathematical calculations such as angles, rectangles, and
triangles and the volume of the portion of a pyramid have been around for thousands of years.
From 300 to 400 B.C. there was a rise in the number of philosophers who wrote topics on
psychology, biology, and a host of other topics. There was Euclid, the founder of modern
geometry, Archimedes, the founder of engineering mechanics and calculated a value for pi
which is still used to this very day. Urbanization is the development of large city, and the first
city popped around 3000 B.C. In Egypt during this same time, the first pyramid was built.
Pyramids are undoubtedly the most outstanding development in science and technology and
are still a marvel up to the present.
During the Middle Ages. gave birth to many scientific and technological development. Also
during the Middle Ages (often called Dark Ages), warfare had improved tremendously.
The Renaissance Era in Europe that began in 1450 and lasted until 1600 A.D. was the period
known as rebirth of knowledge. In Germany, Gutenberg developed the printing press which
resulted in books being printed instead of huge volume of texts being handwritten. In Italy,
Leonardo da Vinci, a great pioneer in Arts, architecture, engineering and science, stressed the
importance of experiment. He produced a vast series of notebooks with observations on
anatomy, cloud formations, plans for sites, military inventions, tanks, flying machines and
submarines.
Copernicus rediscovered what some of the ancient Greeks had known that the sun was at the
center of the solar system and that the earth revolves around it. The era also gave way to
geographic discovery beginning wit2h the invention of the triangle sail and the magnetic
compass. This aided Prince Henry, the navigator, to travel around South Africa, Portugal, to
reach India. It was around the same time Columbus discovered the Americas.
(History of Science and Technology in the Word: Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages)
ANCIENT PERIOD (3,500 BC-100BC)-The rise of ancient civilization paved the way for
advances in science and technology. These advances during the Ancient period allowed
civilizations to flourish by finding better ways of communication, transportation, self
organization, and of living in genera.
MIDDLE AGES (5th Century AD-395 CE)Between the collapse of the Roma Empire in 5th
century AD and the colonial expansion of Western Europe in late 15th century AD, major
advances in scientific and technological development took place. These includes steady
increase of new inventions, introductionof innovations in traditional production, and
emergence of scientific thinking and method. As such, some of humanity’s most important
present-day technologies could be traced back to their historical antecedents in the Middle
Ages.
MODERN AGES (1590-1929)As the world population steadily increased, people of the
Modern Age realized the utmost importance of increasing efficiency of transportation,
communication and production. Industrialization took place with greater risk in human
health, food safety and environment which has to be addressed as scientific and technological
progress unfolded at an unimaginable speed.

Modern Science and Technology around 1600 A.D.

Galileo was the first to use modern scientific methods based on experiment and testable
observations. In 1608, some spectacle maker came to the Republic of Venice where Galileo
was staying with their new invention, a spyglass for identifying ships well before they enter a
harbor. Galileo heard about it and promptly set about figuring how it worked. He not only
succeeded in constructing his own spyglass, but went on to build a second one with the
magnification stepped up by eight, and finally thirty times which is now known as the
telescope. He was able to discover craters and mountains on the moon. He later invented the
microscope and the thermometer.
Isaac Newton was born in 1642. He helped define the laws of gravity and planetary
motion, co-founded calculus, and explained the laws of light and color.
Albert Einstein became the most famous scientist of the 20th century. His work had profound
impact on everything from quantum theory to nuclear power and the atom bomb, and came
up also with the famous equation e = mc² used in Calculus.
In terms of modern technology, the Industrial Revolution brought about the beginning of
factories being built to produce goods at massive quantity.
In the late 1800, the light bulb began to replace candles and oil lamps.

B. Science and Technology in the Philippines: A Historical Perspective

Philippine science and technology has a long history. It started before Spain colonized the
country where some indigenous technology already existed with regards to wet rice and dry
rice agriculture. The use of technology was also evident in the handicrafts, pottery, weaving,
metal ware and boats used by ancient Filipinos. The natives were already aware of the
medicinal and therapeutic properties of plants and the methods of extracting medicine from
herbs. They had an alphabet, a system of writing, a method of counting. weights and measure.
They had no calendar but counted the years by the period of the moon and from one harvest
to another. Filipinos were already engaged in farming, shipbuilding, mining and weaving.
The Banaue Rice Terraces is a sophisticated product of engineering by pre-Spanish Filipinos.

Spanish Colonial Period

The colonization of the Philippines contributed to the growth of science and technology
in the archipelago. The Spaniards introduced formal education and founded scientific
institutions. During the early years of Spanish rule in the Philippines, Parish schools were
established where religion, reading, writing, arithmetic and music was taught. Sanitation and
more advanced methods of agriculture were taught to the natives. Later the Spaniards
established colleges and universities in the archipelago including University of Santo Tomas

The 20th century gave birth to the radio, the first car to run with engine power. The first
man went to space in a rocket. It was also the beginning of communication, electronic and
computer era.
American Period and Post Commonwealth Era
The progress of science and technology continued under American rule. On July 1, 1901, the
Philippine Commission established the Bureau of Government Laboratories which was
placed under the Department of Interior The Bureau replaced the Laboratorio Municipal
which was established during the Spanish era. On October 26, 1905, the Bureau of
Government Laboratories was replaced by the Bureau of Science The Bureau dealt with the
study of tropical diseases. With the progress of science and technology, on December 8,
1933, the National Research Council of the Philippines was recognized. The Bureau of
Science became the primary research center of the Philippines until World War II,
Science during the American period was inclined towards agriculture, food processing,
forestry, medicine, and pharmacy. Not much focus was given on the development of
industrial technology due to free trade policy with the United States which nurtured an
economy geared towards agriculture and trade.

Marcos Era and Martial Law

Science was given importance during the Marcos Regime. In the amended 1973 Philippine
Constitution, Article XV, Section 9 (1), he declared that the "advancement of science and
technology shall have priority in national "Development". In his two terms of presidency and
during Martial Law, many laws were enacted promoting science and technology.
On January 23, 1967, he declared that science was necessary for the development programs,
and thus, directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science courses in public
high schools. DepEd and the National Science Development Board (NSDB) organized a
project to provide selected high schools with science teaching equipment over a four-year
period.
In 1968 technology was recognized as the leading factor in economic development and thus
additional funds were channeled to support projects in applied sciences and science
education. A big part of the war damage funds was allocated to fund private universities and
encourage them to pursue programs in science, technology and research. Seminars were also
conducted for public and private high school and college science teachers. Training programs
and scholarships were awarded to graduate and undergraduate science scholars.
The National Science Development Board established the Philippine Atomic Energy
Commission to explore the uses of atomic energy for economic development. Marcos
assisted 107 institutions in undertaking nuclear energy work by sending scientists, engineers,
doctors and technicians to study nuclear science and technology abroad.

Major development projects to reform education were done and which included research and
development, establishment of technical institutes, science education centers, and agricultural
colleges and vocational high schools. The Philippine Council for Agricultural Research was
also established to support the progressive development of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
for the country. The Council was attached to the Department of Agriculture and Natural
Resources for administrative purposes.
Another agency was established by Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972 and this is the
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) under the
Department of National Defense. Its function was to provide environmental protection and to
utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the people.
By virtue of Executive Order No. 784, s. 1982, the National Science Development Board and
its support agencies was reorganized and was named National Science and Technology
Authority (NSTA) to provide central direction and coordination of scientific and
technological research and development.
The Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science High School were established
in 1986 to encourage careers in science and technology and to be more accessible to the
talented students in the Mindanao and Visayas areas in accordance with Executive Order No.
1090, s. 1986.

Fifth Republic
During Corazon Aquino's presidency, the National Science and Technology Authority was
replaced by the Department of Science and Technology, giving the department a
representation in the cabinet. Under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for the
years 1987-1992, science and technology's role in economic recovery and sustained
economic growth was highlighted. Science and technology was one of the three priorities of
the government towards an economic recovery.
The first Science and Technology Master Plan or STMP was formulated on August 8, 1988.
Its goal was for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized country status for the year
2000.
During President Corazon Aquino's term, she encouraged scientists and inventors to bring the
Philippines to its former position as second to Japan in science and technology and to achieve
the status as an industrialized country in 2000.
President Fidel V. Ramos' Term
There were noticeable improvements regarding science and technology during President
Fidel V. Ramos' term. There was a significant increase in personnel specializing in science
and technology. In 1988, the Philippines was estimated to have around 3,000 competent
scientists and engineers.
During the Ramos administration, the Department of Science and Technology initiated a
Science and Technology Agenda for Development (STAND) which embodies the country's
task development plan for 1993 1998. In 1998, a presidential task force was formed to deal
with the overall problems confronting Research and Development and Science and
Technology development in the country. It was tasked to formulate a Science and
Technology development program that would support the national development goal of
attaining a newly industrialized country (NIC) status by the year 2000. The task force was
composed of the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation and Communication, as
well as the adviser on public resources and three academic institutions involved in science
and technology.
Another Science and Technology framework plan entitled 'Competence,
Competitive Conscience: the Medium-Term Plan of the Department of science and
Technology (1999-2004). Its six (6) flagship programs are:
1) Comprehensive program to enhance technology enterprises; 2) Integrated program on
clean technologies;
3) Establishment of a packaging R and D center;
4) Expansion of regional meteorology centers;
5) S & T intervention program for the poor, vulnerable and disabled; and
6) Comprehensive science and technology program for Mindanao.

President Ramos believes that science and technology was one of the means wherein the
Philippines could attain the status of new industrialized country (NIC). During his term, he
was able to establish programs that were significant to the field of science and technology. In
1993, Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) was established

President Joseph Estrada's Term

During the term of President Joseph Estrada, two major legislations that he signed were the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) which was designed to protect and
preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural resources, and
Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) which outlaws computer hacking
and provides opportunities for new businesses emerging from the Internet-driven New
Economy.
Aside from these, he launched a full-scale program based on cost effective irrigation
technologies. He also announced that dole-outs are out, which meant basic health care, basic
nutrition, and useful education for those who want, but cannot afford it.

Science and Technology During President Gloria M. Arroyo's Term

In the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration, the science and technology sector of the
Philippines was dubbed as the "golden age" of science and technology by secretary Estrella
Alabastro. There were numerous laws and projects that concern both the environment and
science to push technology as a tool to increase the country's economic level. This is to help
increase the productivity from Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) and help benefit
the poor people. Moreover, the term "Filipinovation" was the coined term used in helping the
Philippines to be an innovation hub in Asia.
The Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) was developed further by strengthening the
schools and education system such as the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), which
focuses on science, technology and mathematics in their curriculum. This helps schools
produce and get more involved in this sector. Private sectors were also encouraged to
participate in developing the schools through organizing events and sponsorships. Future
Filipino scientists and innovators can be produced through this system.

President Benigno C. Aquino

In an effort to improve the efficiency of both land and water, the government passed Republic
Act 10601 which improves the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector through Mechanization
(AFMech). RA 10601 also covers research, development, and extension (RDE), promotion,
distribution, supply, assembling, manufacturing, regulation, use, operation, maintenance and
project implementation of agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment.
In 2010, President Benigno Aquino was considered as the "father of Organic Agriculture"
because of his work on the Organic Agricultural Act of 2010 (R.A. 10068). Developments
regarding the research and technology of Philippine agriculture are currently in the works.
Most of the researches are inclined in solving the problem of increasing hunger in the country
by creating a more efficient and cheaper process of yielding produce.
Science Education in the Philippines

Science is important to everyone. School science education should support the development
of scientific literacy in all students as well as motivate them to pursue careers in science,
technology, and engineering. Science is useful because of its links to technology and
industry, which, from a national perspective, are areas of high priority for development. It
develops students no scientific inquiry schools, values, and attitudes, such as objectivity,
curiosity, and honesty and habits of mind including critical thinking.
In the Philippines and around the world, people are talking about a science and technology-
based world and a knowledge-based economy. Given the expectations and skills required to
live successfully in such an environment and the varied problems of science education in the
country, there is a need to rethink what the vision of science education is.
The new science program decongests the competencies and arranges them in spiral
progression. While in the old curriculum, a specific discipline is being offered per grade level
such that general science is offered in the first year, biology in the second year, chemistry in
the third year and physics for the fourth year. In the K-12 program the different disciplines in
science which are life science, chemistry, physics and earth science are incorporated in every
level. In terms of instruction, the science program shifts from traditional methods of teaching
to a more innovative exploration that emphasizes the enhancement of the students' critical
thinking and scientific skills. The new curriculum utilizes learner-centered approach such as
the inquiry based learning pedagogy.

SUMMARY
The state of science and technology of a country largely determines its socio economic
progress. In other countries of the world including the Philippines science and technology has
undergone a tedious process of development. History will show that there were traces of
indigenous technology used by our forefathers as early as the prehistoric times. There is no
doubt that with the passing of the years, science and technology has improved immensely
with the progress of mankind. Breakthroughs in science and technology have improved the
lives of people across the globe, but it posed also serious concerns to mankind because of the
improper implementation of technology. The challenge therefore is for us to determine the
type of future we need to have and then create relevant technologies which will make the
world a wonderful place for us to live in.

APPLICATION:
Process Question
These includes steady increase of New Inventions.
1.
2.

Evaluation/Assessment:

1. It is the Terms we often encounter today.

A. Communication
B. Globalization
C. Satellites

2. It is the process by which Information is exchanged between individuals through a

common system of symbol, signs, or behavior.
A. Satellites
B. Communication
C. Global

3. It is the act or process of Globalizing.

A. Globalization
B. Global
C. Communication

4. What is the Tittle of the Article of Sherry Turkle

A. Social Media
B. Media Theorist
C. The flight from conversation

5. It is a Social Media Theorist

A. Clay Shirky
B. Sherry Turkle
C. Media Theorist

Identification
1. You've likely heard of the phrase "Global Village" coined by Theorist _____?
2. He is an adjunct Professor in New York University and Graduate of Master of Art
Interactive Telecommunications Program ______?
3. Is one of the world's most experienced political leaders.
4. What is the Tittle of our Report?
5. This is the Media Landscape we had the ________ innovations.

TRUE OR FALSE
1. Sherry Turkle is a Social Media Theorist, American Writer and a Teacher.
2. Communication is the act or process of Globalizing.
3. Gordon Brown talked about how people can do things better if they had a better tool for
communication.
4. Sherry Turkle studies how our device and online personas are redefining human
connection and communication.
5. Communication is a process by which Information is exchanged between individuals
through a common system of symbol, signs, or behavior.

Enumeration:
What are the inventions of Ancient period?
1.
2.
3.
4.
What are the inventions of Middle Ages?
1.
2.
3.
4.
What are the inventions of Modern ages?
1.
2.
3.
4.

ASSIGNMENT:
Slogan Making
1. Make a slogan about the Science and Technology
References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Structure_of_Scientific_Revolutions#/media/File:
structure-of-scientific-rev o http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/KuhnCycle.htm o
http://noteshelf.org/thomas-kuhn-paradigm-theory/ o
http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/Pre-science.htm o
http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/KuhnCycle.htm o
http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/ModelCrisis.htm o
http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/ModelRevolution.htm

Prepared by:

Leslie Anas
Jazel Aurella
Beajade Abucay

( BTLED 1-B)

Submitted to:
Prof. Charry Tachado