Prelim
Prelim
Prelim
Scientific Revolution
Science is as old as the world itself. There is no individual that can exactly identify when
and where science began. From the genesis of time, science has existed. It is always
interwoven with the society. So, how can science be defined?
4. Science as a personal and social activity. This explains that science is both
knowledge and activities done by human beings to develop better understanding of the
world around them. It is a means to improve life and to survive in life. It is interwoven
with people's lives.
The idea of scientific revolution is claimed to have started in the early 16th century up
to the 18th century in Europe. Why in Europe? The probable answer is the invention of
the printing machine and the blooming intellectual activities done in various places of
learning, and the growing number of scholars in various fields of human interests. This
does not mean, however, that science is a foreign idea transported from other areas of
the globe. Anyone who can examine the history of science, technology, medicine, and
mathematics is aware that all great civilizations of the ancient world had their own
sophisticated traditions and activities related to these disciplines.
Scientific revolution was the period of enlightenment when the developments in the
fields of mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed the
views of society about nature. It explained the emergence or birth of modern science as
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a result of these developments from the disciplines mentioned. The ideas generated
during this period enabled the people to reflect, rethink, and reexamine their beliefs
and their way of life. There is no doubt that it ignited vast human interests too rethink
how they do science and view scientific processes.
Scientific revolution was the golden age. for people committed to scholarly life in
science but it was also a deeply trying moment to some scientific individuals that led to
their painful death or condemnation from the religious institutions who tried to preserve
their faith, religion, and theological views. Some rulers and religious leaders did not
accept many of the early works of scientists. But these did not stop people especially
scientists to satisfy their curiosity of the natural and physical world.
Scientists are not driven by clamor for honor and publicity. They are ordinary people
doing extraordinary things. Some scientists were never appreciated during their times,
some were sentenced to death, while others were condemned by the Church during
their time. In spite of all the predicaments and challenges they experienced, they never
stopped experimenting, theorizing, and discovering new knowledge and ideas.
In this part of the lesson, three notable scientists are discussed. For sure, there were
many scientists who worked before and after these individuals. However, it is important
to note that these men, particularly through their ideas, had shaken the world.
Nicolaus Copernicus
One of the Renaissance men, particularly in the field of science, is Nicolaus Copernicus.
Knowledge about the nature of the universe had been essentially unchanged since the
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great days of Ancient Greece, some 1,500 years before Copernicus came on the scene
(Gribbin, 2003). This continued up to the Renaissance period. In one important way,
Copernicus resembled the Greek ancient philosophers or thinkers-he did not do
anything extensive such as observing heavenly bodies or inviting people to test his
ideas. His ideas were an example of what is presently called as a thought experiment.
By the time he finished his doctorate degree, Copernicus had been appointed as canon
at Frombork Cathedral in Poland. Despite his duty as a canon, he had plenty of time to
sustain his interest in astronomy. Copernicus was strongly influenced by a book entitled
Epitome published in 1496 by a German author, Johannes Müeller. This book contains
Müeller's observations of the heavens and some commentary on earlier works especially
that of Ptolemy.
Copernicus's idea and model of the universe was essentially complete in 1510. Not long
after that, he circulated a summary of his ideas to his few close friends in a manuscript
called Commentariolus (Little Commenta). There was no proof that Copernicus was
concerned about the risk of persecution by the Church if he published his ideas
formally.
Copernicus was a busy man. His duty as a canon and as a doctor affected his time to
formally publish his work and advance his career in astronomy. The publication of his
book De revolutionibus orbium coelesthumn (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly
Spheres) in 1543 is often cited as the start of the scientific revolution.
In his book, he wanted a model of the universe in which everything moved around a
single center at unvarying rates (Gribbin, 2003). 2003). Copernicus placed the Sun to
be the centerpiece of the universe. The Earth and all the planets are surrounding or
orbiting the Sun each year. The Moon, however, would still be seen orbiting the Earth.
Copernicus's model of the Earth orbiting around the Sun automatically positioned the
planets into a logical sequence. In his model, Copernicus outlined two kinds of
planetary motion: (1) the orbits of Venus and Mercury lay inside the orbit of the Earth,
thus, closer to the Sun; and (2) the orbits of Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter lay outside the
Earth's orbit, thus, farther from the Sun. From this model, he would work on the length
of time it will take for each planet to orbit once around the Sun. The result would form
a sequence from Mercury, with a shortest year, through Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter,
and Saturn with the longest year. He placed the planets in order of increasing distance
from the Sun. One of the great problems in the Copernicus model, however, was the
position of the stars. The stars cannot be placed in a fixed position like crystals in a
distance sphere.
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Copernicus is also a courageous man. Although the Copernican model makes sense
now, during those times, it was judged to be heretic and therefore it was an
unacceptable idea to be taught to Catholics. The Catholic Church banned the
Copernican model and was ignored by Rome for the rest of the 16th century.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin is famous for his theory of evolution. He changed our concept of the
world's creation and its evolution. Johnson (2012) described Darwin as a genius who
came from a line of intellectually gifted and wealthy family. He developed his interest in
natural history during his time as a student at Shrewsbury School. He would also spend
timne taking long walks to observe his surroundings while collecting specimens and he
pored over books in his father's library (Gribbin, 2003). According to Johnson, Darwin
went to the best schools but was observed to be a mediocre student. He struggled in
his study in medicine and ministry, which his father has imposed to him. Darwin's life
soon changed when one of his professors recommended him to join a five-year voyage
through the HMS Beagle on the Islands of Galapagos.
Darwin published his book The Origin of Species in 1589. This book is considered to be
one of the most important works in scientific literature. Darwin collected many
significant materials in order to present his theory with overwhelming evidence. His
book presented evidence on how species evolved over time and presented traits and
adaptation that differentiate species. Like many other scholars, Darwin accumulated
many pertinent materials and data that he could ever possibly need to substantiate his
theory.
Darwin's observational skills as a scientist were extraordinary that moved beyond the
realms of plants and animals into the realms of humans. His book The Descent of Man
was so impressive yet very controversial. He introduced the idea of all organic life,
including human beings, under the realm of evolutionary thinking. This replaced the
dominant views of a religious or biblical design that places human beings in a privileged
position of having been created by God. Darwin's theory of evolution scientifically
questioned this view.
Sigmund Freud
Freud is a famous figure in the field of psychology. Rosenfels (1980) also described him
as a towering literary figure and a very talented communicator who did his share to
raise the consciousness of the civilized world in psychological matters.
However, apart from these Freud also made a significant contribution in the scientific
world through the development of an important observational method to gather reliable
data to study human's inner life. This method is popularly known as the method of
psychoanalysis. The scientific hypothesis he formulated formed the essential
fundamental version of this method. For Freud, this method of psychoanalysis is a
scientific way to study the human mind and neurotic illness. It is no doubt that amidst
all questions on his works that led to some sort of academic controversy, his method of
psychoanalysis had great impact on the scientific way of understanding human nature.
Freud was born in a much later period from the scientific revolution but his contribution
to knowledge can be seen in many aspects of the human scene, including art,
literature, philosophy, politics, and psychotherapy. Whether he is more of a psychologist
or a scientist is for people to decide. The fact remains that Freudian ideas and theories
are still considered nowadays as a great inspiration to examine human mind and
behavior in a more scientifically accepted way.
The Maya civilization is one of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately
2,000 years. These people are known for their works in astronomy. They incorporated
their advanced understanding of astronomy into their temples and other religious
structures. This allows them to use their temples for astronomical observation. For
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example, the pyramid at Chichén Itzá in Mexico is situated at the location of the Sun
during the spring and fall equinoxes.
Mayan knowledge and understanding about celestial bodies was advanced for their
time, as evidenced by their knowledge of predicting bodies was eclipse and using
astrological cycles in planting and harvesting. The Mayans are also known for
measuring time using two Complicated calendar systems. These calendars were very
useful for their life especially in planning their activities and in observing their religious
rituals and cultural celebrations
The Mayans also developed the technology for growing different crops and building
elaborate cities using ordinary machineries. They built hydraulics system with
sophisticated waterways to supply water to different communities.
Furthermore, they used various tools and adapt themselves to innovations especially in
the field of arts. The Mayans built looms for weaving cloth and devised a rainbow of
glittery paints made from a mineral called mica. They are also believed to be one of the
first people to produce rubber products 3,000 years before Goodyear received its patent
in 1844.
The Mayans are considered one of the most scientifically advanced societies in
Mesoamerica. They are also famous as one of the world's first civilizations to use a
writing system known as the Mayan hieroglyphics. They were also skilled in
mathematics and created a number system based on the numeral 20. Moreover, they
independently developed the concept of zero and positional value, even before the
Romans did.
The Inca civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica. The Incas made advanced
scientific ideas considering their limitations as an old civilization. The following were
scientific ideas and tools that they developed to help them in everyday life:
3. irrigation system and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all types
of land;
4. calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for
planting season;
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6. quipu, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret, and
7. Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially prized artistic achievements.
Following the Inca, the Aztec civilization has also made substantial contributions to
science and technology and to the society as a whole. Some of their contributions are
the following:
1. Mandatory education. The Aztec puts value on education; that is why their
children are mandated to get education regardless of their social class, gender, or age.
It is an early form of universal or inclusive education.
2. Chocolates. The Aztec in Mexico developed chocolate during their time. In the
Mayan culture, they used it as currency. The Aztec valued the cacao beans highly and
made it as part of their tribute to their gods.
5. Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their activities, rituals, and planting
season.
6. Invention of the canoe. A light narrow boat used for traveling in water systems.
Asia is the biggest continent in the world and the home of many ancient civilizations. It
is a host to many cultural, economic, scientific, and political activities of all ages. In the
field of science, technology, and mathematics, great civilizations have stood out: India,
China, and the Middle East civilizations. These civilizations were incomparable in terms
of their contributions to the development of knowledge during their time.
India
India is a huge peninsula surrounded by vast bodies of water and fortified by huge
mountains in its northern boarders. The Indians creatively developed various ideas and
technologies useful in their everyday lives. They are known for manufacturing iron and
in metallurgical works. Their iron steel is considered to be the best and held with high
regard in the whole of Roman Empire.
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Ancient India is also notable in the field of astronomy. They developed theories on the
configuration of the universe, the spherical self-supporting Earth, and the year of 360
days with 12 equal parts of 30 days each. Sama (2008) noted that their interest in
astronomy was also evident in the first 12 chapters of the Siddhanta Shiromani, written
in the 12th century. According to Sama (2008), this ancient text covered topics such as:
mean longitudes of the planets; true longitudes of the planets; the three problems of
diurnal rotation; syzygies; lunar eclipses; solar eclipses; latitudes of the planets; risings
and settings; the moon's crescent; conjunctions of the planets with each other;
conjünctions of the planets with the fixed stars; and the paths of the Sun and Moon.
Ancient India is also known for their mathematics. Bisht (1982) noted that the earliest
traces of mathematical knowledge in the Indian subcontinent appeared in the Indus
Valley Civilization. The people of this civilization, according to Bisht (1982), tried to
standardize measurement of length to a high degree of accuracy and designed a ruler,
the Mohenjo- daro ruler.
Clifford (2008) and Bose (1998) pointed out that Indian astronomer and mathematician
Aryabhata (476-550), in his Aryabhatiya, introduced a number of trigonometric
functions, tables, and techniques, as well as algorithms of algebra. In 628 AD, another
Indian, Brahmagupta, also suggested that gravity was a force of attraction, and lucidly
explained the usè of zero as both a placeholder and a decimal digit, along with the
Hindu-Arabic numeral system now used universally throughout the world (Clifford,
2008; Bose, 1998). Another Indian named Madhava of Sangamagrama is also
considered as the founder of mathematical analysis (Joseph, 1991).
China
China is one ofthe ancient civilizations with substantial contributions in many areas of
life like medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics, arts philosophy, and music, among
others. Chinese civilizations have greatly influenced many of its neighbor countries like
Korea, Japan, Philippines. Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and other countries
that belong to the old Silk Road.
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The Chinese are known for traditional medicines, a product of centuries of experiences
and discovery of the Chinese people. They discovered various medical properties and
uses of different plants and animals to cure human illness. An example is the practice of
acupuncture.
In terms of technology, the Chinese are known to develop many tools. Among the
famous discoveries and inventions of the Chinese civilizations were compass,
papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools that became known in the West only by
the end of the Middle Ages (Davies, 1995). They also invented other tools like iron
plough, wheelbarrow, and propeller, among others. They developed a design of
different models of bridges (Zhongguo ke xue yuan, 1983), invented the first
seismological detector, and developed a dry dock facility (Needham et al., 1971).
In the field of astronomy, the Chinese also made significant records on supernovas,
lunar and solar eclipses, and comets, which were carefully recorded and preserved to
understand better the heavenly bodies and their effects to0 our world (Mayall, 1939).
They observed the heavenly bodies to understand weather changes and seasons that
may affect their daily activities. They used lunar calendars, too. The Chinese are also
known in seismology. This made them more prepared in times of natural calamities.
China made substantial contributions in various fields. The list or their discoveries and
inventions is overwhelming. These contributions were made along with mathematics,
logic, philosophy, and medicine. However, cultural factors prevented these Chinese
achievements from developing into modern science. According to Needham (1986), it
may have been the religious and philosophical framework of Chinese intellectuals that e
them unable to accept the ideas of laws of nature.
The Middle East countries are dominantly occupied by Muslims. With the spread of
Islam in the 7th and 8th centuries, a period of Muslim scholarship, or what is called the
Golden Age of Islam lasted until the 13th century. The common language of Arabic,
access to Greek texts from the Byzantine Empire, and their proximity to India were
contributory to the intellectualization of the Muslims and provided their scholars
knowledge to create innovations and develop new ideas. But contrary to the Grecks,
Muslim scientists placed greater value on science experiments rather than plain-thought
experiments. This led to the development of the scientific method in the Muslim world,
and made significant improvements by using experiments to distinguish between
competing scientific theories set within a generally empirical orientation. A Muslim
scientist named Ibn al-Haytham is also regarded as the Father of Optics, especially for
his empirical proof of the intromission theory of light.
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In mathematics, the mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al- Khwarizmi gave his name
to the concept of the algorithm while the term algebra is derived from al-jabr, the
beginning of the title of one of his publications. What is now known as the Arabic
Numeral System originally came from India, but Muslim mathematicians did make
several refinements to the number system, such as the introduction of decimal point
notation.
Muslim chemists and alchemists also played an important role in the foundation of
modern chemistry (Durant, 1980). In particular, some scholars considered Jabir ibn
Hayyān to be the "Father of Chemistry'" (Derewenda, 2007; Warren, 2005).
In the field of medicine, Tbn Sina pioneered the science of experimental medicine and
was the first physician to conduct clinical trials (Jacquart, 2008). His two most notable
works in medicine, the Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine, were used as
standard medicinal texts in both the Muslim world and in Europe during the 17th
century. Among his many contributions are the discovery of the contagious nature of
infectious diseases and the introduction of clinical pharmacology (Craig &Walter, 2000).
There are numerous Muslim scholars who made significant contributions in the field of
science, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy and even in the field of social sciences.
The decline of this golden age of Islam started in the 11th to 13th century due to the
conquest of the Mongols whereby libraries, observatories, and other learning
institutions were destroyed.
Africa is blessed with natural and mineral resources. Science also emerged in this part
of the planet long before the Europeans colonized it. The history of science and
mathematics show that similar to other ancient civilizations, the early civilizations in
Africa are knowledge producers, too.
The ancient Egyptian civilization has contributed immensely and made significant
advances in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. For example, the
development of geometry was a product of necessity to preserve the layout and
ownership of farmlands of the Egyptians living along the Nile River. The rules of
geometry were developed and used to build rectilinear structures, the post of lintel
architecture of Egypt. These early science activities in Egypt were developed to improve
the quality of life of the Egyptians especially in building their early homes and cities.
The great structures of the Egyptian pyramids and the early dams built to divert water
ftom the Nile River are some proofs of their advanced civilization.
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Egypt was known to be a center of alchemy, which is known as the medieval forerunner
of chemistry. They tried to study human anatomy and pharmacology, and applied
important components such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for the
treatment of diseases. These components displayed strong parallels to the basic
empirical method or studying science.
Astronomy was also famous in the African region. For instance, documents show that
Africans used three types of calendars: lunar, soal, and stellar, or a combination of the
three.
Metallurgy was also known in the African regions during the ancient times. North Africa
and the Nile Valley imported iron technology from the Near East region that enabled
them to benefit from the developments during the Bronze Age until the Iron Age. They
invented metal tools used in their homes, in agriculture, and in building their
magnificent architectures.
Mathematics was also known to be prominent in the life of early people in the African
continent. The Lebombo Bone from the mountains between Swaziland and South Africa,
which may have been a tool for multiplication, division, and simple mathematical
calculation or a six- month lunar calendar, is considered to be the oldest known
mathematical artifact dated from 35,000 BCE. Ancient Egyptians are good in the four
fundamental mathematical operations and other mathematical skills. They have
knowledge of the basic concepts of algebra and geometry. The Islamic regions in Africa
during the medieval period was also benefiting from mathematical learning, which is
considered advanced during those times, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
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The history of science and technology in the Philippines started way back before the
country gained its independence from the American colonizers. Before the coming of
the Spanish colonizers, the early he early inhabitants of the archipelago had their own
culture and traditions. They had their own belief system and indigenous knowledge
system that keeps them organized and sustained their lives and communities for many
years.
The different archeological artifacts discovered in different parts of the country also
prove that the Metal Age also had a significant influence on the lives of early Filipinos.
The sophisticated designs of gold and silver jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools proved
that their technological ideas helped in the development of different tools. Also, trading
with China Indonesia, Japan, and other nearby countries have influenced their lives by
providing different opportunities for cultural and technological exchange. All these
ancient practices in Science and technology are considered now as indigenous science
or folk science.
When the Spaniards colonized the country, they brought with them their own culture
and practices. They established schools for boys and girls and introduced the concept of
subjects and disciplines. It was the beginning of formal science and technology in the
country, known as school of science and technology.
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Life during the Spanish era slowly became modernized, adapting SOme western
technology and their ways of life. The Filipinos developed ways to replicate the
technology brought by the Spaniards using indigenous materials. Medicine and
advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by the
Catholic orders.
The galleon trade has brought additional technology and development in the
Philippines. Although it is only beneficial for the Spaniards, these trades allowed other
ideas, crops, tools, cultural practices, technology, and Western practices to reach the
country. Some Filipino students who were able to study in Europe also contributed to
the advancement of medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature in the country.
The Philippines, being one of the centers of global trade in Southeast Asia during that
time, was considered to be one of the most developed places in the region. Although
the country is blessed with these developments, the superstitious beliefs of the people
and the Catholic doctrines and practices during the Spanish era halted the growth of
science in the country.
The Americans have more influence in the development of science and technology in
the Philippines compared to the Spaniards. They established the public education
system, improved the engineering works and the health conditions of the people. They
established a modern research university, the University of the Philippines, and created
more public hospitals than the former colonial master. The mineral resources of the
country were also explored and exploited during the American times. Transportation
and communication systems were improved, though not accessible throughout the
country.
The Americans did everything to "Americanize" the Philippines. They reorganized the
learning or Science and introduced it in public and private schools. In basic education,
Science education focuses on nature studies and science and sanitation, until it became
a subject formally known as "Science." The teaching of science in higher education has
also greatly improved and modernized. Researches were done to control malaria,
cholera, and tuberculosis and other tropical diseases.
The desire of the Americans to develop the human resources of the Philippines to serve
their own interests is, somehow, beneficial in the country. These allowed American
scholars to introduce new knowledge and technology in the country. The Protestant
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church missions in different places in the country also brought hospitals and schools to
far-flung areas. Little by little, these efforts built a stronger foundation for science and
technology in the country.
However, World War II has destabilized the development of the country in many ways.
Institutions and public facilities were turned into ashes, houses were burned, and many
lives were destroyed. The country had a difficult time to rebuild itself from the ruins of
the war. The human spirit to survive and to rebuild the country may be strong but the
capacity of the country to bring back what was destroyed was limited. The reparation
funds focused on building some institutions and public facilities like schools, hospitals,
and transportation systems. The reparation money from Japan was also concentrated
on building highways and in providing technological training and human resource
development in the country.
Since the establishment of the new republic, the whole nation has been focusing on
using its limited resources in improving its science and technological capability. It has
explored the use of ODA or Overseas Development Allocations from different countries
to help the country improve its scientific productivity and technological capability.
Human resource development is at the heart of these efforts focusing on producing
more engineers, scientists, technology experts, doctors, and other professionals in the
country.
The development of science and technology in the Philippines, based on its brief
history, is shaped by several factors and influences. Like in the history of science in
other countries, it is always shaped by human and social activities, both internal and
external.
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2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and
Mathematics
There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government through
the DOST. Some of these projects are the following:
Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology.
The government funds basic and applied researches. Funding of these research
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and projects are also from the Overseas Development Aid (ODA) from different
countries.
Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the
field of science and technology. Saloma (2015) pointed out that the country
needs to produce more doctoral graduates in the field of science and technology,
and produce more research in these fields, including engineering.
Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System for
training young Filipinos in the field of science and technology.
Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and industry
partnerships.
Balik Scientist Program to encourage Flipino scientists abroad to come home and
work in the Philippines or conduct research and projects in collaboration with
Philippine-based scientists.
Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses to encourage
academe and industry partnerships.
The establishment of the National Science Complex and National Engineering
Complex within the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman. These aimed
to develop more science and technology and engineering manpower resources
needed by the country. They also aimed to produce more researches in these
fields.
In the field of education, several science-related programs and projects were created to
develop the scientific literacy of the country.
Special science classes were organized and special science elementary schools were
established in different regions. Aside from these, science and mathematics in basic
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There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to embark
various research and projects. The, following are some of them:
8. Infrastructure development
The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to Science and
technology. These laws serve as a legal framework for science and technology in the
country. These laws vary according to different themes such as: conservation, health-
related, technology-building, and Supporting basic research, among others. Some laws
and policies are in line with international treaties such as the United Nations (UN),
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other international agencies.
School science is filled with names of foreign scientists: Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Newton,
Faraday, Darwin, and many other Western scientists. We rarely hear of Filipino
scientists being discussed in science classes. Lee-Chua (2000) identified 10 outstanding
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Filipino scientists who have made significant contributions in Philippine science. These
scientists are also famous abroad especially in different science disciplines: agriculture,
mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, chemistry, engineering, and biology.
1. Ramon Cabanos Barba- for his outstanding research on tissue culture in Philippine
mangoes
3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. - known internationally in the field of electrical engineering;
was clected as officer of the famous Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz- notable for her research on sea snail venom
9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz- for being an outstanding educator and graph theorist
10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan- for his research in the field of communications
technology
There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who are recognized here and abroad for
their outstanding contributions in science:
There are other scientists in the Philippines who were not identified in the list. Yet, the
Philippines still need more scientists and engineers, and there is a need to support
scientific research in the country. The University of the Philippines-Los Baños is a
science paradise for agriculture, forestry, plant and animal science, and veterinary
science. It has produced numerous scientists and various research in the fields
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mentioned. The University of the Philippines-Visayas is also a national center for marine
science, fisheries, and other related sciences. The University of the Philippines-Manila is
a center of excellence and has produced many researchers, doctors, health
professionals, and scientists in the area of medical and public health. The University of
the Philippines-Diliman also has established a national science and engineering complex
to develop more research and produce more scientists and engineers in the country.
The government must find ways to establish more research laboratories and research
institutes. There is also a need to find ways on how their researches are disseminated
to the public.
Many of these Filipino scientists are products of good school science. It means they
were taught and inspired by great teachers. Their interests in science started to
manifest during their childhood years. Their natural environment ignited their curiosity
to learn more about the natural and physical environment. Schools and the laboratories
where they studied and worked nurtured this.
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Understanding science implies developing and applying science-process skills and using
science literacy in understanding the natural world and activities in everyday life.
Getting deeper into the discourse of science education, John Dewey (2001) stressed the
importance of utilizing the natural environment to teach students. Accordingly, nature
must indeed furnish its physical stimuli to provide wealth of meaning through social
activities and thinking. It is not surprising therefore that science education is important.
In fact, Marx (1994) opines that science is going to be one of the most important school
subjects in the future.
In basic education, science education helps students learn important concepts and facts
that are related to everyday life (Carale & Campo, 2003; Meador, 2005; Worth &
Grollman, 2003) including important skills such as process skills, critical thinking skills,
and life skills that are needed in coping up with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain,
2002). Science education also develops positive attitude such as: the love for
knowledge, passion for innovative things, curiosity to study about nature, and creativity
(Lind, 1997). Science education will develop a strong foundation for studying science
and for considering science-related careers in the future. This is an investment for the
country to develop a scientifically cultured and literate citizenry.
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One outstanding program for science education supported by the government is the
establishment of science schools in various parts of the country. There are also several
government programs implemented by the Department of Education and few private
schools for science education.
Since its inception, the PSHSS continues to pursue its vision to develop Filipino science
scholars with scientific minds and passion for excellence. PSHSS students have proven
to be a beacon of excellence, courage, and hope for the country. They have brought
honor to the Philippines through their exemplary achievements in various international
competitions and research circles. When the students graduate from the school, they
are expected to pursue degrees in science and technology at various colleges and
universities locally or abroad.
The Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project is in pursuance to DepEd Order
No. 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 S. 2010. This project started in June 2007 with
57 identified elementary schools that participated or were identified as science
elementary schools in the country. Since its inception, the number have grown to more
than 60 schools nationwide and this is now its sixth year of implementation.
The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and
technological knowledge, skills, and values. Its mission is to:
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Module Science, Technology, and Society
The subject Science and Health is taught in Grade 1 with a longer time compared to
other subjects: 70 minutes for Grades I to III and 80 minutes for Grades IV to VI. The
curriculum also utilizes different instructional approaches that address the learning
styles and needs of the learners like the use of investigatory projects.
The school was established on September 17, 1967. Originally, it was named Quezon
City Science High School. It was turned into a regional science high school for the
National Capital Region in 1999. The school was a product of a dream to establish a
special science school for talented students in science and mathematics. The focus of
the curriculum is on science and technology. The school still teaches the hoc: education
courses prescribed by the Department of Education (DepEd) for secondary education.
However, there are additional subjects in sciences and technology that students should
take. The school envisions to serve a venue in providing maximum opportunities for
science-gifted students as to develop spirit of inquiry and creativity. The school is well-
supported by the local government unit and by the Parents and Teachers Association
(PTA). The school is under the Department of Education.
The school was established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High School
(MSHS). It is the first science high school in the Philippines. The organization and
curriculum of the school puts more emphasis on science and mathematics. MSHS aims
to produce scientists with souls. In order to do this, humanities courses and other
electives are included in their curriculum. Students are also encouraged to participate in
various extracurricular activities. The school administers an entrance exam, the Manila
Science High School Admission Test (MSAT), for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT
has five parts: aptitude in science, aptitude test in mathematics, problem-solving test in
science, problem- solving test in mathematics, and proficiency in English. The school
prides itself from producing outstanding alumni and for winning various national
competitions.
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It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the
Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). The DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern
pedagogical theories adapted to foster the highest level of learning, creativity, and
productivity. The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics
(RCTP) established in 1992, which organizes small international workshops to foster the
informal but intense exchange of ideas and perspectives on outstanding problems in
physics and mathematics.
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