SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND
SOCIETY
(LESSON 3)
PART I
Cradles of Early
Science
Prepared by:
SHARMINA G.
MANAMPAN
Development of Science in
Mesoamerica
– Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central
America from Southern Mexico up to the border
of South America.
– There is no doubt that the Mesoamerican region
is rich in culture and knowledge prior to the
arrival of its European colonizers.
The Maya Civilization
– Is one of the famous civilization 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
religion structures.
The Maya Civilization
– This allows them to use their temple for
astronomical observation. For example, the
pyramid at Chichen Itza 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 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
activities and observing their religion rituals and
cultural celebration.
– The Mayans also developed the technology for growing
different crops and building elaborate cities using
ordinary machineries and tools.
– They built hydraulics system with sophisticated water
ways to supply water to different communities.
– The Mayans built looms for weaving cloth and devised a
rainbow of glittery paints made from a minerals called
Mica.
– The Mayans are considered one of the most
scientifically advanced societies in Mesoamerica.
They are also famous as one of the world’s first
civilization 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 old civilization.
The following were scientific ideas and tools that they developed to help them
in everyday life:
1.Roads paved with stones;
2.Stone building that surmounted earthquakes and other disasters;
3.Irrigation system and techniques 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;
5.The first suspension bridge;
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.
The Aztec Civilization
– Has also made substantial
contributions to science and
technology and to the society as
a whole.
Some of their contribution 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 value
the cacao beans highly and made it as part of their tribute to their
Gods.
3. Antispasmodic Medication. They used the type of antispasmodic
medication that could prevent muscle spasms and relax muscles,
which could help during surgery.
4. Chinampa. It is a form of Aztec technology for agriculture
farming in which the land was divided into rectangular areas
and surrounded by canals
5. Aztec Calendar. This enable them to plan their activities,
rituals, and planting season.
6. Invention of the Canoe. A light narrow boat used for
traveling in water systems.
