Science Technology and Society-Module
Science Technology and Society-Module
Science Technology and Society-Module
0
Unit 1:
General Concepts and
STS Historical Development
(17 hours)
Introduction
Human creativity is beyond limit that even our ancestors might not have
imagined that our status of science and technology would be as robust as
today. Our current understanding about the nature and the world is a result of
constant over throwing of paradigm wherein an old paradigm like Geocentric
Model is replaced by a paradigm that has a higher content and explanatory
power like the Heliocentric Model. Such is termed scientific revolution. This
is just one of the many theories that were challenged in the history of Science
and have helped shaped our society.
Development of Science and Technology does not only leave indelible impact
in the history but its trail can be traced by its influence in our society and
country as a whole. In this unit, you will learn how science and technology has
greatly influenced the development of the Philippine society. You will
evaluate different government policies and programs to see how they have
shaped the nation. You will also learn significant inventions and projects
accomplished by Filipinos that greatly develop the countries’ science and
technology, and have been a major contributor to the Philippine nation
building.
This unit will allow you to time travel through the antecedents of science and
technology; lets you investigate how the present status of science and
technology came into being, and explore the major turns in the course of
global and national history that led it to its exhilarating and captivating
development.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:
1
∙ Discuss how scientific and technological developments affect society
and the environment;
∙ Discuss the paradigm shifts through history;
∙ Explain how intellectual revolution change the way how humans see
the world;
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Topic 1: Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science
and Technology
Learning Objectives
In order to understand past, one has to look back and revisit it. In like manner,
we are going to take a look at our very rich history and study what are the
major turns in the development of Science and Technology that had led us to
the innovation of cutting edge and sophisticated Technology in the present.
Your task is to fill in the K-W-L chart below by jotting down what you have
known and what are the things that you would like to know about our
historical antecedents in terms of Science and Technology.
What I already Know What I Want to know What I have Learned
Presentation of Contents
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Technology, which has the end goal of improving lives and making the work
easier, faster and efficient, our society respond by changing as well. These
changes are evident as each ancient civilization keep on creating technology
that has been modified and that is being used today.
To name a few, Sumerian are known for their contribution with the first
writing system called as cuneiform. Challenge to mass produce food, they
invented plowing, irrigation and dikes and wheel for farming. Throughout the
existence of this civilization, their main mode of transportation was through
waterways such as rivers and seas. They are also known to develop the first
road.
On the other hand, Babylonian civilization, which emerged near Tigris and
Euphrates River were famous for being great builders, engineers and
architects. One of major contributions is the hanging garden of Babylon which
one of the seven wonders of the world.
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Another civilization that is known for its renowned archeological artifact like
the death mask of Tutankhamen and Pyramid of Giza is the Egyptian
Civilization. Also, ancient Egyptians are known for their earlier contributions
like water clock or clypsedra, paper or papyrus, ink and a system of writing
known as hieroglyphics. They have also invented cosmetics for aesthetic
reason. Meanwhile, during this time, wigs were worn by wealthy Egyptians to
protect the shave of the heads from the harmful rays of the sun.
Figure 1.3 Death Mask ("Google Figure 1.4 Pyramid of Giza ("Google Image
Image Result for Result for
https://www.timetrips.co.uk/ep https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynami
tutmask1.jpg", 2019) c/25/590x/Can-you-see-the-flaw-682241.jpg",
2019)
Apart from being the birthplace of western philosophy, some of the major
achievements of Greeks include in-depth works on Philosophy and
Mathematics. They are also celebrated for their contribution to the world like
coliseum, Olympics, alarm clock and water mill.
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Figure 1.6 Greek Coliseum
("Image: the coliseum (greece)
- YouTube", 2019)
Perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the west, Roman
Empire was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance. Other
civilizations looked up to it as a model in terms of codified laws and
legislation. They are also celebrated for the invention of newspaper, bound
books or codex. In terms of architecture and engineering, Romans are known
for building elaborate churches, basilicas, aqueducts, coliseums, amphitheaters
and residential houses. They have also devised their own number system
which is the Roman Numeral System.
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Figure 1.11 The Great Wall of
China ("Image: Great Wall -",
2019)
The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations.
Wars are prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in
the fields of weaponry, navigation, food and farm production and health. The
wars have resulted to population decline. However, in the later part of this
period, there was significant increase in population. Trade and commerce
among nations increased, which resulted in greater demands for transportation
technology. Some of the most innovative minds came from this period.
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Another invention in the Middle Age is the microscope. Growing populations
caused massive migration and urbanization during the period. More and more
people transferred to polluted and populated urban areas which resulted in
more people getting sick. With this, experts needed to a device to study
microorganisms in order to develop proper medicines for illnesses. Guided by
the principles used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias
Janssen was able to develop the first compound microscope (Davidson, 2015).
Since the Middle Age was also known as the Age of Exploration, the need for
nautical inventions was high. The invention of the telescope, an optical
instrument that helps in the observation of remote objects, was a great help for
navigators during this time.
Great development in the weaponry technology also occurred in this era. This
include cross bows and long bows. Additionally, in close range hand-to-hand
combat, soldiers should wear something to protect themselves, a need
addressed by the creation of iron body armors. However, body armors were
heavy and limited the movements of the soldiers, chainmail was invented to
solve the problem.
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As people were able to develop better means of production to meet the needs
of the population, food preservation and food safety became an issue. Louis
Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist and chemist found a way to solve
the problem. He invented pasteurization, the process of heating dairy products
to kill the harmful bacteria that allow them to spoil faster. Through this
process, milk could be stored and consumed for a longer period. It also
prevented illnesses caused by harmful bacteria (Macalester College, 2010).
Other contributions of Pasteur to Science and Technology and Medicine
included his works on molecular asymmetry, fermentation and vaccination.
The more people got connected by trade and exploration, the more they
needed a way to easily maintain these connections and communicate with each
other in real time. Governments likewise needed some kind of communication
system which would allow them to administer their states well. Important day
to-day decisions must be discussed and addressed at the fastest time possible.
Thus, the invention of telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was one of the
most important inventions at that time.
Figure 1.15 Alexander Graham Bell’s Telephone ("Image: Inventor of the
Telephone: Alexander Graham Bell - Learning History", 2019)
Application
Your task
1. Write down the top 10 invention in the World and in the Philippines
2. Determine persisting needs were addressed by each invention 3.
Discuss briefly the impact of each invention to society
Feedback
1. Fill in “What I have Learned” column by writing down what you have
learned from this topic
What I already Know What I Want to know What I have Learned
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2. Create a collage on the inventions in the Philippines and the world
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Topic 2: Intellectual Revolution
Learning Objectives
At the end of this topic, students will be able to:
You may have read about different theories that worked and were believed to
be true during ancient times. In Astronomy, for example, you have learned
that Sun is the Center of the Solar System and that the planets, including
Earth, are revolving around it in an elliptical orbit. However, people in ancient
times believed that the earth was the center of the universe. Early beliefs also
claimed that human beings were created through “Divine Creation” but this
was replaced by Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. These
are just some of the examples of early theories that were challenged in the
history of Science.
What were the great Intellectual Revolutions that significantly shaped our
Society? What made these new theories controversial? Who were these people
or groups of people behind these upheavals that permanently changed the
course of history of Science? What were their needs, and what were their
struggles that motivated them to engage in such scholarly contribution?
This topic will lead you to some of the answers of these aforementioned
questions. Moreover, this topic describes how science and technology theories
paved the way for the Enlightenment and our current understanding of some of
the fundamental concepts of Science and of the world.
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Presentation of Contents
The Man who moved the Sun
The way people think about Solar System has changed many times throughout
history. Before the development of telescope astronomy beliefs were based on
what can be seen by the naked eye. One of the earliest ideas on how Solar
System was structured was introduced by Claudius Ptolemy. He posited that
planets as well as the sun and the moon, moved in a circular motion around the
Earth, a concept which is known as geo-centrism. This geocentric model,
considered to be one of the greatest discoveries of all time, was widely
accepted by the people and became the astronomical dogma in Western
civilization for 1,400 years.
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scientists and his developing knowledge of geology and fossils, he proposed
the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin proposed that: individual
organisms within a particular species show a wide range of variation for a
characteristic, individuals with characteristics most suited to the environment
are more likely to survive to breed successfully; and the characteristics that
have enabled these individuals to survive are then passed on to the next
generation. This is called Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection
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Figure 2.3 Theory of Creation ("Redirect Notice", 2019)
In the past, the field of Psychology was always classified under philosophy.
Psychology was considered more of an art rather than a science. In the late
19th century, Sigmund Freud was able to change people’s perception of
psychology with his revolutionary theory of psychoanalysis.
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Despite criticisms, Freud still continued to work on refining his theory and in
fact tried to explain how psychoanalysis can be a clinical method in treating
some mental disorders. Soon enough, people were able to understand the
concepts of psychoanalysis, which eventually resulted in classifying
psychology as a science.
Application
What’s New
What we had just studied are the major intellectual revolutions in the past. At
present, what are the widely acceptable theory that could explain
1. Celestial Mechanics
3. Psychoanalysis
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Feedback
Direction: Conduct an interview to non-science majors about intellectual
revolutions and present the synthesis of your interview to the class. (Note:
Kindly prepare an interview schedule prior to the conduct of the
interview).
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Topic 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building
Learning Objectives
At the end of this topic, students will be able to:
∙ Explain the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation
building;
∙ List noteworthy inventions, with their inventors, and give their major
contributions in shaping the Filipino nation;
∙ Identify science and technology policies of the government; ∙
Appraise the impact of these policies on the development of the
Filipino nation; and
∙ Recognize the need for balance between freedom and responsible
behavior during the exchange of ideas.
Now, let us see what you know about the role of science and technology by
completing the concept map below. But before that, you may want to watch
the movie clips and read the short article listed below to get some ideas.
Happy watching and reading!
Questions to Ponder:
1. What roles do science and technology play in the developmental
progress of the country?
Read: 1. Ratnasiri, N., 2006. The role of Science and Technology in nation
building. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 34(3),
p.113. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v34i3.3640
From your readings and from the videos you watched, complete the diagram
below by enumerating the roles of science and technology in shaping the
nation. Then, choose one from your list and explain it to the class.
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Role of S & T in
Nation Building
Good job! Let’s learn more as you go through this lesson.
Presentation of Contents
Even before the Spain colonized the country, some indigenous science and
technology has already existed with regards to agriculture like farming, animal
– raising, and the utilization of plants and herbs as medicines. The use of
technology is evident in the in handicrafts, pottery, weaving, and tools used by
ancient Filipinos in their everyday life.
Innovation and ingenuity were unmistakable by the way native Filipinos built
the rice terraces by hand. They also developed tools for planting, hunting,
cooking, fishing, and also for fighting enemies during tribal conflicts. They
used indigenous technology in building houses, irrigations and transportation,
both on land and on waterways.
The ancient practices in science and technology by our ancestors are now
considered as indigenous science or folk science.
Colonial Period
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Spaniards. In addition, Spanish colonizers developed health and education
system in the country.
The American colonial rule modernized almost all aspects of life in the
country. They established the Bureau of Science to initiate the development in
the field of science and technology.
Post – Colonial Period
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Sciences Research Complex at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños
(Executive Order No. 840, s. 1982)
- he established the Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science
High School to encourage careers in science and technology
-established other research institutes like PAGASA, National Grains Authority,
Philippine Council for Agricultural Research, Philippine National Oil Company
among others
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Pres. Joseph Estrada (1998 - 2001)
Here is a list of some Filipino scientists and inventors, together with their
contributions in shaping the science and technology of the Filipino nation.
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Pedro Escuro (1923 - )
Filipino scientist, Pedro Escuro is best known for his isolation of
nine rice varieties, thus was renowned by developing rice breeding
in the country. The Pedro Escuro rice varieties are: Milpal 4,
HBD-2, Azmil 26 and C-22 and C-18, C4-63, C4-137, C-168 and
C-12.
Dr. Francisco Fronda (1896 - 1986)
Emerita De Guzman
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For more information, please go to the links provided below, then watch and
read the following:
Form groups of 5 and choose 1 role of S & T from the diagram you did at the
beginning of this topic, then perform a simple role-play that manifests the role
of S & T that you have picked. Below is a rubric to rate your performance. Do
this within 15 minutes. Enjoy acting!
Criteria Exceeds Meets Needs
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Activity 2: Back Through Time
A. This activity is meant for you to revisit our country’s rich historical
background on its journey to scientific and technological progress.
Your class will be divided into 5 groups, where each group shall
choose one period to elaborate the development of S&T in each period
and its contributions and implications to the present society. Complete
the table below.
a. Early Filipino/ Pre – colonial period
b. Spanish Colonization
c. American Regime
d. Japanese Colonization
e. Post – colonial period
Period State of Contributi Science Implicatio
S&T on of the culture ns of S&T
during period in and and
the period the practices/ science
developme Society’s culture of
nt of S&T norms each
during the period to
period the
present
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your skit to the class next meeting. The rubrics below will serve as
your guide, and basis for rating your performance.
Criteria Exceeds Meets Needs
Utilizing internet resources, find photos of modern Filipino scientists and their
respective inventions/ discoveries. Describe the inventions and their major
contributions in the development of our nation.
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Feedback
1.
2.
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3.
4.
In this unit, you have learned the different contributions to Science and
Technology of each epoch of human history- Ancient, Medieval and Modern
Times. Necessity and adversity drive people to think and invent technology to
address the needs and problems they encountered in everyday life. These
inventions paved way to major developments from ancient to modern society
and along with it, the transmission of scientific and technological knowledge
that influenced our very own notion of the world.
The advent of technology opens the door for more scientific endeavors in the
quest of unravelling the mysteries of the natural world, and hence the birth of
scientific revolution. The revolution had sparked human creativity and critical
thinking, and by this time, many a discovery and scientific ideas were
developed, and new scientific paradigms were generated which had
overthrown previous paradigms. This manifests that scientific knowledge is
not permanent, and subject to constant change through careful research and
experimentation.
In the Philippines, even before period of colonization, our society has been
faring on its improvement in terms of Science and Technology especially in
agriculture, handicraft and medicine. During colonization, there was a slow
growth of S&T since majority of its sophistication is brought about by the
foreign invaders. The establishment of Bureau of Science by Americans paved
the way for the initial growth of S&T in the country. During post-colonial
period where Philippines had given the autonomy for executive,
administrative, judicial and legislative operations, different programs and
policies of the government gear towards reinforcing progress of S&T. Many
Filipinos were renowned not only in the national but also around the global
society for their outstanding feat.
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Reflection
Think about these
1. What value of a scientist have you learned from the major revolutions?
Why?
5. Did science and technology change your way of life? Was it in a good
way, otherwise, or both? Explain how.
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References:
McNamara, D., Valverde, V., & Beleno, R. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society
(1st ed., pp. 1-128). Quezon City: C&E Publishing Inc.
Ratnasiri, N., 2006. The role of Science and Technology in nation building. Journal of
the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 34(3), p.113. DOI:
http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v34i3.3640
Web Sources:
Redirect Notice. (2019). Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2xrHBDz
https://urlzs.com/xH83x
Image: Ιnventor of the Telephone: Alexander Graham Bell - Learning History. (2019).
Retrieved from https://urlzs.com/ASZiC
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VEA4gKHUNtA
YQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2F1.800.gay%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F84660642
9
926395000%2F&psig=AOvVaw2Sl_sc8daokDiWkZShMf4F&ust=156230647520498
9
Image: Occult Science 4.0 - Heliocentric vs. Geocentric Astrology - YouTube. (2019).
Retrieved from https://urlzs.com/jFeHS
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Unit 2:
Introduction
There can be no doubt that we are rapidly moving towards a global society,
spanning the whole earth. Yet this global society derives its unity not from
philosophy or religion, but rather from technology. Technology is improving
life and improving it fast. It is technology that is leading to the
homogenization of all forms of social interaction and communication,
irrespective of their historical and cultural provenance. It is technology that is
creating a shared horizon for economic productivity, just as it is technology
that permits the limitless accumulation of public wealth. Technology is the
salient social activity of human beings as a species and, as an activity, and is
both cumulative and linear, irrespective of its consequences for human
happiness.
Also, this chapter covers the concept of human condition before and after the
existence of science and technology and ways on how technology aided in
revealing the truth about human being.
Furthermore, we will also be discussing the meaning of a good life and the
different possibilities available in attaining a good life and happiness. It will
point out how humans strive to become happy, achieve a comfortable and
convenient life and the desire to make the work lighter, easier and faster.
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Finally, we shall also be taking up the different technological advancements in
society, development of Science and Technology in the Philippines and the
effects of the interplay between technology and humanity through dilemmas
where the world is entering a period of transformative change, and many of
people will be surprised by the developments they simply hadn’t anticipated.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, student can:
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Topic 4: The Human Person Flourishing in terms of
Science and Technology
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
∙ analyze the steps in scientific method;
∙ explain the concepts of human flourishing and their importance for the
“common good” and present examples;
∙ enumerate some career jobs related to science and technology that lead
to human flourishing.
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leaves, flowers and
stems.
______________ 7. Kathy used a survey to determine how many classmates
were left-handed
and how many were right-handed.
______________ 8. Bob read about growing plants in water. He wanted to
know how plants
could grow without soil.
______________ 9. Kevin said “If acid rain affects plants in a particular pond,
it might affect
small animals, such as crabs, that live in the same water.”
______________10. Alicia’s experiment showed that chicken eggshells were
Presentation of Contents
Problems that you encounter could be solved by simple ways. Maria could
have solved her problem if she tried to approach it systematically. This lesson
will introduce you to the scientific method. The scientific method is a logical
and systematic way of solving a problem.
Different things happen around you. As you notice these, you take a mental
note of what you see, hear, feel, smell or taste. These mental notes are your
observations. On the space below, write five things that you can observe
around you right now.
1. _________________________________________________________
_____________
2. _________________________________________________________
_____________
3. _________________________________________________________
_____________
4. _________________________________________________________
_____________
5. _________________________________________________________
_____________
Choose one observation from your list above. Choose the most interesting and
from that, compose your statement of the problem.
Your statement of the problem must have an answer. But at this point, you still
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do not have a definite one, so you formulate your hypothesis. A hypothesis is a
logical guess that answers the question or problem. It could be correct or
incorrect, which is what you will find out in the next step. You could have
more than one hypothesis, but you will consider them one at a time in the
succeeding steps.
After proposing possible answer to the problem, you should prove whether
your hypotheses are true or not. This could be through experiments, test, or
research. You need to plan how you would test your hypothesis by logically
writing down the steps that you will do.
Choose one among the hypotheses you formulated. On the space below, write
the procedure on how you will test the hypothesis.
1. _________________________________________________________
_____________
2. _________________________________________________________
_____________
3. _________________________________________________________
_____________
4. _________________________________________________________
_____________
Stating the Conclusion
At this point, you now know if your hypothesis answered your question. If it
did, you just restate your hypothesis as your conclusion. If it did not, then you
need to test other hypotheses.
Human Flourishing
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toward which all actions aim. It is success as a human being. The best life is
one of excellent human activity.
For Aristotle, the good is what is good for purposeful, goal-directed entities.
He defines the good proper to human beings as the activities in which the life
functions specific to human beings are most fully realized. For Aristotle, the
good of each species is teleologically immanent to that species. A person's
nature as a human being provides him with guidance with respect to how he
should live his life. A fundamental fact of human nature is the existence of
individual human beings each with his own rational mind and free will. The
use of one's volitional consciousness is a person's distinctive capacity and
means of survival.
One's own life is the only life that a person has to live. It follows that, for
Aristotle, the "good" is what is objectively good for a particular man.
Aristotle's eudaimonia is formally egoistic in that a person's normative reason
for choosing particular actions stems from the idea that he must pursue his
own good or flourishing. Because self-interest is flourishing, the good in
human conduct is connected to the self-interest of the acting person. Good
means "good for" the individual moral agent. Egoism is an integral part of
Aristotle's ethics.
Application
Activity 1: Applying the Scientific Method
____________________________________________________________
_____________
____________________________________________________________
_____________
____________________________________________________________
_____________
1. _________________________________________________________
_____________
2. _________________________________________________________
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_____________
3. _________________________________________________________
_____________
1. _________________________________________________________
_____________
2. _________________________________________________________
_____________
3. _________________________________________________________
_____________
4. _________________________________________________________
_____________
5. _________________________________________________________
_____________
Guide Questions:
1. What do you think will happen if the steps in scientific method are in
different order?
2. If you would be adding more steps to the scientific method, what
would be these steps? Discuss the additional steps you are proposing.
Activity 2: Role Play
Direction: Break up your class into groups of four or five students. Each
group will role play the Golden Rule “Do not do unto others what you want
others do unto you” After the role each group will answer the following guide
questions.
Guide Question:
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Complete the mind map below by writing words that come to your mind when
you hear the word science and technology.
Feedback
From the picture below describe and assess the evolution and development of
science and technology along fields of medicine, agriculture, education,
information and technology and many more.
(Source: Fundamentals of Science and Technology, www.tutorialspoint.com)
Figure: 4.1
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Topic 5: Technology as a Way of Revealing
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of this topic, you should be able to:
Make a reaction on the saying “Comparing the lives of people before and now
will make anyone realize the changes that happened in society not just in terms
of culture, language or rights, but more importantly, changes in people’s way of
life due to the existence of science and technology”.
Film Viewing
You will be asked to view the Film: Akiro Kurosawa’s Dreams “Village of the
Watermills”
After the film viewing, you are now directed to make a collage You will be
needing the following materials in the activity below.
Coloring pens/crayons, Pentel pen, Pencil, Colored old magazines, Pictures from
the web, Scissors, Cartolina, Glue, Bond papers
Using the materials listed above, make a collage by cutting pictures in magazines
or newspapers or make illustrations that will demonstrate human condition
before the common era and the human condition during the common era and.
You may include their day to day activities, their ways of achieving survival and
their strategies to attain high productivity. You may opt to print pictures using
the web.
After making the collage, you may list down notable human conditions before
the common era and during the common era and briefly discuss these
conditions.
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1.Before the Common Era
Presentation of Contents
In your own perspective, how has technology affected the following aspects
given the two-time frames? Fill out the table below.
Human Conditions Before the During the
common common
era era
Mortality Rate
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Literacy Rate
Gross Domestic
Product
Application
You are now dependent on the comforts of what technology has brought to us.
This time, try to imagine our world without technology? How do you think our
daily routine would be like? Demonstrate a scenario where certain technological
innovation does not exist. You may form a group of five and use any
technological advancement for your role playing
Science and technology have aided us in survival and helped us outsmart our
adversaries, provided us comfortable life, allowed us to explore the world and
assisted us in discovering more about ourselves and the truth. -Unknown
Feedback
Following your groupings, make a survey from different groups with minimum
of 50 interviewees per group as follows:
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Group 6- Administrative Personnel
Each group should elicit their answers to the following questions below.
Summarize their responses and rank the said responses.
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of this topic, you should be able to:
Checkpoint 1
“The truth is the aim of the theoretical sciences, the good is the end goal of
the practical ones. Every attempt to know is connected in some way in an
attempt to find the good”.
Aristotle
Materials
Using the materials listed above, make a good life collage by cutting pictures
in magazines or newspapers that demonstrate how technology has made the
man’s desire for a happy life more realizable. You may opt to print pictures
using the web.
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Presentation of Contents
What is Good Life as Perceived by different schools of thought?
It is interesting to note that the first philosopher who approached the problem
of reality from scientific lens is Aristotle who is also the first thinker who
dabbled into the complex problematization of the end goal of life: happiness.
https://wellbeingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/seedling growth.jpg
Figure 6.1
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Look at the seed in the picture. It eventually germinates and grows into a
plant. The seed that turned to become the plant underwent change from the
potential plant that is the seed to its full actuality.
This can be likened to what Aristotle says that every human person aspires for
an end. This end is happiness or human flourishing. And no one resists
happiness because we all want to be happy.
Materialism
The first materialists were the atomists in Ancient Greece. Democritus and
Leucippus led a school whose primary belief is that the world is made up of
and is controlled by the tiny indivisible units in the world called atomos or
seeds. Accordingly, the world including human beings, is made up of matter
and there is no need to possess immaterial entities as sources of purpose.
Atoms simply comes together randomly to form the things in the world. As
such, only material entities matter.
https://zenfulspirit.com/2018/02/16/materialism/
Figure 6.2
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Hedonism
The Hedonists see the end goal of life in acquiring pleasure. Pleasure has
always been the priority of hedonists. For them life is obtaining and indulging
in pleasure because life is limited. They believe that pleasure give meaning to
their life without thinking of the future. The mantra of this school of thought is
the famous, “Eat, drink and merry for tomorrow we will die.
https://australianluxuryboatsales.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/boat
1024x683.jpg
Figure 6.3
Stoicism
Another school of thought led by Epicurus, the stoics, exposed the idea that to
generate happiness, one must learn to distance oneself and be apathetic. The
original term apatheia, precisely means to be indifferent. These group believe
that they can do things at their own and believe that happiness can only be
attained by a careful practice of apathy.
48
http://lyfetainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1.-Can-Loneliness-Kill-You-Why
You- Feel-Lonely.jpg
Figure 6.4
Theism
Most people find the meaning of their lives using God as the fulcrum of their
existence. The Philippines, as predominantly country, is witness to how people
base their life goals on beliefs that hinged on some form of supernatural reality
called heaven. The ultimate basis of happiness for theists is the communion
with God.
https://coffeewiththelord.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/god
alone.jpg?w=350&h=200&crop=1
Figure 6.5
Humanism
Humanism as another school of thought espouses the freedom of man to carve
his own destiny and to legislate his own laws, free from the shackles of a God
that monitors and controls. For humanists, man is literally the captain of his
own ship. They see themselves not merely as stewards of the creation but as
individuals who are in control of themselves and the world outside them.
49
As a result of the motivation of the humanist current, scientists eventually
turned to technology in order to ease the difficulty of life. Scientists of today
meanwhile are ready to confront more sophisticated attempts at altering the
world for the benefit of humanity. Some people now are willing to tamper
with time and space in the name of technology.
https://soheefit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screenshot-2014-04-10
- 13.04.01.png
Figure 6.5
Application
Acitivity2: Fill in the blanks
Using the table below, list down the different advantages and disadvantages of
the different schools of thought in attaining good life and happiness.
School of Thought Advantages Disadvantages
1. Materialism
50
2. Hedonism
3. Stoicism
4. Theism
5. Humanism
51
Feedback
Learning Objectives
Are you ready for your next topic? I’m sure you are! As a start, let’s do this
preparatory activity especially prepared for you. Happy learning!
Using a graphic organizer, list down some technology you see or you use at
home, at school or in your community, and in social media. Categorize them
according to their purpose (transportation, communication, education, etc.).
Describe briefly how you or the community use these technologies you
mention.
53
Great work! Now let’s proceed to the next section of this module.
Presentation of Contents
54
Television sets, Mobile phones, Computers, and Humanity
A number of technological devices can be easily found inside the home, the
most accessible place to anyone. Having said that, it can also be easily
inferred that these technological devices are some of the most popular and
most commonly used types of devices across all age groups. To be more
specific, these “celebrities” in the field of technology are television sets,
mobile phones, and computers. People all over the world use these
technologies every day to accomplish different purposes.
platform for different propagandas and In mobile phones, used primarily for
advocacies. Lastly, it can also be a good communication. It offers services like
way to bond with one’s family texting and calling. In the past, these
members. were the only functions of the mobile
phone but as technology progressed,
Komando.com Figure 7.2
there have been many additional
features included on mobile phones. In
the present, people use their mobile
phones
to surf the Internet and to take pictures
more than text or to call people. This is the reason why more and more people
all over the world prefer to buy smartphones over the old models where such
features are
not available. These make this particular technological device very appealing
to the masses. Additionally, it is very portable and convenient because it can
fit into any space, may it be inside the pocket or bag.
55
Computers and laptops, on the other hand, can be used to surf the Internet and
communicate. For a lot of people, they prefer to do their job using either a
personal computer or a laptop than a mobile phone. Personal computer or a
laptop has wide keyboard, wide screens and separate keyboards than mobile
phones.
Another reason
is that the
availability of
a mouse or a
touchpad made
these two
technological
devices easier
to
maneuver than mobile phones. Lastly, for
the youth and those who love to play
different computer games, personal
computers or laptops are really the better
choice because these allow them play with
comfort and convenience.
56
different websites without restrictions. This allows them to see, read, or hear
things which are not suitable for their very young age. This makes them very
vulnerable to character change and can greatly affect the way they view the
world and the things around them. The people in the scientific world nor the
children are blameworthy because first, the children are not yet capable of
rationally deciding for themselves what is good and what is bad. Second, even
if creators of these technologies went out of their way to inform children of the
pros and cons of these technological contributions, it would still be useless
because the children have no capacity to understand them yet. So, the ones to
be blamed are the adults who allowed the children to have access to such
devices in first place without any supervision.
Germany was one of the first countries to develop service robots. As part of
the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research’s “Service Robotics
Innovation Lead
Initiative,” it sponsored a
collaborative project called
DESIRE (Deutsche
Servicerobotik Initiative
Germany Service Robotics
Initiative) which was
launched on October 1,
2005. Some of the
expected work to be
performed by DESIRE are
the following: (1) “Clear
up the kitchen table” – all table will be
http://news.mit.edu Figure 7.5
objects on top of the kitchen
moved to where they belong; (2) “Fill the dishwasher” – the dirty dishes will
be sorted correctly into the dishwasher; and (3) “Clear up this room” – all
objects that are not in their proper places will be moved to where they belong.
57
Robots play different roles not only in the lives of the people but also in the
society as a whole. They are primarily used to ease the workload of mankind.
They were invented to make life more efficient and less stressful. They
perform complicated activities which human beings are incapable of doing.
On the other hand, they perform the simplest tasks at home so that their
masters can perform the complex ones without stressing themselves over the
simple tasks. There are also robots which are made for pleasure. To be more
specific, these types of robots perform activities to entertain people. They can
usually be found in amusement parks or exhibits. In addition, there are also
some robots which were made to serve as toys. They also perform different
activities but they are usually child-friendly.
Another dilemma is the emotional component. This may seem a little absurd
as of the moment, but looking at how fast technology progresses nowadays, it
is not completely impossible for robots to develop emotions. So here, the
questions become, “What if robots become sentient? Should they be granted
robot right? Should they have their own set of rights to be upheld, respected,
and protected by humans?” It is just right for the robots to be given their own
set of rights should they develop the ability to feel different kinds of emotion.
Ethical dilemmas arise when there are competing goods and competing evils.
In regard to IT, the sharing of private information within an organization
raises the question of whether the action is moral or immoral. Information
systems enable people to manipulate records within a short period, thus raising
questions on whether the information is genuine or vague.
58
In addition, will genetic engineering improve the quality of life or destroy it?
These are some of ethical dilemmas that are yet to be solved. Furthermore,
biotechnology raises some moral issues. It is difficult to justify the use of
living organisms during research and other technological discoveries. For
instance, vitro fertilization enables women who are not in a position to have
their own children to undergo the process. Religious groups are opposed to
such practices because their beliefs do not agree with them.
Similarly, the uses of technology have the capability of making many innocent
people to suffer; this is a moral concern. For example, nuclear technology has
the potential of killing many people, and consequently destroying the
environment. This raises some health problems. People affected by nuclear
emissions, such as those witnessed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, are deemed to
be genetically impaired. Such effects can affect the next generations of
affected individuals.
The use of computers also raises health issues. Even though computer makes
our work easier, it is evident that prolonged use of computers results to
repetitive stress injuries.
The idea that the quest for strong AI would ultimately succeed was long
thought of as science fiction, centuries or more away. However, thanks to
recent breakthroughs, many AI milestones, which experts viewed as decades
away merely five years ago, have now been reached, making many experts
take seriously the possibility of super intelligence in our lifetime. Because AI
has the potential to become more intelligent than any human, we have no
surefire way of predicting how it will behave. People now control the planet,
not because we’re the strongest, fastest or biggest, but because we’re the
smartest. If we’re no longer the smartest, are we assured to remain in control?
59
But there are other examples of potential ethical dilemmas in scientific
research and technology. There are things like genetic engineering, where
people worry that we might one day create super-humans that will outcompete
regular humans. There is surveillance technology, making people wonder how
human rights could be violated. People ask questions about whether we're
going where only God should tread, and whether we should do something just
because we can. The implications of many of these technologies are complex
and philosophical.
The biggest risk to our future is not that technology will take over but that we
will become too much like technology. Let’s think about where it’s going.
Let’s balance the EQ with the IQ. We should think of technology not as what
we seek but rather how we seek – it is a tool we should embrace, not one we
should become.
Application
It’s time for an exciting activity! The class will form 4 groups with equal
number of members as possible. Two groups shall make a skit and the other
two groups shall have a simple debate.
1. Skit: Each group should choose a topic and think of its perceived
effects and dilemma that it entails. Show your stand on a technological
dilemma through a skit. The group must be able to show the role/s
played by the technological advancement in the lives of the people.
2. Debate: Each group will pick one topic to debate on. Members of
each group must form into 2 subgroups – one as the Pro, the other as
the Con. The topics for the debate are the following:
Feedback
1. From the graphic organizer you completed at the very start of this
section, choose one technology in each category and give their risks
and benefits as regards to their purpose. Explain briefly each point you
included.
Technology Benefits Risks
61
While it is true that science equips its knowers some details about the world,
its main claim to objectivity and systematic methodology is at the very least
flawed. Science and technology has aided us in our survival and helped us
outsmart our adversaries, provided us comfortable living, allowed us to
explore the world, and assisted us in discovering more about ourselves and the
truth.
However, it also leads us to the paradox in which we are only able to see the
world in the lenses of technological innovations leaving behind other aspects
which are deemed important. In our pursuit of growth, we had conveniently
forgotten that technology only presents one approach in viewing the world,
thus leading us to evaluate objects or not.
It is undeniably true that man constantly aims for good life and has worked
hard in pointing out what amounts to be good and what happiness means to
them. Science and technology has been at the forefronts of man’s attempts at
finding this happiness and attaining good life for many if not all of us.
In our modern times, there are different advancements given by science and
technology. However, there are still problems faced by these technological
advancements specifically on the ethical aspects in nature and mankind. It is
now impossible for technology and humanity not to cross paths and it is
necessary that ethics be enforced in the field of technology to ensure safety
and morality of these advancements to living things.
Reflection
1. What do you think will happen if human person did not flourish in terms of
science and technology?
2.Debate: Each group will pick one topic to debate on. Members of each
group must form into 2 subgroups – one as the Pro, the other as the Con.
The topics for the debate are the following:
a. Is technology a friend or a foe?
b. Automation - A Threat to Employment?
c. Internet vs. Indolence and Stupidity
d. Cloning and Stem cell technology
Note: The teacher may use ‘toss coin’ or ‘throw a die’ strategies to decide
which groups shall perform a skit or a debate.
3.From among the different schools of thought presented above, which among
them describe you as a person or as a member of the community? Do you
think it can develop you better and attain a good life? Why or why not?
63
References
Inc. Patria, Javier et al. Science, Technology and Society, pp 63-74 Serafica et
Macat Thinking News. (2006) Aristotle’s Secret to Happiness: What will make us
happy now? Accessed February 3, 2017. https://www.macat.com/blog/aristotle’s
- secret-happiness
Introduction
The Nano world is perhaps the fastest growing world in the twenty-first
century. Global competition among nations in nanotechnology research,
development and marketing is on the rise. Advantages of nanotechnology
towards improving the quality of life are many. However, disadvantages of
nanotechnology especially related to human health, genetic disorders and
climate change are only beginning to surface raising serious concerns. The
Nano world will continue influence science and technology.
65
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:
∙ Link learned concepts to the development of the information age and its
impact on society;
∙ Illustrate how the social media and the information age have impacted our
lives;
Discuss the ethics and implication of GMOs and potential future impacts;
66
Topic 8: Information Age
Learning Objectives
At the end of this topic, students will be able to:
Situation:
Imagine that you are at lost in the wilderness and there is a substitution cypher
(a method of encrypting message in which the letters of the original text are
systematically replaced by different alphabet) that you need to answer to solve
your dilemma.
A J
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
ST
Z
G
Hint: This is the first thing that you will be doing when you are at
Answer: __________________________________
Presentation of Contents
67
had spurt with the advent of science and technology and now we are in the
century which is considered by many as the Information Age.
Information Age is the period starting in the last quarter of the 20 th century
when information became effortlessly accessible through publication and
through the management of information by computers and computer networks.
It is a true new age based upon the interconnection of computers via
telecommunications, with these systems operating on both real-time and as
needed basis- Theory of Information Age (Messenger, 1982).
Before it has reached its current state, constant change has taken place in the
form of information revolution. By 1960’s to 1970’s, rapid growth of
information resulted to difficulty in collecting and managing them1980’s there
was Information Anxiety (Richard Wurman). In 1990’s, information became
the currency of the business world. At present, information turned out to be a
commodity, an over developed product, mass produced and unspecialized.
Robert Harris has outlined the truths about Information Age. He described it
as follows
Accessibility of information was made faster and easier with the aid of
computer. One of the significant applications of computers for science and
research is evident in the field of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is the
application of information technology to store, organize and analyze vast
amount of biological data which is available in the form sequences and
structures of proteins – the building blocks of organisms and nucleic acids- the
information carrier (Madan, n.d.) Such was established because of the need to
create databases of biological sequences. Application includes the Human
68
Genome Project, Pharmacogenomics Drug Discovery, Gene Finder and
Annotator.
Application
Activity 1
Arrange the photos chronologically by writing numbers 1-12 below each photo
and explain the manner by which information is being acquired, stored,
retrieve and utilize.
69
70
Activity 2
Feedback
Create a poster on the advantages and disadvantages of Technology.
71
Topic 9: Biodiversity and the Health Society
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of this topic, you should be able to:
∙ Define biodiversity;
All living things exist in balance with other living things and physical
factor.
Unkno
wn
Bio diversity
Look at the word “biodiversity”. It’s actually two words combined together.
With your partner, breakdown the meaning of the two words in biodiversity.
Bio means___________________________________________________
Diversity means__________________________________________________
Now, combine the two words and try to come up with your own definition of
biodiversity:
Biodiversity means
___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
72
Let us compare your definition with the following definitions provided:
Biodiversity is defined as the vast variety of life forms in the entire earth
which includes the simplest unicellular organism to the most complex
multicellular organism. (Serafico, 2018)
Biodiversity comprises abiotic and biotic factors. Several biomes have diverse
characteristics in terms of their abiotic factors that dictate the biotic factors
that thrives on it. The aquatic biome can be divided into two, the freshwater
biome and the marine biome. The freshwater biome includes ponds and lakes,
streams and rivers, and wetlands. It is usually less than one (1 % ) of the
earth’s resources. Marine regions include oceans, coral reefs and estuaries. It
comprises about three fourths of the earth’s surface. Terrestrial biomes include
deserts, forest, grasslands, and tundra.
After you are done defining biodiversity, ask your pair to take a walk around
the campus and note of the different organisms present as well as the
characteristics of their habitat. Write your answers on Table 9.1. Don’t for to
enumerate the organisms and their corresponding density. Synthesize data into
any graphical presentation that you can illustrate in Figure 9.1.
Now that you have shared your knowledge of local biodiversity, it’s time to
think about biodiversity on a bigger scale. Research on the biodiversity of the
country as well as the global scale and illustrate them using the same graphical
representation that you have used in your local biodiversity on Figures 9.2 and
9.3.
What do you think scientist expect to discover more species? Why do you
think these organisms would thrive more as the time pass by? What
patterns have you observed from the graphs that you have drawn?
73
Table 9.1 Local Biodiversity of ____________________________________
Species Taxon Representative Population Type of
Species Count Environment
74
Figure 9.2 _____________________ showing the biodiversity of the
Philippines
Presentation of Contents
Your answer in the above questions actually explains that biotic factors (living
things) are related to the abiotic factors (non-living things). For example, your
answer is an increase in the population of rats in a rice field or decrease in the
number of dragonflies in the area; therefore, there must be changes in the
environment. Thus, a change in the environment can cause a change in the
biodiversity. And a change in the biodiversity could have erratic effects in not
only in wildlife and marine but also in human beings.
Now get a copy of the following articles and proceed to Activity 1. 1. “The
politics of golden Rice” (Dubock, Adrian GM Crops & Food. Jul Sep2014,
Vol5 Issue 3 p 210-222 13p.)
2. “Ethics in Research with Vulnerable Populations and Emerging
Countries: The Golden Rice Case.” (Duguet, Anne Marie et. al., Journal
of International Law and Commercial Regulations. Summer 2013, Vol.
38 Issue 4, p979-1013, 35p)
3. Agro-ecology: What it is and what it has to offer? Is this the future of
farming?
Directions:
You were tasked to read the different articles above. The first time you read
your hand-out (assignment), you placed your pencil down and just read to
understand. Today, while listening, it’s time to mark your hand-outs by using
the symbol asterisk (*) to mark key ideas, exclamation point (!) symbol to
mark surprising ideas and check mark (√) symbol to mark things you connect
with. Write a quick comment about why you picked that sentence, word or
idea. Lastly, share with your partner. Be sure to identify the quote or passage
you selected. Then, share your comment using a “Sample Language Support”
to get your discussion flowing. Record your partner’s response as well.
Symbol Comment Sample Language Support
76
Use this part as your answer sheet
Symbol Your Comment or reason Your partner’s
for marking this passage comment/ question to
what you said
77
Here is a gist of what you have read…
Life here on earth is affected by changes in the Complete the table below:
environment. Life represented by the various
species face threats every day that leads to Today, you must analyze the different
evolution and gene modification. There are statements on Table 9.2 and put a check (√)
major threats to biodiversity that were identified mark on the box of your choice under Day 1:
by My Opinion. Ask your teacher to affix her
the United Nations’ Environment Programme signature on the sides of your answers. Tonight,
(WHO,n.d.). These threats include habitat loss look for evidences and that may support and
and destruction, alterations in ecosystem not support the statements and place a check
composition, over-exploitation, pollution and mark on your decision whether you agree or
contamination and global climate change. disagree.
Day 1: My Eviden
Given those threats to biodiversity, different
Opinion
aspects in the society, health, biology and
environment are at risk. Researchers have been Agree Disagre Support
discovering new ways to improve crop e
production, address health illness and decrease
biodiversity loss. 1.
Environment
al changes
caused by
Application humans
can
Activity 2: Biodiversity Saver in the Making always be
reversed.
BIG IDEA: 78
“We should preserve every scrap of biodiveE.O. Wilso
to use it and come to understand what it me
2. We can
learn from
previous
environment
al disasters
so that we
will
not repeat
the same
mistake.
3. All
scientific
experimen
ts do not
affect
biodiversit
y
4. One
organism
becoming
extinct does
not hurt
nature
because
there are
millions of
organisms
on earth
BIG IDEA:
Based on evolutionary theory, organisms’ innate characteristic in its genome
79