Module 1
Lesson 1
At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
identify the technological advancement in various historical period
identify the relevance of these inventions in today's modern world
Discussion:
Antecedent is the precursor to the unfolding or existence of something. Thus, historical
antecedents in science and technology are factors to consider that paved the way for the
presence of advanced and sophisticated scientific and technological innovations today.
1. Ancient period
There are inventions during the ancient period that helped facilitate life easier.
a. ancient wheel
It is believed that the Summerians invented the potter's wheel shortly after 3500 BC. A
potter's wheel is a heavy flat disk made of hardened clay which was spun horizontally on
an axis. This is used for transportation instead of animals.
b. paper
Roughly around 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians began writing on papyrus, a thick paper
material. This is made from the papyrus plant, cyperus papyrus. Before the invention of
papyrus, writing is done on stones. Since writing on stones is difficult, only the important
things are written. However, with the advent of papyrus, documentation and record-
keeping became efficient, widespread and vast. Information dissemination also became
fast. So, the records were kept and stood the test of time.
[Link]
It is an eraly tool invented and used by ancient Egyptians to irrigate the land. This is
necessary to water crops. The shadoof or shaduf is a hand operated device used for lifting
water. Because of the invention, irrigation and farming became much more efficient.
d. antikythera mechanism
Even before the invention of a modern computer, the Greeks already invented the ancient
world's analog computer, discovered in 1902 and retrieved from the waters of Antikythera,
Greece. This antikythera mechanism is similar to a mantel clock. This is used to predict
astronomical positions and eclipses.
e. aeolipile
This is also known as Hero's engine. This is a steam-powered turbine which spun when the
water container at its center was heated.
2. Middle Ages
There are also remarkable inventions during the middle ages for the communities to
flourish.
a. heavy plough
Through the invention of a heavy plough, it became possible to harness clay soil. The
heavy plough turned European agriculture and economy on its head. Thus, it gave the
people the greatest yields and agricultural revolution in Northern Europe. This marked a
higher and healthier agricultural yields and more efficient agricultural practices.
b. gunpowder
Before the invention of gunpowder, swords and spears were used in battles and wars. But
because of the accidental invention of gunpowder, a more advanced warfare was done.
c. paper money
Before the invention of paper money, precious metals like gold and silver were used as
currency. However, the idea of assigning value to a marked piece of paper was eventually
realized its huge advantages because it was easier to transact and transport goods.
c. mechanical clock
The development of mechanical clock paved the way for accurately keeping track of time.
d. spinning wheel
Another invention of the middle age is the spinning wheel. This is a machine used in
transforming fiber into thread or yarn and eventually woven into cloth on a loom. It was
the Indians who invented the spinning wheel.
3. Modern Ages
The following are the inventions of the modern ages.
a. compound microscope
A Dutch spectacle maker named Zacharias Janssen is credited for the invention of the first
compound microscope in 1590. The Janssen's compound microscope was capable of
magnifying objects three times their size when fully closed up to ten times when extended
to the maximum.
b. telescope
The most important technological invention in the study of astronomy during the modern
ages was the practical telescope invented by Galileo Galilei.
c. engine powered airplane
Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright are credited for designing and operating the first engine-
powered aircraft.
d. television
The Scottish engineer, John Logie Baird is credited for the invention of modern television.