Science, Technology, and Society (STS)
Chapter 1 – Lesson 1: Science and Technology in Human History
Lecture Notes (Summary Reviewer)
Learning Objectives
Explain how science and technology evolved through history.
Identify important inventions and discoveries in each era.
Analyze how innovations changed human life.
Appreciate the role of science and technology in societal development.
Science and Technology
Science – Systematic study that provides knowledge through observation
and experimentation.
Technology – Application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and
improve life.
Key Idea: Science creates knowledge, while technology applies that
knowledge.
Historical Development of Science and Technology
1. Prehistoric Period (Stone Age)
Characteristics
Humans were hunters and gatherers.
Learned through observation and trial-and-error.
Used natural materials for survival.
Major Technologies
Stone tools
Fire
Spear
Bow and arrow
Pottery
Farming
Contributions
Better food production
Protection from animals
Permanent settlements
Beginning of civilization
2. Ancient Civilizations
A. Mesopotamia (Cradle of Civilization)
Contributions
Wheel
Cuneiform writing
Irrigation systems
Base-60 mathematics
Astronomy
Importance
Basis of modern time measurement (60 seconds, 60 minutes).
B. Ancient Egypt
Contributions
365-day calendar
Irrigation
Medicine
Mummification
Pyramid engineering
Importance
Advanced medicine and engineering through observation.
C. Ancient China
Four Great Inventions
Paper
Printing
Compass
Gunpowder
Other Contributions
Silk production
Porcelain
Seismograph
Importance
Improved communication, navigation, education, and warfare.
D. Ancient India
Contributions
Zero
Decimal system
Ayurveda (traditional medicine)
Astronomy
Surgery
Importance
Influenced modern mathematics and medicine.
E. Ancient Greece
Known For
Birthplace of Western philosophy and scientific thinking.
Famous Thinkers
Socrates – Critical thinking (Socratic Method)
Plato – Founded the Academy; emphasized education
Aristotle – Observation and evidence; foundation of the scientific method
Archimedes – Principle of Buoyancy; Archimedes’ Screw
Hippocrates – Father of Medicine; Hippocratic Oath
Major Contributions
Logic
Geometry
Scientific reasoning
Medicine
Engineering
2. Middle Ages (500–1500 CE)
Characteristics
Growth of universities
Preservation of knowledge
Advances in architecture
Mechanical inventions
Major Technologies
Windmills
Watermills
Mechanical clocks
Eyeglasses
Improved farming tools
Importance
Prepared the way for the Scientific Revolution.
3. Scientific Revolution (16th–17th Century)
Key Idea
Knowledge based on observation, experimentation, and evidence.
Major Scientists
Nicolaus Copernicus – Heliocentric Theory
Galileo Galilei – Improved telescope; supported heliocentrism
Johannes Kepler – Laws of planetary motion
Isaac Newton – Laws of Motion and Gravity
Importance
Birth of modern science
Development of the Scientific Method
4. Industrial Revolution (1760–1840)
Major Inventions
Steam engine
Textile machines
Railways
Factories
Steamships
Positive Effects
Increased production
Faster transportation
Economic growth
Urban development
Negative Effects
Pollution
Child labor
Poor working conditions
Environmental degradation
5. Modern Science and Technology (20th–21st Century)
Important Developments
Computers
Smartphones
Internet
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Robotics
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Renewable energy
Space exploration
Importance
Improved education
Better healthcare
Modern agriculture
Faster transportation
Global communication
Business innovation
Key Reminder
Science and technology greatly influence society.
Society also influences scientific research and technological development.
Technology should always consider ethics, culture, the environment, and the
common good.
Quick Review (Easy to Memorize)
Historical Period
Key Contributions
Prehistoric
Stone tools, fire, farming
Mesopotamia
Wheel, writing, irrigation
Egypt
Calendar, medicine, pyramids
China
Paper, printing, compass, gunpowder
India
Zero, decimal system, surgery
Greece
Philosophy, scientific reasoning, medicine
Middle Ages
Universities, clocks, windmills
Scientific Revolution
Scientific Method, heliocentric theory, gravity
Industrial Revolution
Steam engine, factories, railways
Modern Era
AI, Internet, biotechnology, robotics
Main Takeaway
Science and technology have evolved alongside human civilization,
improving survival, knowledge, communication, transportation, medicine,
and industry. Their responsible use should promote the well-being of society
and protect the environment.