SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, AND
SOCIETY (STS)
Course Orientation and Introduction
WELCOME &
ICEBREAKER ACTIVITY
"Technology Around Me"
Introduce yourself: your name, course, and
hometown.
Name ONE technology you cannot live without —
and tell us why!
Reflection Guide:
• What technology do you use most every day?
• How has it impacted your life?
• Can you imagine life without it?
Objective: Build comfort and awareness of how
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technology shapes our daily lives.
WHAT IS STS?
STS (Science, Technology, and Society) is an interdisciplinary
field that explores the relationships between science,
technology, and society. It examines how science influences
society, how society shapes science, and how technology
transforms everyday life.
STS considers the ethical, cultural, political, environmental, and
economic impacts of scientific and technological
developments. It emphasizes critical evaluation of innovations
and promotes responsible citizenship in a rapidly changing
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world.
WHY STUDY STS?
STS is relevant to technologies shaping our daily
lives: Smartphones, Artificial Intelligence, Social
Media, Medical Technology, Transportation
Systems, Agriculture, Online Education, Digital
Banking, and Climate Change Technologies.
Studying STS helps us understand not just how
these technologies work, but their broader societal
impact — including ethical, cultural, political,
environmental, and economic consequences for
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individuals and communities.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course explores the interaction of science,
technology, and society — historically and in the
modern world. Topics include: historical
development of science, technological innovations,
ethics in science and technology, sustainability,
globalization, Philippine contributions to science
and technology, emerging technologies, and
responsible innovation. The course emphasizes
critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and making
informed decisions as engaged citizens in a
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COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Knowledge & Skills: Explain the relationships among science,
technology, and society; describe key historical developments
in science and technology; analyze current STS issues; and
evaluate the ethical implications of scientific and technological
advancements.
Values: Demonstrate responsible and ethical use of technology
in personal and professional life; appreciate the role of science
and technology in nation-building; and become critical thinkers
and informed citizens who contribute positively to society.
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TOPICS COVERED THROUGHOUT THE
SEMESTER
Unit 1 & 2: Introduction to STS — Nature of Science, Nature of
1. Technology; Historical Development of Science — Ancient Civilizations,
the Scientific Revolution, and key milestones in human knowledge.
Unit 3: Philippine Science & Technology — Indigenous Knowledge
2. Systems, contributions of Filipino scientists, and the role of local
innovation in national development.
Unit 4 & 5: Ethics, Environment & Emerging Tech — Climate Change,
3. Sustainability, Responsible Innovation; Artificial Intelligence,
Biotechnology, Robotics, and Future Technologies.
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WHY STS MATTERS
Health & Environment: STS helps us understand vaccines,
telemedicine, and medical research that save lives. It also addresses
climate change, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable waste
management practices that protect our planet for future generations.
Communication, Economy & Education: STS examines how the
internet, social media, and digital literacy reshape how we connect. It
explores automation, digital business, and innovation driving
economic growth, as well as online learning and AI-assisted
education transforming how we learn.
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WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Why do societies invest in science and technology?
How does technology change culture and everyday
life?
Are all scientific discoveries truly beneficial to
society?
What are the ethical issues surrounding AI and
emerging technologies?
How can science contribute to national
development?
How do we practice responsible use of technology
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in our lives?
WHAT IS SCIENCE?
Science is the systematic acquisition of knowledge
through observation, experimentation, evidence, and
logical reasoning. It seeks to understand the natural
world by asking questions, testing hypotheses, and
drawing conclusions based on evidence.
Examples of Science:
• Physics – study of matter, energy, and forces
• Biology – study of living organisms
• Chemistry – study of substances and their
interactions
• Astronomy – study of celestial bodies and the
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universe
• Earth Science – study of the Earth's systems and
processes
WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?
Technology is the practical application of scientific
knowledge to solve problems and improve human
life. It continuously evolves driven by the needs of
society and advances in science.
• Smartphones & Computers
• Internet & Digital Networks
• Medical Equipment
• Transportation Systems
• Renewable Energy Systems
Note: Technology is not static — it constantly evolves
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as society and science advance together.
WHAT IS SOCIETY?
Society is an organized group of people sharing a
common culture, institutions, laws, traditions, values,
and goals. It is the human environment in which
science and technology are created, applied, and
regulated.
• Culture & Traditions: shared beliefs, customs, and
practices
• Institutions: family, government, education,
religion Laws & Governance: rules that guide
behavior and policy
• Values & Goals: collective aspirations and ethical
standards
Society both shapes and is shaped by science and
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technology — it drives innovation through its needs
and is transformed by the solutions that emerge.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
Science generates knowledge through research and experimentation,
forming the foundation for understanding the natural world and its
phenomena.
Technology applies scientific knowledge to create tools, systems, and
solutions that improve human life, transforming discoveries into practical
innovations.
Society uses, regulates, and influences both science and technology
Example: COVID-19 — virus research → vaccine development → public health
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policies and ethical debates.
RELEVANCE OF STS IN
EVERYDAY LIFE
STS shapes you into a better decision-maker, a responsible
technology user, and a critical thinker. By understanding how science
and technology interact with society, you learn to evaluate
information wisely, question assumptions, and make informed choices
in your personal and professional life.
STS also develops ethical professionals and environmentally
conscious citizens. You become aware of the social, cultural, and
ecological impacts of technology — empowering you to use
innovation responsibly, contribute to sustainable development, and
remain a lifelong learner in a rapidly changing world.
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COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Regular attendance and punctuality in all class sessions.
Active participation in discussions and activities. Timely
completion and submission of all assignments. Preparation
before each class meeting.
Collaboration and respectful engagement with peers and
instructors. Academic honesty and integrity in all work — no
plagiarism or cheating. Openness to diverse perspectives
and responsible participation in all learning activities.
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CLASSROOM RULES
Respect: Listen attentively when others are speaking.
Responsibility: Submit all work on time and come prepared.
Participation: Ask questions, contribute to discussions, and
engage actively.
Professionalism: Use respectful language and maintain
proper behavior at all times. Integrity: No plagiarism or
cheating — academic honesty is strictly observed.
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ASSESSMENT METHODS
Class Participation & Quizzes — Active engagement in discussions
1. and short assessments to monitor understanding and encourage
regular preparation throughout the semester.
Reflection Papers, Group Activities & Presentations — Written
2. reflections on STS topics, collaborative tasks, and oral or visual
presentations to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Projects, Midterm Exam & Final Exam — Individual or group projects
3. applying STS concepts, plus formal examinations at the midpoint and
end of the semester to assess overall learning outcomes.
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TEACHING & LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
Active & Collaborative Approaches: Interactive lectures, group
discussions, case studies, debates, collaborative learning, and
problem-based learning encourage students to think critically,
engage with peers, and apply STS concepts to real-world situations.
Reflective & Research-Based Activities: Reflection activities, video
analysis, research presentations, community examples, and
technology-enhanced learning help students connect course
content to their own experiences and develop informed,
responsible perspectives.
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TODAY'S ACTIVITIES
Course Orientation — Review of the syllabus, grading system, course
policies, and expectations for the semester.
Lecture Discussion — Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society
(STS): key concepts, relevance, and course overview.
Icebreaker & Open Forum — "Technology Around Me" activity, followed
by an open forum for questions and clarifications.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Is every scientific discovery beneficial to society?
Can technology cause more problems than it
solves? Should AI be allowed to replace human
workers in all industries?
What responsibilities do scientists have toward
society? What role does technology play in
sustainable development? Who should decide
how powerful technologies are used?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
STS studies the dynamic relationships between
science, technology, and society. Science and
technology profoundly influence daily life — from
health and communication to economy and
environment. Society, in turn, shapes and is
shaped by scientific and technological
development.
Critical thinking and ethical reasoning are at the
heart of STS. This course prepares you to become
an informed, responsible, and ethical citizen —
capable of evaluating technology's impact and
contributing meaningfully to national and global
progress.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE & CLOSING
"Science is a way of thinking much
more than it is a body of knowledge."
— Carl Sagan
Technology changes the world, but
people decide how it is used. Be a
critical thinker, an ethical decision-
maker, and a responsible citizen.
Next Meeting: Nature of Science and
the Nature of Technology
THANK YOU!
Be critical thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and
responsible citizens.