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Understanding Science, Technology, Society

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17 views4 pages

Understanding Science, Technology, Society

Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
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Science, Technology and Society

COURSE MODULE COURSE UNIT Session


1 2 1
Introduction to Science, Technology and Society

 Read course and unit objectives


 Read study guide prior to class attendance
 Read required learning resources; refer to unit
terminologies for jargons
 Proactively participate in classroom discussions
 Participate in weekly discussion board (Canvas)
 Answer and submit course unit tasks

At the end of this unit, the students are expected to:

1. Define science, technology and society;


2. Compare and Contrast science and technology.
3. Know the limitations of science and technology
Science
 Discovering natural phenomena (knowledge)
Technology
- Comes from Greek words tekhne meaning “art or craft” and logia meaning a ‘subject or
interest”.
- Practical application of knowledge
 Concerned with what can be or should be designed, made or developed from natural world
and substances to satisfy human needs and wants.
 Focuses on Development and Innovation
 Inventing new or better tools and materials.
Development -which involves transforming research findings into prototype inventions of new
materials, devices and processes.
Innovation- which involves commercialization of prototype inventions of Research and Development
into marketable products or processes.
Research- a process of acquiring new knowledge.
Society – an organized group of people associated as members of a community.
Society- people in general thought of as living together in organized communities with shared
laws, traditions and values.

Types of Scientific Research


1. Fundamental/Basic Research- gaining new knowledge
2. Applied-practical application
3. Mission-Oriented-accomplishing a particular mission or technological objective
Types of Technology

[Link] technology-extraction, fabrication, processing, combination and synthesis of materials


[Link] technology-design and fabrication of tools, instruments, devices and machines.
[Link] technology- deals with the distribution of various forms of energy such as solar panels,
wind turbines and hydrothermal.
[Link] technology- based on machines that collect, store, process, retrieve, transmit and
utilize data or information.
[Link] technology- these are devices, medicines, procedures and systems designed to preserve,
repair, maintain, reproduce and improve living systems.
[Link] technology-Planning, organization, coordination and control of social activities
Branches of Science
Geology: The study of the Earth, including its materials, processes, and history. Geologists examine
rocks, minerals, and landforms to understand Earth's structure and the forces that shape it.

Chemistry: The science of matter and the changes it undergoes. Chemists study the composition,
properties, and reactions of substances to understand how they interact and transform.

Physics: The study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. Physicists explore
concepts like motion, energy, and forces to understand the fundamental principles governing the
universe.

Biology: The study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their
environments. Biologists investigate life processes, from the molecular to the ecological level.

Astronomy: The study of celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Astronomers look at stars, planets, galaxies, and the broader cosmos to understand the universe's
structure and evolution.

Scientific Processes
Observing: Gathering data through the senses or instruments. For example, a biologist might observe
animal behavior, or an astronomer might observe celestial events using telescopes.

Describing: Documenting and detailing observations. A geologist might describe the physical
characteristics of a rock sample, while a chemist might describe the properties of a chemical reaction.

Comparing: Analyzing similarities and differences between observations or phenomena. A physicist


might compare the properties of different materials, and a biologist might compare species to
understand evolutionary relationships.

Classifying: Organizing observations or data into categories based on shared characteristics. For
instance, in biology, organisms are classified into kingdoms, phyla, and so on. In chemistry, elements
are classified by their properties in the periodic table.

Measuring: Quantifying observations using standard units. A chemist measures the concentration of a
solution, and an astronomer measures the distance between celestial objects.

Making Inferences: Drawing conclusions based on observations and data. For example, a geologist
might infer the past climate conditions from the study of sediment layers, or a biologist might infer
evolutionary relationships based on genetic data.
Technology Processes
1. Identification of a specific need, desire or opportunity to be satisfied of interest to the
practitioner or technologist
2. Conceptualization of design or plan to satisfy the need or opportunity
3. Production or execution of plan or design
4. The use of phase.

Evolution of Societies
1. Hunter and Gatherer Societies- the most primitive of all societies.
2. Shifting and Farming- e.g. slash and burn farming
3. Agricultural and Mining Societies- both depend on the natural resources of the world to sustain
the needs of people but both entail the risk of environmental damage.
4. Manufacturing and Processing Societies-the use of coal marked the start of industrialization.
5. Synthesizing and Recycling Societies- production of synthetic food and other resources and
recycling of nonrenewable resources.

A hallucination is a false perception of objects or events involving your senses: sight, sound,
smell, touch and taste. Hallucinations seem real but they're not.

Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities. It results in confused thinking and a lack of
awareness of someone's surroundings.

The conscious mind involves thoughts that someone is aware of at any given moment.
The preconscious mind involves things that can be brought into consciousness at any time.
The unconscious mind includes the thoughts and feelings that exist outside of one's conscious
awareness.

Common questions

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Science involves discovering natural phenomena and focuses on acquiring new knowledge through fundamental, applied, or mission-oriented research . Conversely, technology involves the practical application of scientific knowledge and the development of tools and materials to fulfill human needs and desires . Technological processes include identifying needs, conceptualizing designs, production, and utilization . Society benefits from the innovations and solutions provided by technology which are based on scientific discoveries. For instance, societies evolve from hunter-gatherer to industrial and synthesizing structures as they adopt new technologies .

Societies drive scientific and technological change by defining needs and desires that research and technology aim to satisfy. In the management sector, societal organizational demands have led to technology that optimizes planning and control processes . Similarly, the growth of informatics industries reflects society’s increasing reliance on data for social interactions and business processes . These fields adapt as societies raise complex questions about data security, ethical data use, and efficiency, prompting further research and technological development to meet these societal challenges.

Effective educational strategies include integrated curriculums that highlight the interplay between scientific inquiry, technological advancement, and societal needs . Active learning methods, such as project-based learning and real-world case studies, engage students in exploring how scientific discoveries translate to societal technologies . Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration fosters critical thinking and innovation, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex problems by understanding and leveraging the connections between science, technology, and societal evolution .

Fundamental research provides new insights that form the basis for developing new technologies, as seen in geological studies that inform mining technologies or biological research that leads to medical advancements . Applied research directly aims at practical applications, such as chemistry leading to new materials or processes for manufacturing . Mission-oriented research focuses on solving specific technological challenges, often linking broader scientific principles with specific technological innovations . Examples include using physics principles in the development of energy-efficient devices or utilizing chemistry in creating more sustainable agricultural practices.

The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to industrial and later phases illustrates expanding scientific understanding and technological capabilities . The agriculture and mining phases utilized elementary scientific knowledge for resource extraction, while industrialization applied scientific principles in manufacturing processes powered by fossil fuels . The progression to synthesizing and recycling societies reflects advanced scientific research integrating sustainable practices and technological innovation to optimize resource usage, driven by a deeper comprehension of environmental and social dynamics .

Basic research is aimed at gaining new knowledge without immediate concern for practical applications, such as studying geological processes to understand earth history or investigating atomic interactions in chemistry . Applied research, by contrast, focuses on specific practical objectives, like developing new medical treatments or engineering solutions . While basic research expands foundational knowledge, applied research leverages this knowledge to create tangible technological advancements, guiding the development process from concept to commercialization .

The conscious mind pertains to immediate thoughts and awareness, the preconscious involves memories that can be easily brought to consciousness, and the unconscious contains thoughts not readily available to awareness . Understanding these layers is crucial in technology design, particularly in creating user interfaces and interactions that align with how users consciously and unconsciously process information. For instance, preconscious cues in technology can trigger memories or responses, influencing user engagement without overt awareness, a concept significant in user-experience design.

Energy technology has developed various methods for sustainable energy production, including solar panels, wind turbines, and hydrothermal systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact . These technologies reflect a societal push for sustainable solutions and have transformed energy infrastructures globally. Moreover, societies' focus on reducing carbon footprints has accelerated innovations in energy storage and efficiency, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility alongside technological advancement .

Hallucinations involve false perceptions that seem real but are not, often affecting various senses, while delirium is a severe disturbance in mental functioning leading to confusion and disorientation . In developing assistive technologies, understanding these differences is crucial for creating targeted interventions. Technologies aiding individuals with hallucinations may focus on grounding techniques and sensory inputs to differentiate reality from perception. Meanwhile, technologies for delirium management could involve alert systems and cognitive aids to enhance awareness and reduce confusion .

Biological studies offer insights into the intricate processes governing life, from molecular mechanisms to ecological interactions, informing innovations in life technologies to improve health and wellbeing . For instance, understanding cellular processes has catalyzed the development of medical devices that replicate or assist biological functions, like pacemakers or biosensors. Moreover, ecological research guides sustainable practices in biotechnology and pharmacology, ensuring medical devices and systems enhance human health while maintaining ecological balance .

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