SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL CONCEPTS AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Lesson 1: The Concept of Science
Definitions and Characteristics of Science
Old Notion: Science is an organized body of knowledge, wisdom, and experiences
concerning the natural and physical world, which has evolved to include attitudes,
processes, and skills.
The American Heritage Dictionary (2004) defines science as: 'The observation,
identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of
natural phenomena'.
Snir, et al. (2003) characterized science as: 'An ongoing theoretical dialogue with nature,
in which scientists have developed successively more powerful models to account for a
wider range of phenomena'.
Four Ways Science Can Be Defined
1. It is an Idea: It comprises ideas, beliefs, theories, and all systematic reasons and
observations on the natural and physical world.
2. It is a personal and social activity: It includes activities of human beings to acquire a
better understanding of the world.
3. It is a course or field of study (School Science): It is a subject or discipline dealing with
the process of teaching and learning about the natural and physical world.
4. It is an intellectual activity: It incorporates a methodical and applied study of the natural
and physical world that involves observation and experimentation.
Lesson 2: Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society
Scientist Contribution/Main Idea Work/Publication Cited as
Revolution Start
Nicolaus Copernicus Presented a model placing De revolutionibus orbium
the sun to be the coelestium (On the
centerpiece of the universe Revolutions of the Heavenly
(Heliocentrism), with all Spheres) (1543).
planets orbiting the sun
every year.
Charles Darwin Prominent for his theory of On the Origin of Species
evolution that significantly (1859).
and radically changed the
concept of the world's
creation and its evolution.
Sigmund Freud Known for the development Interpretation of Dreams
of psychoanalysis, (1899).
considered a scientific
method to study the human
mind and neurotic illnesses.
Lesson 3: Cradles of Early Science
Civilization/Region Key Scientific/Technological Contributions
Mayan (Mesoamerica) Advanced astronomy, calendar systems,
number system (base 20), concept of zero,
hieroglyphics, rubber products.
Incan (Mesoamerica) Quipu (knotted ropes), 12-month calendar,
suspension bridges, earthquake-resistant
stone structures.
Aztec (Mesoamerica) Mandatory education, antispasmodic
medication, Chinampa farming, chocolates,
canoe.
India (Asia) Iron metallurgy, Ayurveda medicine,
Susrutasamhita surgical procedures,
spherical Earth theories.
China (Asia) Inventions: gunpowder, paper, printing
tools, compass; acupuncture.
CHAPTER 2: THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN NATION-
BUILDING
Lesson 1: Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the
Philippines
Key Developments by Period
Pre-Colonial Period:
Indigenous knowledge in agriculture, medicine, and astronomy.
Technology for building homes, irrigation, fishing, and hunting.
Trading with China, Indonesia, Japan, and nearby nations.
Spanish Colonial Period:
Introduced school science focusing on human body, plants, animals, and astronomy.
Engineering works: bridges, highways, and railway systems.
Galleon trade introduced new crops, sugar production, and mining technologies.
American Colonial Period:
Founded public education system, hospitals, and health centers.
Established University of the Philippines as first modern research university.
Research on controlling tropical diseases like malaria, cholera, and tuberculosis.
Sent pensionados to study abroad and return with expertise.
Lesson 2: Government Programs to Support S&T Development
Current Programs Supported by the DOST
Funds for basic and applied research and patents.
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies in S&T.
Expansion of the Philippine Science High School system.
Balik Scientist Program to attract Filipino scientists abroad.
National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex in UP Diliman.
PAAASE (2008) Identified Capacity Building Programs
Establishment of national centers of excellence in S&T and engineering.
Human resource and institutional development programs like ESEP to increase doctoral
holders.
Intensify science education early through Philippine Science High School system.
Regional centers of research and development to support industries.