MODULE 2
SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND NATION
BUILDING
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to:
• Distinguish science from technology
• Explain how science and technology affect society and the environment • Describe the
role of science and technology in nation building.
• Creatively present the importance and contributions’ of science and technology to
society.
INTRODUCTION
The advent of science and technology brought progress not only on our country but in the
entire world. It is a well-known fact that it is directly associated with modernity and is an
essential tool for rapid development and progress of a country.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEFINED
Science and Technology is a field of endeavor upon which a two-way interaction operates
between the two.
While science is the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of
the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and
experiment (Oxford Advanced Leaners’ Dictionary, 11th Edition), technology is the application
of scientific knowledge for practical purposes(Oxford). It is the use of resources made available
by nature to procreate and make changes.
IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Today we cannot expect our life without science and technology revolving around it every
single second. Science and technology are extremely essential in our everyday life as they have
made things more simple, fast and secured.
Almost everything that we see around us is the gift of science and technology. Be it the
smartphones, fan, wheel, vehicles, cloth, paper, toothbrush, electricity, microwave, radio,
televisions, laptop, etc., everything is the result of science and technology.
Here are what science and Technology do for us:
1. It helps us save time and money.
2. Education 3. Internet
4. Provides us devices for comfortable sleeping, quick cooking and fast commute.
5. It helps us live a better life.
Impact of Technology on Society.
Technology by itself is not harmful to society, but the way society uses technology to achieve
specific goals is what results into negative impacts of technology on the human society.
• Technology has improved transportation.
• Technology has improved communication.
• The World Wide Web
• Technology has improved education and the learning process.
The role of Science and Technology in Nation-Building
It is a well-established fact that science and technology impacts all aspects of our lives as well
as planet we live on. The changes induced by science and technology have for the most part
benefited mankind although there is many cases where science and technology-based
innovations have been used for the detriment of mankind, pursued for either wealth and
power or both. It is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure that science and technology is
used widely to benefit mankind(Ratnasiri,2006).
The science and technology plays a decisive role in the economic growth of nations is a
foregone conclusion. It is then pertinent to also consider and rethink about the role of
scientists and technologists must necessarily generate new knowledge by engaging in
meaningful and appropriate research and developmental activities.
How can scientists and technologists contribute to achieving the multiple role which is a dire
necessity for the economic development of the country?
Researchers, as creators of new knowledge, must focus their work on nationally and globally
important and competitive areas of research which are multidisciplinary in nature. This means
that the results of research must be goal and resulted-oriented, tangible and significant. On
the other hand, scientists and technologists should be totally committed to add and develop
significantly to the knowledge base in science and technology aspects which are of economic
importance to the nation.
Summary
Science and technology has made great contributions to various aspects of our lives. It has
altered the way people live, connect and communicate and thus has affected profoundly the
economic development in the country.