Activity (5 minutes)
Write a 3-2-1 about this article
3 facts you learned
2 things you found interesting
1 question that you still have
10+5 Activity Work
Area
Science, Technology, and Society
(SSS H.3.4.1, H.3.4.2, H.3.4.3, H.3.4.4, H.3.4.5,
H.3.4.6)
Scientific Insight
Why?
When people understand science, actions can
be taken to improve humanity
Example: Doctors sterilize surgery tools
Wash hands after bathroom
Hurricane/Tornado forecasting
Other examples….
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Technology vs. Science
Technology = using science to solve a
human need or problem
MUST benefit people
Value changes over time (ex. 8-track vs. MP3)
Science = exploration process used to
gain knowledge to explain and predict
natural occurrances
Scientists seek new knowledge – whether or not
there is a use for it
Ex. Pluto’s atmosphere…does it affect
humans???
Technology
Each change is a new technique or method
Music on a CD & Computer data on a CD
Scribing a book & Press printing a book
Technological skills must be used for any
complex machine to perform a task
Computer / Bulldozer / Cash Register
Technological system – network of people
and objects that work together to perform
a task
Airline Industry – airports, pilots, fuel, ticketing,
planes
Global Technology
Value of technology is changes for different
people at different times
Ex. Health care USA vs Kenya, Africa
Malaria cure vs Cancer cure
Developing countries value basic needs for
survival – food, safe water, health care,etc
Industrialized countries value technology that
improves the quality of life – easier tasks,
entertainment
Bioengineering and Food
Agricultural biotechnology
Definition: a collection of scientific techniques
used to create, improve, or modify plants,
animals, and microorganisms
increases crop yield and nutritional value
Examples:
Bovine Somatotropin (BST) in Dairy Cows
Roundup Ready Corn
Forces that Shape
Technology
Society – group of people that share similar
values and beliefs
Affects how new technology develops in 2
ways
1. Consumer acceptance - if you buy it, you must
want it.
Ex. Traditional vs. Hybrid Cars – if people are
buying hybrids, companies will spend $$ on
improving the technology
2. Personal Values – voting on or donating to
technology resources
Ex. Stem cell research and biotechnology
research
Forces that Shape
Technology
Economic Forces – how much money is spent
on technology
Federal Government
Federal budget has lots of $$ set aside for R&D
given in form of grants and/or contracts
citizens vote to decide where to put $$
Private Foundations
Organization not associated with government
Example: March of Dimes & Muscular Dystrophy
Focus on a specific cause
Raise money with events ([Link]/telethons)
Private Industries – R&D budget for new products
Example: 3M and Post-It Notes
Responsible Technology
Humans have the ability to invent tools
and processes that can impact all life on
Earth
Important that we not destroy the
environment
Must consider both positive and negative
impacts of technology
Example: OIL
Provides fuel, heat, electricity
Destroys ecosystems when spilled
DDT pesticide banned for effects found out after lots of
use
Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine – radioactive
contamination
Moral and Ethical Issues
What is right or wrong, fair or unfair
Guide how society uses scientific
knowledge
Help scientists establish standards that
they agree to follow when they collect,
analyze, and report data
Scientist are expected to be honest and
open with their investigations because
they share this information with other
scientists
Examples: animal testing, stem cell
Developing technology
Scientists Vs Engineers
Scientists
Have knowledge about scientific principles
Work to find more scientific information only for the
pursuit of knowledge
Engineers
Researchers responsible for bringing technology to
the consumer (you and me)
Develop products
Finding Solutions
Use systems like scientific method to find
technological solutions
Identify the problem
Propose solutions
Identify constraints (restrictions from outside
factors like cost, materials, environmental
impacts, etc.)
Designing Technology
Performance testing (simulation,
modeling)
Compliance with laws, regulations, ethical
and/or moral standards
Prototyping (full scale test model) and Pilot
Planting (small version of product)
Develop a control system to monitor
product quality
Protect your intellectual property and
investment with patents, copyrights,
trademarks
Your Task
Use the Internet to find one picture of each of
the following.(Either print or draw the picture.)
Be sure to include a good explanation of what
the picture shows…
Technological system
Agricultural Biotechnology
Moral vs Ethical issue
New Science without technology
New Technology
Prototype
Pilot Plant