MIDTERM STS

Flashcards summarizing significant inventions, figures, and contributions to science and technology from various ancient civilizations and cultures.

Silk

A valuable trade product made from silkworm cocoons, originated in China around 2700 BCE.

Kites

Invented around 500 BCE, used for military communication and experimental flight.

Iron Plough

An agricultural tool introduced around 500 BCE that improved farming by breaking heavy soil.

Crossbow

A powerful and accurate weapon developed around 500 BCE, enabling untrained soldiers to be effective.

Seed Drill

An invention around 200 BCE that allowed seeds to be planted evenly, increasing agricultural yield.

Abacus

An early calculating device used for basic arithmetic, developed in China around 200 BCE.

Gunpowder

Discovered by alchemists in the 9th century CE, initially used for weapons and later for fireworks.

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher (551–479 BCE) known for teaching moral values, respect, and proper behavior.

Vedic Period

A historical period in India from about 1500 BCE, marked by the composition of the Rig Veda.

Hindu Social Classes

A structure of social divisions in ancient India including Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

The Four Noble Truths

Fundamental Buddhist teachings outlining the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Qanat

An underground water management system developed in Persia around 1000 BCE for irrigation.

Nas'taliq Calligraphy

A highly artistic form of Persian writing developed in the 14th century.

Abdus Salam

A Pakistani physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1972 for his work on electroweak unification theory.

Electric Rice Cooker

A modern invention from Japan, first introduced in 1956, simplifying the cooking of rice.

Indigenous Science

Knowledge and practices developed by indigenous cultures through interaction with their environment.

Oral Traditions

Methods of passing knowledge and cultural practices verbally from generation to generation.

Baybayin

An ancient Philippine writing system used before Spanish colonization.

Patis (Fish Sauce)

A Filipino condiment accidentally discovered during salted fish processing in the early 1900s.

Erythromycin

An antibiotic discovered by Dr. Abelardo Aguilar in 1949, derived from bacteria in Iloilo soil.

Balik Scientist Program

A program established in 2018 to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to return to the Philippines.