INTRODUCTION TO STS (Science, Technology, and Society)

Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

An interdisciplinary field that studies how scientific and technological developments affect society and how social factors influence science and technology.

Interdisciplinary Field

A field of study that combines ideas, methods, and perspectives from different disciplines.

Science

The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge to create tools and processes that improve human life.

Interdependence of Science and Technology

The idea that science and technology influence and support each other’s development.

Scientific Discovery

New knowledge gained through research, observation, and experimentation.

Technological Innovation

The creation or improvement of tools, machines, or systems using scientific knowledge.

Society

A group of people whose needs, values, culture, and economy influence scientific research and technological progress.

Ethical Concerns

Moral questions that guide how scientific research is conducted and how technology is used.

Public Policy

Government rules and laws that regulate science and technology.

Government Funding

Financial support provided by governments for scientific research and technological development.

Advocacy Groups

Organizations that raise awareness and influence public opinion on issues such as data privacy, climate change, and genetics.

Economic Factors

Market demand, resources, and financial conditions that affect technological progress.

Cultural Views

Beliefs and traditions that influence how societies accept or reject new technologies.

Digital Literacy

The ability to use digital technologies effectively and responsibly.

International Cooperation

Collaboration among countries to address global challenges using science and technology.

Ancient Civilizations

Early societies that developed basic technologies to support survival and organization.

Wheel

An early invention that revolutionized transportation and trade by allowing easier movement of goods and people.

Cuneiform

One of the earliest writing systems developed in Mesopotamia for record-keeping.

Hieroglyphics

An ancient Egyptian writing system used for communication and documentation.

Roman Aqueducts

Engineering structures built to transport water to cities, improving sanitation and public health.

Medieval Period

A historical era marked by gradual technological and scientific advancements in Europe and the Islamic world.

Algebra

A branch of mathematics developed by Al-Khwarizmi that became the foundation of modern math.

Mechanical Clocks

Early timekeeping devices installed in church towers to measure and regulate time.

Printing Press

A machine invented by Johannes Gutenberg that enabled mass production of written materials.

Scientific Revolution

A period marked by major changes in scientific thinking and the development of modern science.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to research based on observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Telescope

An instrument used to observe distant objects, leading to major discoveries in astronomy.

Laws of Motion

Principles formulated by Isaac Newton that explain how objects move and interact with forces.

Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrial growth marked by mechanization and factory-based production.

Steam Engine

A machine developed by James Watt that powered industrial machines and transportation.

Incandescent Light Bulb

An invention by Thomas Edison that provided a reliable and long-lasting source of light.

Assembly Line

A manufacturing process that increases efficiency by dividing production into steps.

Airplane

A powered flying machine that transformed transportation and global connectivity.

Penicillin

The first effective antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming.

DNA Structure

The double-helix model discovered by Watson and Crick that explains genetic inheritance.

Smartphone

A portable device that combines communication, computing, and entertainment functions.

Blockchain Technology

A decentralized digital system used for secure and transparent transactions.

CRISPR-Cas9

A gene-editing technology that allows precise modification of DNA.