STS LONG QUIZ 1 - Lesson 2

Lesson 2

Importance of Learning History of S&T

Focuses on how Science and Technology have changed across time; Impacts society and environment

Antecedent

A precursor to the unfolding or existence of something; historical antecedents paved the way for modern scientific and technological innovations

Prehistoric Innovations

Stone tools and fire-making developed before written records; helped humans survive and thrive

Priorities of Ancient Times

Transportation and Navigation; Communication and Record Keeping; Mass Production and Security; Engineering and Architecture; Health; Aesthetic

Sumerian Civilization

Located in southern Mesopotamia; known for cooperation and desire for progress

Cuneiform

Oldest form of writing; word pictures and triangular symbols carved on clay; allowed record keeping of historical value

Sumerian Wheel

First used for farming and food processing, not transportation; made milling faster

Sailboats

Mode of transportation through waterways requiring less human labor

Sumerian Plow

Used to dig soil for planting; allowed mass food production

Roads and Pavement

First roads made from sunbaked bricks and bitumen

Great Ziggurat of Ur

“Mountain of God”; sacred temple built with sunbaked bricks; only priests could enter

Uruk City

First true city; built with sunbaked bricks from mud/clay and reeds

Irrigation and Dikes

Engineering system to maintain food production and control floods

Babylonian Civilization

Capital city Babylon; wealthy, fertile land; great builders and architects

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; layered gardens with trees and vines; existence debated

Egyptian Civilization

Located in North Africa; known for pharaohs’ infrastructures and practical contributions

Papyrus

Plant along Nile; lightweight, durable writing material for record-keeping

Ink

Made from soot and chemicals; durable and tamper-proof

Hieroglyphics

“Words of God”; symbols representing objects or sounds; mainly used by priests; carved in structures

Shadoof

Hand-operated irrigation device for lifting water

Water Clock / Clepsydra

Gravity-based timekeeping device using water flow between vessels

Cosmetics

Used for health and beauty; kohl around eyes prevented/cured diseases; believed to protect from evil

Wigs

Worn for health and wellness; protected wealthy from sun

Greek Civilization

Archipelago in southeastern Europe; birthplace of western philosophy; major contributions to science and technology

Alarm Clock

Water/sand mechanism dropping into drums to create sound

Water Mill

Agricultural tool for milling grains

Antikythera Mechanism

Ancient Greek analogue computer; calculated astronomical positions and eclipses

Roman Civilization

Strongest political/social entity in the West; cradle of politics and governance

Gazettes

First newspapers; announcements engraved on stone or metal

Codex

Bound book; stacked papyrus pages covered with animal skin

Roman Architecture

Pioneered building and engineering technologies

Roman Numerals

Number system to handle large calculations

Aeolipile (Hero’s Engine)

Precursor to steam engine; bladeless steam turbine that spun when heated

Middle Ages

5th–15th century; known as Dark Age; colonization, wars, religion vs science; technology needed in weaponry, farming, health

Heavy Plough

Agricultural tool that revolutionized farming in Europe

Gunpowder

Invented in China by alchemists; “huoyao” or fire potion; discovered by mixing charcoal, sulfur, potassium nitrate

Silk

Produced by silkworms; used in clothing and paper; opened China to trade and cultural exchanges

Tea Production

Made from dried tea leaves; later shredded by machines; became popular worldwide

Great Wall of China

Large defensive structure; symbol of pride; kept invaders away

Paper Money

17th century China; replaced gold and silver; convenient for merchants

Spinning Wheel

Tool for transforming fiber into yarn and cloth; boosted textile production

Mechanical Clock

Clockwork technology for accurate timekeeping

Printing Press

Invented by Johann Gutenberg; reliable cast-type printing system

Pasteurization

Discovered by Louis Pasteur; heating dairy to kill harmful bacteria

Petroleum Refinery

Developed by Samuel Kier; invented kerosene for lighting

Telephone

Invented by Alexander Graham Bell; improved communication

Calculator

Invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642; Sharp EL-8 (1971) electronic version

Compound Microscope

Invented by Zacharias Janssen in 1590; multiple lenses magnified objects

Telescope

Improved by Galileo Galilei; magnified objects 20 times

Jacquard Loom

Invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard; simplified textile manufacturing

Airplane

Invented by Orville and Wilbur Wright; engine-powered flight

Television

Invented by John Logie Baird; 1924 outlines, 1925 faces, 1926 moving images, 1928 color

Modern Advancements

Energy alternatives, Genetic Engineering, Computers and Microelectronics, Medicine (Penicillin), Internet

Electricity

Revolutionized industry, transportation, and communication

Computers

Integral to business, science, and entertainment

Penicillin

Accidental discovery; saved lives through antibiotics

Internet

Connected the world; enabled instant communication and global collaboration

Healthcare Impact

New treatments, diagnostics, precision medicine, imaging

Communication Impact

Faster, more accessible, global connections

Privacy Challenge

Concerns over personal data collection and ethical use

Artificial Intelligence Challenge

Ethical dilemmas, job impacts, bias risks

Clepsydra

Amount of water remaining in the device determines how much time has elapsed since it is full