Science, Technology and Society - Flashcards (Vocabulary)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Science

A systematic body of knowledge about the natural world gained through the scientific method; focused on understanding why things happen and often published in scientific papers.

Technology

The use or application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes; includes tools, processes, and systems created to solve problems and improve life.

Society

A group of individuals sharing beliefs, customs, practices, and behaviors that shape social life.

STS (Science, Technology and Society)

An approach that studies how scientific, technological, social, political, and cultural factors interact to shape modern life.

Pure Science

Science aimed at gaining new knowledge without immediate practical application.

Applied Science

Science aimed at solving specific, practical problems and producing useful technologies or products.

Biological Science

The branch of science that studies living organisms (plants, animals, microbes).

Physical Science

The branch of science that studies non-living matter and energy and their interactions (e.g., physics, chemistry).

Natural Science

Science that seeks to understand the natural world through observation and experimentation.

Social Science

The study of human societies and social relationships (e.g., sociology, anthropology, economics).

scientific method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, testing hypotheses, and building knowledge through observations, experiments, and analysis.

Observation

Careful noticing and recording of phenomena as a first step in inquiry.

Hypothesis

A testable educated guess about a relationship or outcome that can be investigated through experiments.

Experiment

A controlled test designed to test a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing outcomes.

Analysis

The process of examining data from observations or experiments to draw conclusions.

Conclusion

A judgment or decision reached after considering the analysis of the data.

Development

Transforming research findings into prototypes, inventions, materials, or processes.

Innovation

Commercialization or practical implementation of new or improved inventions, products, or processes.

Research

A systematic process of acquiring new knowledge or validating/refining existing ideas.

Fundamental/Basic Research

Research aimed at gaining fundamental knowledge without immediate practical application.

Applied Research

Research aimed at solving specific, practical problems and producing usable outcomes.

Mission-Oriented Research

Research driven by a particular strategic objective or mission (e.g., national or industrial goals).

Material Technology

Technology focused on the extraction, fabrication, processing, and synthesis of materials.

Equipment Technology

Technology involving the design and fabrication of tools, instruments, devices, and machines.

Energy Technology

Technology dealing with the distribution and use of energy forms (solar, wind, hydro, etc.).

Information Technology

Technology based on data handling: collection, storage, processing, transmission, and use of information.

Life Technology

Technologies that preserve, repair, maintain, or enhance living systems (biotech, medical devices, etc.).

Management Technology

Technology for planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling social activities.

First-Wave Technologies

Labor-intensive, small-scale technologies predating industrialization.

Second-Wave Technologies

Industrial technologies developed during the Industrial Revolution, based on classical physics, chemistry, and biology.

Third-Wave Technologies

Post-industrial, science-intensive technologies based on modern molecular and atomic knowledge.

Branches of Science

Major fields of science, including physical, biological, earth/space, and formal sciences, each with subdisciplines.

Physics

The study of matter, energy, motion, and their interactions.

Chemistry

The study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.

Astronomy

The study of celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth.

Materials Science

The study of the properties and applications of materials and their performance.

Mathematics

A foundational language and toolset for science, often treated as a formal science.

Biology

The science of life and living organisms.

Botany

The study of plants.

Zoology

The study of animals.

Genetics

The study of heredity and genes.

Ecology

The study of relationships between organisms and their environment.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).

Geology

The science dealing with the Earth’s physical structure and substances.

Meteorology

The science dealing with the atmosphere and weather.

Oceanography

The study of the oceans, including their physical and biological aspects.

Environmental Science

The study of environmental processes and the interactions between humans and the environment.

Paleontology

The study of prehistoric life through fossils and traces.

Cuneiform

The first writing system, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

Uruk City

One of the world's first cities, exemplifying early urban planning and infrastructure.

Irrigation and Dikes

Water management systems to support agriculture and control floods.

Sailboats

Watercraft propelled by sails, enabling longer-distance travel and trade.

Wheel

One of the earliest innovations enabling mass production and various tools.

Roads (Sumerians)

Early road networks built to facilitate transport and communication.

Papyrus

Ancient Egyptian writing material made from the papyrus plant.

Ink

Pigments or dyes used for writing, produced from soot and chemicals.

Hieroglyphics

Egyptian pictorial writing system believed to be divine by ancient Egyptians.

Cosmetics

Products and practices used for health and aesthetic purposes in ancient Egypt.

Water Clock (Clepsydra)

A timekeeping device using flowing water to measure time.

Bound Books / Codex

A book with bound pages, replacing scrolls in ancient Rome and later civilizations.

Roman Numerals

A numeral system using I, V, X, L, C, D, M with additive/subtractive rules.

Great Ziggurat of Ur

Massive Mesopotamian temple complex symbolizing engineering prowess.

Papyrus-derived Writing System (Egyptian)

Egyptian writing practices using papyrus as a medium for records.

Arabic Numerals

Decimal numeral system (0-9) that became globally dominant.

Gunpowder

Black powder invented in China, foundational for weapons and explosives.

Silk

Textiles produced by silkworms; a major Chinese export and technology driver.

Great Wall of China

Massive defensive fortification built to protect Chinese borders.

Pasteurization

Heating liquids (e.g., milk) to kill harmful bacteria and extend shelf life.

Petroleum Refinery

Industrial process to refine crude oil into usable fuels and products.

Telephone

Device (Bell) enabling real-time voice communication over long distances.

Calculator

Device or system for performing mathematical calculations.

Electricity

A fundamental form of energy associated with electric charge, powering modern tech.

Electronics

Technology dealing with circuits and devices that control electrons for information processing.

Robotics

Interdisciplinary field involving design, construction, and use of robots and control systems.

Penicillin

Antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, transforming medicine.

Genomics

Study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, including mapping and editing.

Biotechnology

Use of living systems and organisms to develop or modify products for human use.

Automobile (Car)

A wheeled motor vehicle for transportation.

Nuclear Weapon

Explosive device deriving energy from nuclear reactions.

Nuclear Power

Generation of electricity from nuclear reactions in power plants.

Satellites

Artificial objects placed in orbit for observation, communication, navigation, etc.

Vaccine

Biological preparation that provides active immunity to a disease.

Telegraphy

Long-distance transmission of text or symbolic messages without physical transport.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Medical imaging technique using magnetic fields to view body’s internal structures.

CT Scan

Imaging using X-rays to create cross-sectional views of an object or body.

LCD Projector

Device that projects video/images from an LCD display onto a screen.

Bluetooth

Wireless technology standard for short-range data exchange between devices.

Wi-Fi

Wireless networking technology enabling local area networking of devices.

Printer

Peripheral device that produces hard copies of digital documents on paper.

Camera

Optical instrument for recording images, either digitally or on film.

CCTV

Closed-circuit television; a system of video surveillance within a limited area.

Submarine

Underwater vessel capable of independent operation underwater.

Stethoscope

Medical instrument used to listen to internal body sounds.

Laptop

Portable personal computer with an integrated screen and keyboard.

Credit Card

Payment card enabling electronic purchases and transactions.

Steam Engine

Heat engine that converts steam pressure into mechanical work.

Laser

Device emitting coherent light via stimulated emission, used in cutting, signaling, etc.

Philippine Inventions: Salamander Amphibious Tricycle

A vehicle capable of traveling on land and water, designed for flooded areas.

Salt Lamp (SALT LAMP)

Sustainable lighting device using seawater-based chemistry to illuminate safely.

Medical Incubator (Filipino invention)

Low-cost, electricity-free incubator using improvised materials for newborn warmth.