UNIT 1 • 01 Nature of Science, Technology, and Society

A collection of flashcards covering the nature of science, technology, and society, including scientific attitudes, methods, impacts, and ethical connections.

Science

Builds knowledge through observation, evidence, and explanation.

Technology

Applies knowledge to design tools, systems, and practical solutions.

Society

Shapes priorities and experiences benefits, risks, and consequences.

The Big Idea of STS

Progress is never only scientific or technical—it is also social.

scire

The Latin root of the word science, meaning "to know."

Goal of Science

To resolve everyday challenges through systematic investigation, research, and experimentation.

Systematic Nature of Science

Processes information, solves problems, and builds understanding rather than just collecting data.

Ask a Query

First step of the scientific method beginning with How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where.

Research (Scientific Method)

The process of finding promising approaches and avoiding repeated mistakes.

Hypothesize

Forming a well-informed, testable explanation and prediction.

Experiment

Testing whether a prediction is supported through controlled conditions.

Conclude

Examining results to validate or invalidate a hypothesis and infer findings.

Midsayap Heat Index

Specific context used to observe variables like temperature and shade in melting iced coffee.

Observation

Something seen and recorded as an initial event.

Hypothesis (Reasoning)

A proposed, testable explanation for an observation asking "why?"

Theory

A collection of tested hypotheses that explains a broad natural phenomenon.

Evolving Theories

Scientific models, such as the solar system, that change over time as evidence grows.

Scientific Integrity

Consistency in experimentation and interpretation through human experience.

Honesty

Crediting prior scientists and reporting accurate statistics.

Open-mindedness

Appreciating new ideas and considering alternative hypotheses.

Critical and Creative Thinking

Developing fresh concepts and noticing overlooked possibilities.

Curiosity

The ongoing drive to keep learning more about the world.

Persistence

Continuing scientific work despite obstacles and disappointments.

Objectivity

Basing conclusions on observable phenomena rather than personal bias or emotion.

Precision

Continually evaluating accuracy, especially in recurring patterns.

Responsibility

Accepting moral, societal, and personal accountability for scientific work.

Collaboration

Using others' suggestions and opinions to improve scientific outcomes.

Verification of Sources

Checking the author, date, and DOI to ensure evidence is not invented.

Natural Law

An expression of commonly observed behavior that applies to many systems.

Law of Conservation of Mass

The principle that total observable mass remains the same before and after a chemical change.

Nature of Technology

Practical knowledge in action that exists far longer than modern electronics.

Social Nature of Humans

Aristotle's theory that shared life and cooperation develop human intellect and nature.

Society's Influence on Science

The concept that bias, profit, trends, or religion can shape scientific directions.

Galileo

Scientist compelled to retract astronomical observations due to religious opposition.

Pascal's Bus

Example of how technical development and knowledge benefit communities.

Symbiotic Relationship

The reciprocal cycle where science generates knowledge for tech, and tech improves scientific observation.

Science to Technology Flow

Chemistry and physics leading to electricity, materials science, and cellphones.

Technology to Science Flow

Better instruments providing better evidence leading to new questions.

STS Feedback Loop

A model where values and social change guide future inquiry and application.

Transition Costs

Why societies stay with older systems due to money, time, trust, and operational safety.

Pentagon Legacy Software

Example of older systems maintained because security testing and certification for new platforms take years.

4G to 5G Rollout

A transition requiring returns on huge investments and physical fiber backhaul construction.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Technology that creates new capabilities while raising questions about judgment and accountability.

Genetic Engineering

Linking scientific knowledge to the technological ability to modify living systems.

CRISPR

A specific genetic technology balancing medical breakthroughs against concerns of manipulation.

Detection of AI Imagery

Depending on scientific evidence, patterns, and careful verification to spot deepfakes.

Wearables

Devices that improve real-time monitoring and change how people manage health.

Telemedicine

Connectivity that expands healthcare access to remote and underserved areas.

Solar and Renewables

The link between scientific understanding of climate and engineering for environmental harm reduction.

Blockchain

Technology transforming transactions, challenging banking, and encouraging new economic models.

Online Learning

A system reshaping teaching that personalizes learning and expands global access.

Automation and Robotics

Technologies that change manufacturing, employment patterns, and workforce dynamics.

Mars-colonization Initiatives

Scientific ambition linked to technological capability in space exploration.

STS Analytical Question

Determining not just what we can do, but "what should we do—and for whom?"

Precision Agriculture

Using GPS mapping and soil analysis for targeted fertilizer application to increase yields.

Digital Agriculture

The use of satellite imagery and sensors for real-time weather and soil information.

Agriculture Drones

UAVs supporting aerial imaging, pest identification, and pesticide application.

FPA Drones4Rice

Philippine caravans promoting drone technology in farming as of $2025$.

Grab

A ride-hailing service providing convenient urban commutes in Manila.

Waze and Google Maps

Applications supplying real-time traffic updates to save time and fuel.

Sustainable Urban Travel

Small-scale transport technologies like e-scooters and bicycles.

Diagnostic Power

Healthcare advancements including PET scans and $3D$ printing.

Electronic Health Records

Systems that speed access to patient information for individualized treatment.

Radiology AI

Machine learning that reviews X-rays and MRIs to flag anomalies for investigation.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Technology designed to reduce invasiveness and accelerate recovery.

COVID-19 Vaccine Computation

Specific use of technology to speed genetic analysis and data-driven distribution.

DOH Bicol Network

Philippine digital diagnostics and referral network context.

Archipelago Connectivity

How smartphones and internet overcome geographic barriers for rural Filipinos.

Mang Tani

Philippine weather reporter using multi-platform digital tools for typhoon preparation.

Simulations in Learning

Educational technology used to engage varied learning styles.

Adaptive Software

Learning tools that respond to individual needs and track progress.

DepEd Commons

Official platform providing free online resources during educational disruptions.

Blended Learning

Education combining classroom teaching, digital resources, and live interaction.

Flipped Classroom

Model where students study material before class to focus on project-based learning.

Algorithm Anxiety

The pressure felt by student entrepreneurs negotiating visibility and rules on digital platforms.

Gig Platforms

Services like Upwork and Airbnb that connect providers and clients with flexibility.

Democratized Entrepreneurship

Technology lowering entry barriers for organizations to reach global audiences.

Immersive Entertainment

Virtual and augmented reality experiences.

Recommendation Systems

AI technology that refines content curation around individual preferences.

Resource Depletion

Pressure on energy, minerals, and fossil fuels caused by rising technological demand.

Rare-earth Minerals

Physical materials in phones whose mining can degrade environments.

Particulates and Nitrogen Oxides

Pollution emitted by vehicle engines and industry.

E-waste

Discarded electronics that can release hazardous materials into soil and water.

Circular Systems

A response to resource depletion focused on efficient use and recycling.

Gadget Life Cycle

The physical environmental footprint from mining to manufacturing to shiping and disposal.

Cyber-sickness

Nausea and dizziness caused by conflicting visual and balance cues in VR or screens.

Upskilling

The adaptation pathway for workers whose tasks are replaced by automation.

DOLE ILS-PIDS

Webinar context focusing on AI, jobs, skills, and governance as of $2026$.

Doomscrolling

Compulsive screen use affecting psychological well-being.

The Three STS Synthesis Questions

Can we? How will we? Should we?

Sociotechnical System

The coordination of maps, kitchens, riders, and payments in food delivery apps.

Jonah Lehrer

Author who stated that every brilliant experiment starts with an act of imagination.

Arthur M. Schlesinger

Author quoted on how memory, tradition, and myth frame our response to technology.

Venn Diagram

The visual model used to show the interrelationship among science, technology, and society.

Control Group Example

Iced coffee held in the shade to compare against coffee in direct sunlight.

Digital Payment Infrastructure

Networks and banking systems solving payment tasks, such as Paleng-QR Ph Plus.

Transition Risks

Downtime and security vulnerabilities involved in updating critical software.

Inclusive Plan B

A design requirement for systems to account for battery or signal failure.

Platform Agency

The tension between personal choice and persuasive social systems on digital platforms.

DTI E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark

Official context for building trust in seller and payment systems.