Understand science and its impact on daily life and society.
Distinguish between science and technology.
Appreciate the benefits and limitations of science.
Explore the history of science to understand its evolution.
Definition of Science: Originates from the Latin scientia, meaning "to know"; systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
Goals of Science: Develop general laws, predict events, and create new technologies that benefit society.
What is science?
What are the fields and goals of science?
What types of knowledge exist, and what are their sources?
How has science evolved over time?
Science is about understanding the natural world; technology applies this knowledge practically.
Example: Understanding solar energy for developing solar panels.
Enumerate key contributions and inventions by scientists throughout history.
Identify major inventions and their historical contexts.
Appreciate the significance of scientific advancements in human society.
Prehistoric Ages: Knowledge passed orally, such as the domestication of plants (e.g., maize).
Stone Age: Development of simple tools (e.g., Oldowan toolkit).
Bronze Age & Iron Age: Transition from bronze to iron tools leading to innovations in various fields.
Sumerians: Developed cuneiform for record-keeping, built advanced irrigation systems.
Egyptians: Notable advancements in medicine, astronomy, and engineering; developed geometry and constructed pyramids.
Indians: Produced standardized bricks, refined measurement units; early advancements in medicine (Ayurveda).
Chinese: Early seismology, discovery of gunpowder, paper-making.
Greek and Roman Innovations: The formulation of basic principles of natural philosophy, advancements in mathematics, and development of plumbing and architectural structures.
A period where traditional views began to be challenged, leading to new methods of inquiry known as the Scientific Method.
Key Figures: Copernicus (heliocentric theory), Galileo (telescope), Newton (laws of motion, gravitation).
Development of empirical research and the transition from reliance on ancient texts to experimental approaches.
Steps:
Observation
Question formulation
Hypothesis development
Experimentation
Data analysis
Conclusion and communication.
Not just linear steps; often iterative and allows adjustment based on findings.
Positive technological advancements contribute to improved quality of life; misuse can lead to addiction and health issues (e.g., excessive gaming).
Importance of human discretion in using technology effectively.
Increased complexity in scientific understanding leads to advancements in fields like genetics and quantum computing.
Continued research shaped by past discoveries and innovation cycles (new discoveries lead to paradigm shifts).
Defined by Thomas Kuhn: shifts in understanding that challenge old concepts and introduce new paradigms (e.g., from geocentric to heliocentric models).
Steps of Kuhn's Cycle: Prescience, Normal Science, Model Drift, Model Crisis, Model Revolution, Paradigm Change.
Exercise to connect terms and concepts to deepen understanding of scientific history.
Explore the significance of smelting technologies in prehistoric times and their implications today.
Reflect on how ancient inventions shaped modern construction techniques.
Analyze the contributions of historical figures in science and their impacts on current society.