Science, Technology and Society (STS) - Comprehensive Notes

Grading

• $Attendance = 20\%$
• $Activities = 20\%$
• $Quizzes = 20\%$
• $Exams = 40\%$

Requirements

• FILLER NOTES
• ACTIVITIES
• PRESENTATION (REPORTING)

Self-Introduction

• Content not provided in transcript (section exists as a placeholder for a self-introduction activity).

Course Introduction: STS

• Course title: STS (Science, Technology and Society).
• Focus: Interaction between science and technology and their social, cultural, political, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by them.
• Nature: Interdisciplinary; engages students to confront realities brought about by science and technology in society.
• Realities pervade: personal, public, and global aspects of living; integral to human development.
• Emphasis: Scientific knowledge and technological development occur within the context of society with socio-political, cultural, economic, and philosophical underpinnings at play.
• Goals: Instill reflective knowledge in students for living the good life and displaying ethical decision-making in the face of scientific and technological advancement.
• Mandatory topics: Climate change and environmental awareness.

Chapter 1: General Concepts and Historical Events in Science, Technology, and Society

Lesson 1: Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society

• Scientific Revolution ( $1500s-1700s$ )
  • A period when people began to question old beliefs and seek answers using science.
  • Shift from relying on religion or authority to observation, experimentation, and reason.
  • Led to new inventions, important discoveries, and a better understanding of nature, the human body, and the universe.
  • Contributed to the emergence of the modern world of science and technology.

How can science be defined?

1. Science as an idea

• Includes ideas, theories, and all available systematic explanations and observations about the natural and physical world.

1. Science as an intellectual activity

• Encompasses a systematic and practical study of the natural and physical world; involves systematic observation and experimentation.

1. Science as a body of knowledge

• A subject or discipline; a field of study; the body of knowledge that deals with learning about the natural and physical world; school science.

1. Science as a personal and social activity

• Science is both knowledge and activities done by human beings to develop understanding of the world; a means to improve life; interwoven with people's lives.

Some Intellectuals and Their Revolutionary Ideas

• Nicolaus Copernicus ($1473-1543$)

  • Polish astronomer and mathematician; heliocentric theory: Sun at the center; Earth and other planets revolve around it.

• Planetary diagram (diagram of planets around the Sun)

• Galileo Galilei (Renaissance)

  • Improved the telescope; supported Copernicus' theory.
  • Discovered moons of Jupiter; studied motion and gravity.

• Johannes Kepler (Renaissance)

  • Explained planetary orbits using mathematics.
  • Formulated the laws of planetary motion.

• Leonardo da Vinci (Renaissance)

  • Studied anatomy, engineering, and nature.
  • Produced detailed sketches of the human body and machines.

• Andreas Vesalius (Renaissance)

  • Father of modern anatomy; studied the human body through dissection.

• Charles Darwin (1800s)

  • British scientist; father of evolution; ideas about how living things change over time.

• Have best genetic fit - Corporate interpretation

  • Best genetic fit — strong culture and business strategy
  • Understand and adapt with external factors
  • Innovate
  • Be ready for the competition
  • Be agile
  • Adopt best practices and be ahead of industry trends
  • Try to be industry leader — Survival of the fittest
  • Diversify
  • Corporate learnings from Darwin's theory of evolution

Sigmund Freud

• Freud is a famous figure in psychology; best known for psychoanalysis.
• Main contributions: understanding how unconscious thoughts and feelings affect behavior; dream analysis; talk therapy; personality development.

Freud's Contributions to Science

1. Psychoanalysis

• Developed a new approach to understanding the human mind, especially the unconscious mind.

1. Talk Therapy

• Introduced talking to a therapist to treat mental disorders.

1. Theories of Personality

• Personality comprises Id, Ego, and Superego.

1. Dream Analysis

• Dreams reveal hidden thoughts and desires.

1. Defense Mechanisms

• Mechanisms such as denial, repression, and projection protect from stress.

Cradles of Early Science

• Cradles of early science (section heading).

Development of Science in Mesoamerica

• What is Mesoamerica?
  • Historical region in the Americas including parts of present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.
  • Home to Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Zapotec, Mixtec before Europeans.

Maya Civilization

• Lasted approximately $2000$ years; known for astronomy.
• Astronomy used in temples and religious structures; temples used for astronomical observation.
• Maya are considered scientifically advanced; developed one of the world's first writing systems (Maya hieroglyphics).

Inca Civilization

• Largest empire in pre-Columbian South America; centered in Peru.
• Skills: terrace farming, stone architecture, and an extensive road system; lacked the wheel and a traditional writing system.
• Used quipu (knotted strings) to record information.
• Religion centered on the sun god Inti; the Sapa Inca as his descendant.
• Fell in the 1500s due to Spanish conquest led by Francisco Pizarro.

Aztec Civilization

• Lived in Mexico; built Tenochtitlan on a lake.
• Warrior society; farmed using chinampas (floating gardens); built large temples.
• Polytheistic, many gods; offerings to gods to maintain favor.
• Had a king and developed their own calendar and writing system.
• Conquered by the Spanish in 1521.

Aztec Contributions

1. Mandatory Education

• Early form of universal or inclusive education; education valued across social class, gender, or age.

1. Chocolate

• Chocolate developed in Mexico; Mayan culture used cacao beans as currency.

1. Chinampa

• Floating agricultural land parcels in canals.

1. Aztec Calendar

• Enabled planning of activities, rituals, and planting seasons.

1. Invention of the canoe

• Light, narrow boat for travel on water systems.

Development of Science in Mesoamerica (Key Areas)

1. Astronomy

• Study of sun, moon, stars, and planets; used to create accurate calendars (e.g., Mayan Calendar).

1. Mathematics

• Maya developed a number system with the concept of zero; used for astronomy, calendars, and architecture.

1. Agriculture

• Techniques like chinampas and terrace farming; understanding of seasons and soils; crops such as maize, beans, and squash.

1. Engineering and Architecture

• Built pyramids, temples, roads, and cities aligned with astronomical events (solstices).

1. Medicine

• Use of herbs, minerals, and natural treatments; knowledge transmitted through generations via trial and error.

Development of Science in Asia

• Asia's science history spans thousands of years of observation, experimentation, and innovation across many civilizations.

China

• Inventions: $Paper, Compass, Gunpowder, Printing$.
• Astronomy: Early Chinese astronomers recorded comets, eclipses, and star maps.
• Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) including acupuncture and herbal remedies.
• Mathematics and Engineering: Seismographs, water clocks, advanced bridges and canals.

India

• Mathematics and Astronomy: Concept of zero; decimal system; early algebra.
• Astronomy: Planets and stars studied; some proposals that Earth rotates on its axis.
• Medicine: Ayurveda; natural herbs, diet, and therapy.
• Metalwork: Wootz steel, renowned for quality and used in weapons.

Middle East (Islamic Golden Age)

• Period: 8th to 14th centuries; translation of Greek texts and improvements.
• Fields: Algebra, astronomy, chemistry, medicine, optics.
• House of Wisdom (Baghdad) as a center of learning where diverse scholars collaborated.

Lesson 2: Science, Technology and Nation-Building

Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines

• Pre-Colonial Period

  • Early Filipinos used simple tools for farming, fishing, weaving, building; understood astronomy for planting seasons; traditional healing using herbs.

• Spanish Period ($1521-1898$)

  • Church control over science; formal education introduced; institutions like University of Santo Tomas ($1611$) and Ateneo de Manila ($1859$).
  • Focus areas: agriculture, medicine, and pharmacy.

• Spanish Period Details

  • 1. Schools and Education: Universities like UST; education in medicine, pharmacy, astronomy.
  • 2. Medicine: Western medicine introduced; hospitals built; vaccines introduced.
  • 3. Plants and Medicine: Local plants studied for medicine.
  • 4. Astronomy: Stars and timekeeping for farming and religious events.
  • 5. Farming: New crops, improved tools, irrigation.
  • 6. Buildings and Roads: Roads, bridges, churches, water systems.
  • 7. Boats and Navigation: Improved shipbuilding and sea travel tools.

• American Period ( $1898-1946$ )

  • Modernization of science and technology; public schools and research institutions established; Bureau of Science ($1901$) later part of DOST.

• American Period Details

  • 1. Public Schools: Science taught; Filipinos sent to study in the U.S.
  • 2. Research Centers: Bureau of Science established to study health, plants, animals, diseases.
  • 3. Healthcare: Hospitals built; disease control (e.g., malaria, cholera).
  • 4. Farming: Improved farming methods; machinery for higher yields.
  • 5. Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, water systems to improve life.
  • 6. New Technology: Electricity, telephones, and other machines introduced.

Government Policies on Science and Technology

• The Philippine government has implemented programs, projects, and policies to promote and strengthen science and technology (S&T).

Programs and Projects

1. Balik Scientist Program (BSP)

• Encourages Filipino scientists abroad to return and share expertise; focuses on research, training, and innovation.

1. Science for Change Program (S4CP)

• Supports regional R&D by providing funds, equipment, and expert help; sub-programs include CRADLE, RDLead, BIST.

1. Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System

• System of science high schools under DOST for gifted students in science and math.

1. Technology Business Incubators (TBIs)

• Helps startups and inventors turn ideas into business.

1. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)

• Helps small businesses improve through S&T.

Laws and Policies

1. Republic Act No. $8439$ – Magna Carta for Scientists

• Provides incentives and better working conditions for science workers.

1. Republic Act No. $11035$ – Balik Scientist Act

• Strengthens the Balik Scientist Program and provides more support to returning scientists.

1. Republic Act No. $10055$ – Philippine Technology Transfer Act of $2009$

• Facilitates transfer of government-funded research to the private sector for commercialization.

1. Republic Act No. $2067$ – Science Act of $1958$

• Established the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and laid the foundation for S&T in the country.

Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science

• $Lee ext{ Chua}$ (2000) identified 10 outstanding Filipino scientists; notable domestically and internationally.

1. Ramon Cabanos Barba — tissue culture research in Philippine mangoes
2. Josefino Cacas Comiso — satellite imagery studies of Antarctica
3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. — internationally recognized in electrical engineering; officer in IEEE
4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz — research on sea snail venom
5. Fabian Millar Dayrit — research on herbal medicine
6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III — research on tilapia culture
7. Lilian Formalejo Patena — research on plant biotechnology
8. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. — inventing meconium drug testing

Lesson 3: Science Education in the Philippines

The Concept of Science Education

• Science education is the process of teaching and learning about the natural world through observation, experimentation, and critical thinking.
• It helps students understand how the world works by learning scientific concepts, theories, and methods.

Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education

• Basic Education
  • Focus: foundational knowledge and curiosity; simple concepts; real-life applications; prepares students to think scientifically.
• Tertiary Education
  • Focus: critical thinking, research, professional training; prepares for careers in science, technology, medicine, and education.

Science Education in Basic Education

• 1. Earth Science: earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, cloud types
• 2. Life Science: plant anatomy, human body systems
• 3. Physical Science: states of matter (solid, liquid, gas); forces (pull and push); light, sound, heat
• 4. Environmental Science: effects of pollution; reduce, reuse, recycle

Science Education in Tertiary Education

• Natural Sciences
  • 1. Biology: genetics, microbiology
  • 2. Chemistry: elements, reactions
  • 3. Physics: motion, forces, matter
  • 4. Earth Science: geology, meteorology, oceanography
• Applied Science
  • 1. Engineering Science: materials science, electronics, fluid mechanics
  • 2. Computer Science: artificial intelligence, data science
• Social Science
  • 1. Psychology: cognitive science, behavioral neuroscience
  • 2. Anthropology: human evolution

Science Schools in the Philippines (Basic)

• 1. Manila Science High School — first science high school in the Philippines (established 1963); located in Manila; advanced science and math curriculum.
• 2. Quezon City Science High School (QueSci) — public science high school; known for research and innovation; located in Quezon City.
• 3. Makati Science High School; Cebu City National Science High School; and many others.

Tertiary Education

• 1. University of the Philippines Diliman
• 2. University of Santo Tomas — College of Science
• 3. University of San Carlos
• 4. Mapua University
• 5. Cavite State University — Indang Campus
• 6. Polytechnic University of the Philippines — Manila

Lesson 4: Indigenous Science and Technology in the Philippines

Indigenous Science / Knowledge System (IKS)

• Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) refers to traditional knowledge, skills, beliefs, and practices developed by Indigenous Peoples (IPs) through generations; connected to environment, culture, and community; rooted in nature, spirituality, and community relationships.

Features of Indigenous Knowledge System

1. Passed through Oral Tradition

• Knowledge is usually not written but passed down through stories, songs, rituals, and apprenticeships.

1. Community-Based and Practical

• Learned through daily life: farming, healing, fishing, building.

1. Spiritual and Holistic

• Includes spiritual understanding of the world, not only physical knowledge.

Examples of Indigenous Knowledge System

• Agriculture
  • Ifugao rice terraces; bayanihan planting and harvesting practices; use of moon cycles to determine planting and harvesting.
• Medicine and Healing
  • Use of herbal plants like lagundi, sambong, tawa-tawa; traditional healers (albularyo, hilot) for massage therapy and spiritual healing; rituals for illnesses caused by spirits.
• Architecture and Housing
  • Bahay Kubo — ventilation and flood considerations; Aeta bamboo and thatched huts adapted to forest life.