SAINT MICHAEL COLLEGE OF HINDANG LEYTE INC.

A Bonifacio St., Poblacion II, Hindang Leyte

Website: smchindang.edu.ph
E-mail: smchindang@gmail.com

Course : Science, Technology, and Society

Department : Education Department
School Year : 1st Semester, S.Y. 2021 - 2022
Instructor: : Riza Mae B. Fortuna
Topic : INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

This introduces Science, Technology and) as field of study. After defining science and technology, the
section traces

At the end of the lesson,

students are expected to: 1. State the meaning of science and Technology.

A. The Meaning of science and Technology

Science, Technology and Society (STS), also referred to as science and technology and the study of
how social, political, and cultural values affect scientific research and technological innovation,
and how these, in turn, affect society. STS scholars are interested in a variety of problems
including the relationships between scientific and technological innovations and society, and the
directions and risks science and technology. The field of STS is related to history and philosophy of
science although with a much broader emphasis on social aspects of science and technology.
Science, Technology and Society refers to the interaction between science and technology

and social cultural, political and economic contexts which shape and are shaped by them; specific
examples throughout human history of scientific and technological developments.

B. Meaning of Science
Science is a systematized body of knowledge.
Science is an organized and dynamic inquiry (following scientific method).
Science is knowledge gained through observation and experimentation
Science is a human activity; scientist.
Science is a social enterprise: people, knowledge, skills, facilities, apparatuses and technologies.
Science leads to formation of concepts, methods, principles, theories, law and procedures which
seek to describe and explain nature and its phenomena.

C. Meaning of Technology
Technology as material products; results of scientific inquiry; hardware produced by a scientist
Technology as the application of knowledge in solving scientific and practical problems that will
help humans to survive and improve his life. Technology as human cultural activities or
endeavors
Technology as a social enterprise -- Technology is a complex system of knowledge, skills, people,
methods, tools, materials and resources applied and allocated to the development, operation
and production of a new or improved product, process or services.
Technology as modern technology based on the advances of science since the end of WWII to the
present.
Eco-Friendly Technologies/Advantages :

These are sustainable technologies. This technology utilizes resources from the environment without causing
negative effects to it. Some of these are:

 Solar Energy - use of solar panels to provide electricity

 Geothermal energy
 Wind power - wind mills as source

Disadvantages and Ethical dilemmas of Science and Technology

1. Threats to human survival - the invention of nuclear weapons in 1945, like the nuclear bombing of
Nagasaki and Hiroshima that caused deaths of many people. This was a product of chemical and biological
warfare (bio-warfare); toxic wastes produced by manufacturing companies that threaten human survival
and stability of the environment.

2. Ethical dilemmas - exploitation of advanced scientific knowledge and technology devices and systems gave
rise to situations in which advances seem to have turned against their beneficiaries, creating ethical
dilemmas. The negative effects of technology are numerous. In our march to progress we have degraded
the natural world. Forest are chopped down, topsoil is washed away, rivers are polluted and our waste is
dumped in the oceans.

3. Disparities in Human well being - there are advanced countries enjoying Science and technology based
successes and hold high esteem in contemporary society (Economic strength), versus millions of people in
less developed countries who have not partaken in these benefits.

4. Social and Cultural conflicts - Military power is vital for national security of many governments; Superior
and highly technical weapons dictated the outcomes of some recent wars.

5. Innovating technologies can have negative consequences for certain sectors or constituencies:
 pollution associated with production processes
 increased unemployment from labor-saving new technologies
 conversion of agricultural land into urban areas
 effect on humans psychologically and emotionally -the usage and addiction of new gadgets effect
of overused technologies in medical industry that can cause fatal births and diseases.
 global warming

Name: ________________________ Year and Section: _______________ Week No. ______

Exercise 1:

Intructions: on a ¼ illustration board, create a slogan that reflects your view of science and technology. It should be
specifically state whether you view science and technology as good, bad, both or neutral. Be creative. You can use different
art materials to make it visually appealing and impactful.
Exercise 2: Reflection Task

Instruction: On the space below, paste a magazine or newspaper cutout of any photograph that depicts an issue or problem
in science and technology. Then, answer the questions that follow.

1. What is the problem depicted in the photograph?

2. How does this particular issue or problem impact the well-being of human today?
3. Why it is important for people to study and learn about STS as an academic field, especially in addressing
the issue or problem depicted in the photograph?