GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

Introduction: Science, Technology & Society

Overview
What is STS, and why should people want to study and learn it?
Why should students, teachers, researchers and other
professionals have interest in the subject? Primarily, we need some
background and understanding of the signi cance of science and
technology in the living past and their importance in the modern
world.
Goals of STS
Education

Challenges &
Opportunities of
STS Education

Meaning of
Science,
Technology and
Society

Objectives Purposes of
Science and
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to Technology

➡ learn and understand the goals of STS (Science, Technology

& Society) education,
Limitations of
➡ explain the challenges and opportunities of STS education, Science &
Technology
➡ understand the meaning of science and technology (as a
process and as a product) and society,
Technology &
➡ explain the purposes of science and technology and the
the Quality of
effect of technology in the quality of our life. Life

Self-assessment
Test

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

Lecture Notes
STS deals with the interactions between science and technology and social, cultural, political,
and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by them. It concerns the study of
contemporary controversies, historical transformations, policy dilemmas, and broad
philosophical questions. And the key goals of STS are the following;

• engaging students in examining a variety of real world issues and grounding scienti c
knowledge in such realities.

Rather than learning about the facts and

theories of weather patterns, you can
explore them in the context of issues such
as global warming. You can also debate
the environmental, social, economic and
political consequences of relevant
legislation, such as the Kyoto Protocol (The
Kyoto Protocol mandated that
industrialized nations cut their greenhouse
gas emissions at a time when the threat of
global warming was growing rapidly). This Extreme weather events like bushfires, cyclones,
is thought to provide a richer, more droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and
meaningful and relevant canvas against more intense as a result of global warming.
which scienti c theories and phenomena
relating to weather patterns can be explored. In today’s world, other real world issues
might include the impact on society of genetic engineering, animal testing. deforestation
practices, and nuclear testing.

• enabling the students to formulate a critical understanding of the interface between

science, technology and society; and

This means to say that the adoption of the
STS concept in an educational reform
enables the development of resources for
critical thinking towards a complex and
fast-changing societies which are deeply
in uenced by science and technology. STS
examines the ways in which science and
technology issues are emerging and
affecting societies.
As a citizen, you will have the enormous
responsibility of making decisions that will
impact yourself as well as society. Many of
these decisions will require an
understanding of the interaction of
science and technology and its interface
with society.

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

• developing the students’ capacities and con dence to make informed decisions and to
take responsible action to address issues arising from the impact of science in their daily
lives.

The STS education can develop your
ability to formulate sound ethical and
moral decisions about issues arising from
the impact of science in your daily lives.
According to Lewis & Gagel, STS
education integrates sciences and value
education. Meaning, an informed and
responsible citizenry that understands the
positive bene ts and power of science and
technology must also be aware of the
moral and ethical dimensions of science
and technology. And as a response to the
complex social and moral issues in our
society in an intellectual and informed
manner, you are required to be educated
scienti cally and morally.

Focus Question #1: What have science and technology done for you lately? Go to your
Google Classroom and answer this question in 5 sentences only; you will not be given the
full credit if you answer this question in more than 5 sentences.

Challenges and Opportunities of STS Education

Values and Beliefs: The goals of STS may challenge the value and beliefs of students and
teachers-as well as conventional, culturally entrenched views on scienti c and
technological development. However, the students can gain opportunities to engage with,
and deeply examine the impact of scienti c development on their lives from a critical and
informed perspective. Moreover, this will help the students to develop their analytical and
problem solving capacities, as well as their ability to make informed choices in their
everyday lives.

In teaching and learning STS, our moral
and religious beliefs can be challenged;
hence, arguments about STS issues may
arise during the discussion. For example,
some of us believed that only God can
create humans while others might say that
science and technology can develop fetus
through medical procedures such as In-
Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and arti cial
insemination. At this instance, a debate
may occur among us and each of us will
defend our stand about the existence of
human beings; hence, your critical
thinking can be developed or improved.
Also, you can make a choice if which is to
believe and learn to respect the beliefs of
others.

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

Knowledge and Understanding: The interdisciplinary nature of STS requires teachers and
students to research and gather information from a variety of sources. At the same time,
teachers need to develop a sound understanding of issues in various disciplines-
philosophy, history, geography, social studies, politics, economics, environment and
science. This is so that students’ knowledge base can be appropriately scaffolded to
enable them to effectively engage in discussions, debates, and decision-making processes.

The interdisciplinary nature of STS can appreciate the differences between

help you to overcome your
preconceptions by recognizing the source
of the preexisting understandings and by
introducing to you the subject matter from
a variety of perspectives that challenge
your existing beliefs. When you put aside
your pre-existing beliefs, you position
yourself to learn facts more readily and are
more open to adopting a range of
methodologies that promote
understanding. Thus, we, as teachers,
should spend more time exploring issues
that promote signi cant learning with you.
In addition, interdisciplinary instruction
helps you to develop your cognitive
abilities - brain-based skills and mental
processes that are needed to carry out
tasks. At this instance, you can learn to
disciplines, on how to approach a problem
and their discipline speci c rules
regarding feasible evidence. This will lead
you to a broader understanding of the
issue under investigation. Eventually, your
knowledge formation capacity will be
enhanced in engaging yourself in
conversations dealing with more complex
issues.
Moreover, interdisciplinary instruction
opens academic conversations to ideas
from a range of disciplines, so you should
be able to relate and contribute to the
dialogue. Thus, the likelihood of
connecting with the full array of the
students in the classroom is enhanced by
interdisciplinary learning.

Pedagogic Approach: Depending on teacher’s experience and comfort levels, a variety of

pedagogic approaches based on constructivism can be used to stimulate the STS
education in the classroom.

We, STS teachers, are often faced with the
challenge of transforming classroom
practices from task-oriented approaches
to those which focus on developing
students' understanding and transferring
agency for learning to students.
And to stimulate your ability in conceptual
reconstruction, we will try to provide you
some clear pointers in (1) identifying your
views and ideas, (2) exploring your ideas
and robustness in explaining phenomena,
accounting of events and making
predictions, (3) providing stimuli that will
develop, modify or change your ideas and
views, and (4) supporting your attempts to
re-think and reconstruct your ideas and
views.

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
The teaching method based on
constructivist views are very useful to your
learning. Hence, as teachers, we should
have a clear idea of what you have already
known and understood so that you can
engage in activities that help you construct
new meanings. Moreover, your
opportunities to talk about your ideas
concerning particular concepts or issues
are prominent in the learning process.
Meaning of Science
1. Science is a process.
(a) Concerned with discovering
relationships between observable
phenomena in terms of theories.
(b) Systematized theoretical inquiries.
(c) It seeks truth about nature.
(d) It is determined by observation,
hypothesis, measurement, analysis
and experimentation.
(e) It is the description and
explanation of the development of
knowledge.
(f) It is the study of the beginning and
the end of everything that exist.
(g) Conceptualization of new ideas,
from the abstract to the particular.
(h) Kind of human cultural activity.
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Introduction
Teachers who employ constructivist
teaching try to help students to learn
meaningfully. They should encourage
students to accept the invitation to learn
and to take action on what they have
learnt, and to provide students with
opportunities to explore, discover and
create, as well as to propose explanations
and solutions.
2. Science is a product.
(a) Systematized, organized body of
knowledge based on facts or
truths.
(b) A set of logical and empirical
methods which provide for the
systematic observation of empirical
phenomena.
(c) Source of cognitive authority.
(d) Concerned with veri able
concepts.
(e) A product of the mind.
(f) It is the variety of knowledge,
people, skills, organizations,
facilities, techniques, physical
resources, methods and
technologies that taken together
and in relation with one another.
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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

Science as a process refers to the practices motion during the process, but he built a
employed in science to uncover new idea with a more accurate description
knowledge and interpret the meaning of of nature and motion, leaving the Laws of
those discoveries. It is a process of Motion as a product.
investigation into the natural world and the
Another example
knowledge generated through that
can be illustrated
process. Also, it is a process by which we
in making a lye (a
increase and re ne understanding of
substance
ourselves and of the universe through
needed in soap-
continuous observation, experimentation,
making), where
application and veri cation.
sodium hydroxide
In addition, science is a process because is slowly poured into distilled water and
the scienti c method makes any carefully stirred until fully dissolved. The
hypothesis (or theory) open to be proven lye solution is left to cool, eventually, it is
against. During the process, the accurate ready to mixed with oils. In the process of
ideas stay (as theories) while the false dissolving the sodium hydroxide, the
ideas disappear from mainstream science product is lye.
as historic steps towards the truth. 
In photosynthesis-a process by which
On the other plants use solar energy to produce sugar,
hand, science is light energy is
a product converted to
because without chemical energy,
those historic which is stored in
steps, a yet sugars. The
more complex ideas couldn't have appear. process involves
For example, Sir Isaac Newton cannot three basic
formulate the laws of motion without the reactants (water,
ideas of Aristotle and Galileo Galilie. In carbon dioxide and light energy) and
other words Newton didn't come up with produces three key products (glucose,
the equation out of nowhere, neither he oxygen and water).
destroyed false ideas of Aristotle about

Meaning of Technology (c) The intelligent organization

and manipulation of materials for
On the same view, technology is de ned
useful purposes.
as both a process and a product.
(d) The means employed to provide
1. Technology is a process.
for human needs and wants.
(a) It is the application of science.
(e) Focused on inventing new or
(b) The practice, description, and better tools and materials or new
terminology of applied sciences. and better ways of doing things.

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
(f) A way of using ndings of science
to produce new things for a
better way of living.
(g) Search for concrete solutions that
work and give wanted results.
(h) It is characteristically calculative  concept.
and imitative, tends to be
dangerously manipulative.
(i) Form of human cultural activity.
2. Technology as a product.
(a) A system of know-how, skills,
techniques and processes.
Technology as a process provides the
means to make and deliver products with
attainment of speci ed product features
by use, application and control of
methods, techniques, machines and
resources. In other words, it is
methodology adapted to produce the
product or providing the services. The
steps in technological process consist of
(1) identi cation of the problem, (2)
searching of information, (3) designing
and constructing, and (4) evaluation of
what have been constructed.
For example, in the construction of a
bridge;
San Juanico Bridge: The longest bridge in the
Philippines
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Introduction
(b) It is like a language, rituals, values,
commerce and arts, it is an intrinsic
part of cultural system and it both
shapes and re ects the system
values.
(c) It is the product of the scienti c
(d) The complex combination
of knowledge, materials
and methods.
(e) Material products of human
making or fabrication.
(f) Total societal enterprise.
IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM: How can
we cross from one side of a river to the
other side? The river is too deep to cross it
by feet and there is too much water stream
or cold temperature to cross by swimming.
SEARCHING OF INFORMATION: One of
the possible solution is to build a bridge;
then we should look for information about
the different kinds of bridge and nd out if
which kind will t the need of the
community.
DESIGNING & CONSTRUCTING: In this
step, an engineer draws the design of the
bridge that is appropriate for the location
and purpose of the structure. Once
everything is planned, construction will
begin.
EVALUATION: After the construction of the
bridge, it will be tested according to its
capacity before we can fully use it, to
ensure the safety of the end-users.
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GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

However, technology as a product could feasible solution for smart cities.

be a ready to use commodity or Singapore, for instance, is leading the
something you can hand over to someone vertical farming trend in Southeast Asia,
else (even services are products because with over 30 vertical farms by several
you give them to others). It can be companies in the past year. In the
hardware or software. Here are some Philippines, the Urban Agriculture Act of
examples of technology as a product; 2013, which requires the Department of
Agriculture to explore urban agriculture,
In communication we have the Social
including vertical farming, and transform
Media Platforms, which allow people to
abandoned government lots into vertical
create personal pages, post pro le images
farming facilities, has already been led.
and updates on their lives, and create a
friend list of people who can see your Another example of
updates. It also allows users to directly technology as a
connect with one another through groups, product is the new
networks, and location. capabilities of
Global Positioning
System or GPS.
Instant car pools are
feasible since
people desiring a
ride can be Smartphones can be used
instantly matched in tracking people,
with a vehicle in a vehicles, parcel, etc.
nearby area. Also,
Different Social Media Platforms that allow us to GPS can be used as a valuable tool in
connect with our family and friends. tracking criminals or terrorists by the law
enforcers, using devices they attach to
Nowadays, Vertical vehicles, or through tracking the
Farming is very perpetrator's smartphone.
popular in urban
areas where plants
are cultivated and
stacked upwards,
usually within
buildings, taking
less space than
traditional farming.
Because this
method takes up
Vertical farming takes
fewer resources
place the traditional
such as water and farming
land, it then
becomes a

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Focus Question #2: Based from what you have understood about the meaning of
science and technology, determine whether the following statements describe
science (as process or product) or technology (as process or product). Go to your
Google Classroom and click the link that will redirect you to go to Google Form to
answer this question.

1. The Law of Universal Gravitation states

that the force of gravity is directly
proportional to the product of masses
of two attracting bodies and inversely
proportional to the square of the
distance separating them

2. Scientists and philosophers from For Q.1 & 2: The Law of Universal Gravitation was
formulated by Sir Isaac Newton
ancient times have made observations
about gravity on Earth. In 628, Indian
astronomer Brahmagupta recognized
gravity as a force of attraction. In the
1600s, Galileo Galilei, Robert Hooke
and Johannes Kepler formulated laws
of gravity near the Earth.

3. Measuring the width of a wooden block

using metric ruler.

4. The measured width of the wooden

block is 6.5 centimeters

5. A metric ruler or meter stick can be For Q.3, 4, & 5: Measurement is fundamental to the
sciences; to engineering, construction, and other
used in measuring lengths with high technical fields; and to almost all everyday
precision. activities.

6. Weaving of hat from coconut fronds-the

leaf part of coconut palm.To weave the
hat, use between 17 and 20 lea ets,
means use 17, 18, 19 or 20 lea ets. Hats
weaved with 17 lea ets will give a
normal hat. below 17 will be smaller
and suitable for kids only. Above 20
lea ets will make the hat very large.

7. This hat is something that de nitely

turns heads and also protects the For Q.6 & 7: Native hat made from coconut fronds
wearer from sunlight.

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

8. In textile manufacturing, the plant or

animal bers are converted into yarn
and yarn into fabric. These are dyed or
printed.

9. The dyed or printed fabrics are then

fabricated into clothes while other
textile goods are used for decoration
(such as patches, ribbon, bows, owers,
etc.)

10.Cotton is the most important natural

ber in the textile industry; and, cotton
For Q.8, 9, &10: Cotton fabric is derived from the
fabric is one of the most commonly
fibers surrounding the seeds of cotton plants, which
used types of fabrics in the world. It is emerge in a round, fluffy formation once the seeds
chemically organic, which means that it are mature.
does not contain any synthetic
compounds.

Meaning of Society
1. Came from the Latin word “socius” that 3. Made up of community of people.
means friendship, companionship or a) Scientists
sociability. 
b) Technologists
c) Recipients (Users)
2. It is a dynamic system
of collective, cohabitation of
4. It provides us with a system and a
groups of individuals with mutual
platform to work together for the
understanding, benefits and common
betterment of the world. With the
goals.
collective efforts of the society, we are
able to improve our living and social
conditions.

Society is institutions, population, and the

a dynamic environment, alone or in some
entity combination, create social change. All
because it these areas can impact when and how
is subject society changes. And they are all
to interrelated: a change in one area can lead
constant to changes throughout. Say for example,
changes; advances in medical technology allow
changes infertile women to bear children,
may take place slowly and gradually or eventually it indirectly leads to increase in
suddenly and abruptly.  Technology, social population.

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
Society is made
up of
individuals who
have agreed to
work together
for mutual
bene t.
Through the joint
efforts of individuals , they can help the
groups to which they belong to, their
community, or they can help society as a
whole.
An example of how the people in a society
work together for a common goal can be
Focus Question #3: As an individual, how do you leave a positive impact in your
community? Go to your Google Classroom to answer this question and for further
instructions, too.
Purposes of Science & Technology
1. To improve quality of human condition.
2. To provide solution to our practical
problems.
3. To establish relevant institutional
linkages and essential mechanisms.
4. To develop individual knowledge.
5. To find order in the chaos of nature and
deliver personal and social liberation.
Technology has advanced into many areas
of our lives, making information more
accessible, improving communication,
changing transportation, and more. Today
we can text or message our family
members and friends online to
communicate rather than just going and
knocking on their door. In addition, we
don’t need to memorize phone numbers
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Introduction
observed in the current situation of our
country where Covid-19 became
pandemic. In our condition right now,
everyone is encourage to follow the health
protocol (wearing of mask, frequent hand
washing and social distancing) speci ed by
the Department of Health in order to
reduce the chances of virus infection and
overwhelming of patients’ hospital
accommodation. For the past four months,
we’re doing this altogether and we are
trying to ght Covid-19…as one. Let us
continue the ght until a vaccine is
discovered by the experts. Meanwhile, stay
at home and stay safe and healthy!
6. To give an information and explanation
of the natural world.
7. To develop new areas of knowledge.
8. To combat irrationality.
9. To maintain the availability of
natural resources.
anymore because cellphones, particularly
smartphones, can save hundreds of phone
numbers that are all a click away. Buying
and selling of goods, nowadays, were also
improved because of technology; instead
of going to shopping malls, supermarkets
or grocery stores, which is not as safe as
when there was no Covid-19 yet, we can
avail all the basic needs with less hassles
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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

through online goes smoothly from conception to market

buying. But of
course we must be
careful in choosing
online sellers to
Shopping online is convenient avoid any any
and secure. inconvenience
in our part.
Always read the reviews of those who
already purchased the same item before
trusting the seller and placing your order/s.
These are only few examples that shows
how technology improved and made our
lives easier. Though technology can make
our lives easier and convenient, we should
also remember that with each bene t
comes a potential cost or consequences.
In today’s world, the role of science and
technology is essential; it provides solution
to dif cult problems, the problems that
have the potential to become major
bottlenecks to the overall growth of the
country. Some of these problems could be
related to health, education, availability of
healthy food and drinking water, and
infrastructure.
Currently, the
Covid-19 pandemic
becomes a major
problem in the
health system of
our country and
the world, as a Novel coronavirus caused
Covid-19
whole. It
happened in
times that our health system is not ready
from this kind of health problem; however,
researchers worldwide are working around
the clock to nd a vaccine against the virus
causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts
estimate that a fast-tracked vaccine
development process could speed a
successful candidate to market in
approximately 12-18 months–if the process
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availability. Hence, the global scienti c
community must continue to be part in the
development of scienti c and
technological innovations not only to
successfully combat the COVID-19
pandemic, but also to contribute to
knowledge societies that exist in harmony
with nature and where individuals can lead
prosperous and ful lling lives. Let us pray
and be hopeful that soon a vaccine can be
developed to cure the diseases due to
novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Science can also combat irrationality-an
absurd action, behavior or thought; but
how? Have you heard or learned Aristotle’s
theory of motion? In his theory, Aristotle
stated that heavier objects fall faster than
lighter ones. Philosophically speaking, he’s
right that’s why his idea was accepted for
about 2000 years. However, Galileo Galilei
contradicted
Aristotle’s theory
and he asserted
that light and heavy
objects when
dropped
simultaneously
from the same
height will reach
the ground at the
same time. Galileo The “thought experiment”
had proven his of Galileo Galilei at the
Leaning Tower of Pisa
statement when he
dropped objects of
different masses from the leaning tower of
Pisa (in Italy) and eventually, the objects
reached the ground at the same time.
Though Galileo did not actually dropped
the objects from the tower (what he did
was a “thought experiment”- experiment
done in the head, he was able to refute the
old thinking about the motion of falling
objects.
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Focus Question #4: In your current situation, how did science and technology
improved the quality of your life condition? Go to your Google Classroom to answer
this question and for further instructions, too.

Limitations of Science and Technology

Epistemological concerns. It cannot help us with questions about the God, the ultimate
Good, and Truth. It cannot deny nor con rm the existence of God, soul, heaven and other
uncertainties.

We believe that everything in the universe
was created
by God and
He also made
life into
existence.
And the
existence of
life and other
things could
be a proof
that God
exists because of His creations. But the
questions is, if there was no life in a planet,
will this mean that God does not exist in
that place? Some of you might say yes
while others might say no; your answer
depends on how strong or weak your
religious belief and we’ll respect your
opinion. Well, Science can explain how
plants make their own food, how animals
depend on plants to sustain life, how our
human body system function when we’re
alive; however these are not enough
evidences to conclude that science can
prove or disprove the existence of God. But
of course if we use our beliefs as an excuse
to draw conclusion scienti cally, we run the
grave risk of depriving ourselves of what
we might have come to truly learn.
Nowadays, we can track the whereabouts
of our friends and family members using
the modern technology of smartphones,
we can even travel from one place to
another with ease in a short span of time.
But these technology cannot be used to
travel in heaven, hell or purgatory for us to
be able to prove or deny that there is such
place in the afterlife. We can’t even send a
text or private message to our deceased
loved ones to nd out if how they are
doing. Actually, none of our modern
technology can con rm whether the soul of
a deceased person goes to heaven or hell
or it’s just wandering around us. It’s our
faith that, maybe, matters if what to believe
or not to believe.

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Metaphysical concerns. Immaterial and transcendental nature is beyond the grasp of

scientific inquiry. It cannot speak to issue of ultimate origin, meaning or morality.

Immaterial and transcendental describe We, as Christians, also believed that on the
anything that has to do with the spiritual or Judgement Day souls will be re-embodied
non-physical world, which is beyond the and will live eternally in the heavenly
realm of rationality and the material world kingdom. No one knows when it will
or ordinary and everyday experience; it is happen, however, let us do the right things
mystical or supernatural. An example of this here on earth so that our soul will be
is the ability to rewarded in the future. Whether this is true
communicate or not, again, our religious belief, which
with the dead, should be respected by everyone, matters.
which could be And just like the previous example, the
initiated through existence of soul is beyond the grasp of
spiritual scienti c inquiry and there is no scienti c
channeling or studies, yet, that can prove the reality of this
mediumship. instance.
Mediums
claimed that
they can listen to
and relay
messages from
spirits or they can allow spirit to control
their body and speak through it directly or
by using automatic drawing or writing. The
validity of this practice can be studied but
no scienti c explanation can justify that a
medium can communicate with the dead,
yet.

Another example of transcendental entity is

the concept of the soul that exist entirely
apart from the body when a person dies.
Most of us believed that at death, the soul
is separated from the body and exists in a
conscious or unconscious spiritual state.

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
Needs human intervention to carry out its functions properly.
It can predict forces of nature but cannot prevent the prevalence/occurrence.
Cannot guarantee an ultimate solution to any speci c problem.
In this modern days, machines can be
operated and made functional by arti cial
agents like robots, which perform task in
behalf of humans without immediate and
direct human control. However, there are
still other machines (technologies) that
become functional only if a person utilized
them. Like for example, in doing our
laundry using a washing machine; we need
to ll this with water, pour powdered
detergent and put the laundry in it because
the machine cannot do it by itself. Though
the washing can be performed by the
machine automatically, we still need to take
a hand to make it functional and perform its
task properly. Another
example, “Siri” or Speech
Interpretation and
Recognition Interface in
our smartphone
(particularly iPhone) can
send a message to our family members,
friends and colleagues upon dictation but
then again, without our effort to do so “Siri”
can’t compose the message if we will not
dictate it to her.
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Many years ago, the occurrence of natural
disaster such as earthquake, typhoon,
volcanic eruption and others were
predicted depending on the behavior of
some animals, based on astronomical
movement of heavenly bodies and other
mythical beliefs. People would say that
volcano is angry when it erupted or that the
gods were demanding for sacri ces. But
today, our capability to predict most natural
hazards and disseminate warnings based
on those predictions can be better
addressed because of the current scienti c
and technological advancements; hence,
we are able to make preventive measures
and preparations ahead of time to reduce
the damage in our properties. Also, print
(newspaper) and broadcast media (radio,
and television) can help us to learn and
understand about the natural disasters and
disaster prevention. However, we cannot
stop these natural phenomena from
happening with the use of modern
technology, it can only be used for
prediction, data gathering and
interpretation and for preventive measures.
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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
Lastly, science can not solve all of our
problems; however, our scienti c
understanding can help us ght diseases,
hunger and poverty when applied properly
and when the concerned individual act on
that understanding, accordingly. For
instance, science has found that smoking
has many
bad effects
related to
health, social
and
psychological
level, which, eventually, can harm a person
Technology and the Quality of Life 
New technologies are improving the quality of life. These are seen in:
1. Medical research in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices helps us lead
healthier lives and offers new hope for the sick.
Medical research has high value to society
because it can provide important
information about disease trends and risk
factors, outcomes of treatment or public
health interventions, functional abilities,
patterns of care, and health care costs and
use. Eventually, medical research have led
to signi cant discoveries, the development
of new therapies, and a remarkable
improvement in health care and public
health. Like for instance, the discovery of
“Sputnik V”
from Russia is
the awaited
vaccine that
might cure
Covid19,
though there
are some
controversies on this, we are very hopeful
for the success of curing Covid19 using
“Sputnik V”. The development of this
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Introduction
in many aspects. Knowing that cigarettes
contains highly addictive chemical known
as nicotine, but it can do nothing to your
personal health unless you stop from
smoking or you did not start smoking at all.
Reading an article about the health risk of
smoking is easy but the hard part is to stop
from smoking. In this sense, science really
cannot solve the problem, only us can solve
the problem when we take the knowledge
provided by science and use it
appropriately. In fact, many of our
problems are caused by lack of action and
not lack of knowledge.
vaccine will bring new hope to the Covid19
patients (more importantly) and to their
family as well.
In the health
management
of Covid19
patients with
severe or
critical
respiratory
infection, ventilators are indispensable.
These machines are used to pump oxygen
into the lungs of patients to maintain blood
oxygen saturation; these are used for
severe and critically ill patients
experiencing breathing dif culties;
however, not all severe patients need
ventilator. In other words, not every severe
patient can experience breathing dif culty
that can only be solved by ventilator. Some
patients just need to inhale oxygen, and an
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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
oxygen system can simply do the job.
These technology [ventilator] allowed time
for the patient to recover in hopes that
breathing becomes normal again. It’s
2. Sophisticated traf c management systems for land, sea, and air transportation enable
the smooth and timely movement of more people and goods.
Transport is a key sector in the Philippine
economy, linking population and economic
centers across the islands. The transport
system in most of the cities in the
Philippines is predominantly land-based.
Relative to this, the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) tried to
improve traf c ow and reduce travel
times, making the best not only for the
movement of vehicles but also that of
persons, goods and services. Since Metro
Manila is the country’s main business, retail
and industry hub, it is important that MMDA
has a long term solution in managing the
transit of the people in the metro. And a
complete, centralized urban traf c
management, which includes centralized
stoplight system and CCTV system, was
implemented as the mobility solution for
Metro Manila. The above-mentioned
technology improved the urban traf c
control and management, improved
stoplight status data available in real time,
improved data on traf c-related incidents,
Traffic Management System in the Philippines
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Introduction
important to understand that ventilators do
not cure COVID-19, but they help support
lung function while a patient’s body is
ghting the infection.
and adapt vehicular traf c speed;
eventually, there was a reduction of
polluting elements in the streets, improved
road safety and a decrease in the holdup
time.
In recent
years, there
has been
notable
development
of roll-on roll-
off (ro-ro) ferry
services,
which are The roll-on-roll-off (ro-ro) ferry
aimed at services in the Philippines
providing an
alternative to traditional long-distance
inter-island shipping services. The ro-ro
system allows vehicles to drive onto and off
ro-ro ferries without loading or unloading
of cargo. This transport system can reduce
the sea transport costs because this
eliminates cargo-handling labor and
equipment, and reduces the amount of
time cargo is required to be in port.
In 2018, the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) started to use the new
communications, navigation, surveillance/
air traf c management systems (CNS/ATM)
that brings air traf c and navigation levels
on a par with the international standards.
With this CNS/ATM systems, the air travel is
more de nite, aircraft identi cation is more
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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

established, and safety and security of

passengers are guaranteed. Moreover, the
systems also bring a better air traf c ow
and space management that optimizes
airport capacity and ef cient use of
airspace, which eventually, minimizes
delays by helping aircraft operators meet
their departure and arrival schedule. In
other words, CNS/ATM technology
enhances safety, reliability and ef ciency of
Air Transportation in the Philippines
air traf c service in the Philippines.

So, with the above-mentioned place in order to reduce the chances of

technological advancements in traf c
management and transportation, the
movement of people and goods from one
place to another is considerably fast.
However, in today’s situation, most of us
nd some dif culties in going to our
destination [especially those in the work
force] because of a limited means of
transportation. Recently, our government
tried to control the number of land, air and
sea transportation in bringing people to a
community transmission of Covid19. In
some ways, it helped to slow down the rate
of transmission of the virus but the
Philippine industry and economy were
greatly affected by this action of the
government. Anyway, let’s be hopeful that
everything will go back to the old normal
soon; meanwhile, let’s keep ourselves safe
and healthy by following the health
protocol imposed by the Department of
Health.

3. Agricultural research is producing safer, healthier, and tastier food products.

During the ancient civilization, humans

overcame hunger and diseases not only by
harvesting food from the cultivated land
but also by processing it with sophisticated
methods. Like for example, in the Ancient
Greece, their bread, olive oil and wine were
processed and transformed from
perishable, unpalatable, or hardly edible
raw materials into safe, avorful, nutritious,
stable and enjoyable foods.
A baker prepares bread at Panaderia Pantoja-
Philippine Bakeshop & Bread Supplier
Today, our production-to-consumption
food system is complex, however, our food agricultural harvesting, holding and storing
is largely safe, tasty, abundant, nutritious, of raw materials, food manufacturing
diverse, convenient and cheaper and more (formulation, food processing and
readily available and accessible than packaging), transportation and distribution,
before. Our food system includes retailing, food service, and food
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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

preparation in the home. Food science and also often improves the quality of life for
technology contributed greatly to the individuals with speci c health conditions,
success of modern food system in offering modi ed foods to meet their
resolving nutritional de ciencies and needs; for example, sugar‐free foods
enhancing food safety. sweetened with an alternative sweetener
for people with diabetes.
The modern food manufacturing enable to
maintain and improve the food quality and
enhance the food safety. Also, the sensitive
nutrients can be preserved, important
vitamins and minerals can be added while
toxins and ani-nutrients can be removed,
and foods can be designed to optimize
health and reduce the risk of disease.
Moreover, the waste and product loss can
be reduced, and distribution around the
world can be facilitated to allow seasonal
Artificial sweetener is a good alternative in place of
availability of plenty of foods. It should also
sugar to limit sugar intake
be noted that modern food manufacturing

4. Automobile research is providing safer, cleaner, energy ef cient, and more intelligent
vehicles.

Human mobility was revolutionized by the
the arrival of automobiles. Because of
increase in the number of automobiles, the
roads and streets were expanded so that
intercity travel can be accommodated. The
advancement in technology tremendously
improved the power, performance and
travel range of vehicles to the level that
they reshaped the city sprawl and the way
people live today.
looking forward for additional advances in
transportation, not only because we want to
go in places that we dreamt of, but also to
reduce greenhouse gases, improve air
quality, and support economic
development.

Over the years, vehicles have transformed

to become advance technological
machines that extend mobility to leisure,
comfort, luxury, sports, and, for some, an
extension, expression of their image and Biofuel benefits the environment because it burns more
cleanly and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide
personality, and status symbol as well.
(greenhouse gas emissions) produced by your car.
Some of us are already driving hybrid
vehicles or commuting in buses powered
by hydrogen or biofuels. We are still

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5. Information and telecommunications technologies have enabled instantaneous

communications around the globe.

Before the emergence of the Internet and
other data networks, the telephone (and
earlier the telegraph) was an application of
technology that allowed people to
communicate at a distance by voice (and
earlier by encoded electronic signals), and
telephone service was provided by the
public switched telephone network. But
today, there are other communication tools
that can be used to communicate with
other people; these tools include email,
cellphones, smartphones, computers, video
and web conferencing tools, social
networking, as well as online collaboration
and productivity platforms.
In today's interrelated world, information
and communication technology (ICT) is
extensively used by our country and it
affects our lives everyday. Recently, many
ICT gadgets are used in our life and
facilitate with mobility, thus, used anywhere
and anytime. These gadgets operate for
information, speed, and communication
and reduce the physical and mental human
work load. By that principles, modern day
gadgets truly helped mankind in daily life.
ICT has contributed a lot to change our
everyday life such as letter to e-mail, market
shopping to on-line shopping, classroom
learning to e-learning, etc. We can carry out
net banking, read newspapers online,
watch TV programs, and connects
ourselves to our family, friends, or relatives
while we are at long distance by using the
e-mail, messenger, call-conference, or
video-conference.
TWITTER, and LINKEDIN which allows us to
communicate and stay connected with
family and friends across the globe
regularly. All these sites have helped to
narrow the physical distances between us.
Social Networking provides facilities such
as faster communication speed, effective
sharing of information, paperless
environment, etc.
We can communicate each other without
boundaries. It becomes quicker because
we can send an instant message in a
fraction of time with the low cost which
saves costs and man power for delivery.
And by the use of video conferencing
technique, we can get feel to
communicate with someone face to face
which is bene t for meeting or
communicate together.
Information and communication technology is an
‘umbrella’ term that includes any communication
device such as television, digital media, smart phones,
iPads, smart board, etc. ICT also includes the
hardware & software used to operate the technology.

Moreover, there are many available social

networking sites like FACEBOOK, VIBER,
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Self Assessment Test #1: The result of this test will reveal how much you
understand the lesson and will be recorded as part of your performance. Go to
your Google Classroom; click the link to redirect you in the Google Form to
answer this test. Say aloud your promise of honesty (below) before taking the
quiz.

In taking this quiz, I (your name) understand that I may not work with anyone
else, including conferring with others (student, or anyone else); exchanging
information, answer or ideas; or in aiding or being aided by others in the
completion of this test. I understand that failure to follow this rules is considered
cheating, and may subject me to a signi cant reduction in my grade at the
discretion of the professor. I certify that I have personally prepared the answers
to this test in accordance with the above stated rules.

1. Technology must______ the needs of people, society, and the environment. (A) t (B)
de ne (C) in uence (D) be effective to

2. In the past, an invention or innovation was often developed without ________knowledge.

(A) special (B) speci c (C) scienti c (D) slow-moving

3. Which one of the following is most likely a desire and not a need for the home?
(A) refrigerator (B) automatic dish washer C) telephone (D) washing machine

4. Which of the following is a way that science has bene ted society? (A) More fuel-ef cient
vehicles (B) Traveling farther and more easily (C) Healthier, longer lives (D) All of these

5. Which one of the following is an example of science and not technology? (A) invention of
the light bulb. (B) making toothpaste that cleans teeth better. (C) measuring daily
temperature variations. (D) making cars more fuel ef cient

6. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT? (A) Technology can be bene cial or
detrimental to human society. (B) Technology impacts society in ways we cannot predict.
(C) Human society has always been shaped by advances in technology. (D) An innovation
is a method of taking a product apart for re-sale.

7. Which of the following statements about technology is INCORRECT? (A) Technology has
in uenced world history. (B) Technology has a major impact in the society. (C) The design

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 GEC08-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Introduction

and construction of modern structures has evolved from prior technologies and
techniques. (D) People who live in different parts of the world have the same
technological choices.

8. Does science lead to technology, or technology lead to science? (A) Science leads to
technology, because technology is the application of science. (B)Technology leads to
science, because it allows us to learn more about the world. (C) Science leads to
technology, and technology leads to science. The two are interconnected. (D) Science
neither leads to technology, nor does technology lead to science.

9. Which of the following best describes the interaction of science and society? (A) Science
and society do not interact. (B) Society can drive scienti c research by providing support
and funding opportunities for projects that are considered important by decision makers.
(C) Science impacts society by providing solutions to society’s needs, but society has no
impact on science. (D) Society impacts science by providing support and funding for
important projects, but science does not impact society.

10. Which of the following statements about the impact of science and technology to society
is INCORRECT (A) Machines have led to employment. (B) Science has brought about
ground breaking solutions to numerous deadly diseases. (C) science has put in our hands
such endish weapons as the nuclear bomb, the guided missile and means of chemical
and biological warfare. (D) In transportation, railway, modern ocean liner, jet plane, and
motor vehicle have made our lives more comfortable and provided great possibilities for
modern commercial development and industrialization.

Just a reminder; self-education is must if you want to excel in life. Any new assignment
requires new skills due to continuous advancements happening around us. You can’t
always have a teacher to spoon feed; therefore, you need to understand the importance of
self-education.

Project #1: Science (as a process/as a product) or Technology (as a process/as a product).

Collect four (4) pictures that will describe Science (2) or Technology (2) as a process or as a
product. Identify each picture whether it is Science as a process, Science as a product,
Technology as a process or Technology as a product; include the title and a brief description
of each picture. Convert your file into PDF before sending it to me through the Google
Classroom.

Your work will be graded according to the following criteria: CORRECTNESS (4 points for
each picture) and PRESENTATION or LAYOUT ( 4 points for the whole project).

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