Science, Technology and Society

Course Description:

This is a course pack is designed for educational administrators, school heads and teachers.
The course shall deal how science and technology has influenced society and vice versa as well
as with interactions between science and technology and social, cultural, political, and economic
contexts that shape and are shaped by them. (CMO No. 20, series of 2013)
This interdisciplinary course engages students to confront the realities brought about by
science and technology in society. Such realities pervade the personal, the public and the global
aspects of our living and are integral to human development. Scientific knowledge and
technological development happen in the context of society with all its socio-political, cultural,
economic, and philosophical underpinnings at play. This course sees to instill reflective
knowledge in the students that thy are able to live the good life and display ethical decision
making in the face of scientific and technological advancement.
In order for learners to gain competency in this course, this course pack has been
structures into three modules as follows:

Module 1: General Concepts in Science, Technology, and Society

Module 2: Science, Technology, Society, and the Human Condition
Module 3: Special Topics in Science, Technology and Society

At the completion of this course pack, learners should be able to:

 Articulate the impacts of science and technology on society, specifically Philippine
society.
 Explain how science and technology affect society and the environment and its role in
nation-building
 Analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express philosophical
ramifications that are meaningful to the student as a part of society.
 Define and demonstrate the impact of social media on the students' life and Philippine
society in general.

Students in this course are encouraged to go through each lesson in every module
sequentially to maximize their learning. They should work on all exercises as they build on the
concepts of each topic introduced in each lesson.
So to make this learning rewarding for you, study this course pack with your co-learners
at your own pace. You can also ask the help and support of your peers, tutors and friends.

Good luck!

Unit/Credit Equivalent: 3

Learning Outcomes:
 Table of Contents
Module 1: General Concepts in Science, Technology, and Society

Module Overview
Lesson 1: Historical Antecedents on the Course of Science and
Technology………………………………
Lesson 2: Intellectual Revolutions…………………………
Lesson 3: Science, Technology, and Nation – building……………
Module Summary………………………………………………….

Module 2: Science, Technology, Society, and the Human Condition

Module Overview
Lesson 1: Human Flourishing in Science and Technology………
Lesson 2: Human Flourishing as Reflected in Progress
and Development...................................................
Lesson 3: The Good Life……………………………………...........
Lesson 4: When Technology and Humanity Cross………………....
Module Summary………………………………………………….

Module 3: Special Topics in Science, Technology and Society

Module Overview
Lesson 1: Information Society……………………………………
Lesson 2: Biodiversity……………………………………………
Lesson 3: The Nano World…………………………………….....
Lesson 4: The Gene Therapy……………………………………
Lesson 5: Climate Change………………………………………
Module Summary………………………………………………….

References………………………………………………………………………
 Module 1

Module Overview

General Concepts in Science, Technology, and

Society

In this Module
 Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and
Technology
 Intellectual Revolutions
 Science, Technology, and Nation-building

Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that studies the
conditions under which the production, distribution and utilization of scientific knowledge and
technological systems occur; the consequences of these activities upon different group of people.
It considers how social, political, and cultural values affect scientific research and technological
innovation, and how these, in turn, affect society, politics and culture.

At the completion of this module you should be able to:

 Explain how science and technology affected the society and environment and vice versa;
 Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history;
 Discuss the scientific and technological developments in the Philippines;
 Discuss the paradigm shifts through history;
 Explain how the Intellectual Revolution changed the way how humans see the world;
 Describe the technological advancements that happened in the information age;
 Explain how early Filipinos applied scientific principles in their daily living;
 Present government policies on science and technology and explain their importance to
the nation; and
 Discuss the role of science and technology in nation-building

Are you ready? Then start the lessons now!

Lesson Historical Antecedents in the Course
of Science and Technology
1
Objectives:

 Discuss the interactions between S & T and Society throughout history;

 Discuss how scientific and technological developments affect society and the
environment; and
 Identify the paradigm shifts in history.

Introduction:

Science and Technology indeed play a major role in the everyday life. They make
difficult and complicated tasks easier and allow people to do more with so little effort and time.
The developments in this field are not just products of people’s imagination or a one-time
thought process; they are also brought about by gradual improvements to earlier works from
different time periods. The driving force behind this continuous progress is the desire to raise the
quality of life of the people.

Activity

Make a list of the different tools, inventions and discoveries you know used by
the people from:
Ancient Times Sumerian Babylonian Greek Civilization
Civilization Civilization

Roman Chinese Civilization Medieval/ Modern Times

Civilization Middle Ages
 Analysis

 What do you think these tools, inventions and discoveries changed the world over the
course of history?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___________________________

 How do these tools contribute to raise the desire to improve the quality of life of the
people?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___________________________

Abstraction

Ancient Times
In the ancient times, people were concerned with transportation, and
navigation, communication and record-keeping, mass production, security and
protection, as well as health, aesthetics, and architecture.
Transportation was significant during that time because people
went trying to go places and discover new horizons. They travelled to search for
food and find better locations for their settlements. They also travelled to trade
their surplus goods in exchange for things that they lacked. Navigation assisted
them in their journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in the world. It allowed them to return how
after they discovered new places or completed an important trade with another group of people.

Communication was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy new
places. They needed a way to communicate with the natives of the areas they visited so as to
facilitate trade and prevent possible conflicts. Record-keeping was also important since they
needed to remember the places they had been to and document the trades they made with each
other. It was also vital to keep records of their history and culture so they could establish their
identities as they tried to relate with other cultures and civilizations.

The increase in size and number of nations connoted increased demand for food and other
basic necessities. This condition also implied that people must be able to produce food at a given
time and space since resources were getting scarcer as more people struggled to share the basic
necessities. The people thus needed a form of technology that would enable them to increase
food supplies and other survival needs without them travelling more or working harder.

Weapons and armors were important as well in the discovery of new places or the
establishment of new alliances with other tribes. At that time, there was always a risk of conflict
when people met others with different culture and orientations. Conflicts were common
especially if different groups struggled to control vital resources. Stronger nations tended to
invade weaker ones so they could take much needed resources. As such, the development of
weapons and armors for security and protection was considered a major achievement.

A primary challenge they faced was the conservation of life. The early people might
have been successful in harnessing the rich resources that the world could provide, but their
survival posed a great problem. Different illnesses and diseases, both natural and man-made,
hampered the full potential of a human being. Given this predicament, science and technology
played a major role in the discovery of cures to, if not the prevention of, illnesses.
Moreover, in order to integrate their needs – for better transportation, establishment of
structures for protection from human attacks and natural disasters, and construction of bigger and
stronger infrastructures – people ventured into what is now known as the field of engineering.
The development in this field allowed humans to build structures that would address their
specific needs and wants. Some of the structures built during the ancient time still exist today
and continually awe people.

The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction of architecture. Others

might see architecture as a mere style, but during the ancient times, elaborate architectural
designs were signs of technological advancement of a particular civilization. In the generations
to come, architecture would be considered a status symbol among nations of how advanced their
technology is. It may also establish the identity of a nation.

The people were not contented on beautifying only their infrastructures and surroundings.
Being able to prolong life with the mass production of food and advancement of medical
technology, as well as raise the quality of life by making complicated and difficult tasks easier,
humans later on developed the technology to improve how they look. They discovered that
people looked more visually presentable and appealing by adding some features and decorations
in their body.

With all these in mind, one can conclude that the developments in science and
technology, aside from affecting the lives of the people, were the results of many prior
antecedents. Out of necessity, people in ancient times were able to discover and invent things
that would impact the lives of the modern people.

The following discussions will tackle the different major technological advancements
during the ancient times, which include some of the achievements of the early civilizations such
as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. It will continue to describe the gradual
application of knowledge up to the contemporary time.

SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip
of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians are known for
their high degree of cooperation with one another
and their desire for great things. They are not
contented with the basic things that life can offer.
This desire pushed them to develop many things
connected with science and technology.

Cuneiform
One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the
development of the first writing system known as
cuneiform. It is a system that utilizes word pictures and
triangular symbols which are carved on clay using
wedge instruments and then left to dry. Cuneiform
allowed the Sumerians to keep records of things with
great historical value or their everyday life.

Uruk City
Another important contribution of the
Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a great
wonder not only because it is considered to be
the first true city in the world but also for the
way it was erected. There were no building
stones in the location of this city and lumber was limited, making the construction a big
challenge. The Sumerians were able to build the city using only mud or clay from the river,
which they mixed with reeds, producing sun-baked bricks—a true engineering feat. They used
the bricks to make houses that protected them from the harsh weather and to build a wall around
the city that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering.
The Great Ziggurat of Ur
Another engineering and architectural feat of
the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of Ur. The
ziggurat, also called the mountain of god, was built in
the same manner that they constructed the City of
Uruk. Without much building materials, the structure
was constructed using sun-baked bricks. The ziggurat
served as the sacred place of their chief god, where
only their priests were allowed to enter. The temple
showcases not only the elaborate and intricate
Sumerian architecture but also the remarkable
technology used to build it. As such, even until today, people still enjoy and marvel at the
preserved Great Ziggurat of Ur.

Irrigation and Dikes

As population increased, so did the demand for food. The
Sumerians were challenged to mass produce food items but the
elements in the environment seemed uncooperative. It was
difficult to get water from the rivers, thus they could not maintain
farmlands. Some groups had scarce water supply, while others
had problems with flooding caused by the river. As a solution to
this dilemma, the Sumerians created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and
at the same time control the flooding of the rivers. This method was considered as one of the
world's most beneficial engineering works. Through the dikes and canals, the Sumerians were
able to enjoy year-long farming and harvesting, which increased their food production.

Sailboats
Another challenge to the Sumerians was
transportation. At that time, the wheel was not yet
invented; the main mode of transportation was
through waterways such as rivers and seas. Boats were
used to carry large quantities of products and were
able to cover large distances. However, they wanted to
discover faraway lands to settle since the population
was getting larger, and boats were not enough to
accommodate more people and products. They needed
a mode of transportation that did not require much human resource. Some sources attribute to the
Sumerians the invention of sailboats to address their increasing demands. Sailboats were
essential in transportation and trading as well as in fostering culture, information, and
technology.
Wheel
In the latter part of their history, the Sumerians were able to
invent the wheel since the specialized tools needed to create it were
already available. The first wheels were not made for transportation
but for farm work and food processes. With the use of the wheel and
axle, mass production was made easier. Farmers were able to mill
grains with less effort in less time.

The Plow
Another farm
technology invented by the
Mesopotamians is the plow.
Humans evolved from being
food gatherers to farm
cultivators. However,
farmers needed a technology
which would enable them to
dig the ground where seeds
would be planted. The plow was invented to dig the earth in a faster pace. As the plow breaks the
ground, the farmer would just drop the seeds and farm work would already be done. With this
tool, farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land faster, enabling them to mass produce food
without taking so much effort and time.
Roads

In order to facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians developed the first roads.
With this work, the flow of traffic became faster and more organized. They made the roads with
the same technology they used in making the sun-baked bricks that they laid own on the ground.
They later poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to asphalt, to smoothen the roads.
The invention of roads was very useful especially during the rainy season when traveling in soft
and muddy roads proved to be too difficult.

BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION

Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Babylonians
were great builders, engineers, and architects. One of their major contributions is hanging
gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

 Today people can only marvel at the
beauty of the famous Hanging Gardens of
Babylon from storied of historians and
painting that portray the place. It was said
to be a structure made up of layers upon
layers of gardens that contained several
species of plants, trees, and vines.
According to legends, the great Babylonian
King Nebuchadnezzar II built the gardens
for his wife, Queen Amytis. However, no
physical evidence has been found to prove
the existence of the Hanging Gardens of
Babylon. Its exact location is also unknown.
Since time immemorial, people have been debating about the existence of the said mythical
place. Many said it was just a product of the creative imagination of the great King because it
lacked documentation or archeological evidence. On the other hand, if it really existed, it must
have been destroyed by war, erosion, or an earthquake. True or not, hearing the stories and
description of the place would be enough to inspire awe to anyone. One can imagine the thick
greenery decorated by beautiful flowers coming from different places in the garden and
complicated design of the infrastructure. If the stories were true, the Hanging Gardens of
Babylon may be considered as one the greatest engineering and architectural achievements of the
world that is almost impossible to replicate.

EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Another early civilization famous for its legacy is the Egyptian civilization located in
North Africa. Many stories tell about the engineering (cats of the Egyptians especially regarding
the infrastructures established by the pharaohs. Aside from engineering technology, the
Egyptians have contributed other practical things that the world now considers as essential. It is
thus safe to say that the pyramids are not the only contribution of the Egyptian civilization to the
modern world.
Paper or Papyrus
One of the earlier contributions of Egyptian civilization was the paper or papyrus.
Although Egypt was not the first to develop a system of writing, they were able to make writing
easier for the world. Before the Egyptian innovation, clay tablets were used. However, safe-
keeping and transporting them were a major problem. Clay tablets were very fragile, heavy, and
delicate to handle. So, bringing them to places was a major challenge. Hence, the Egyptian
invention of the paper or papyrus was a welcome development. Papyrus was a plant that grew
abundantly along the Nile River in Egypt. They were able to process the plant in order to
produce thin sheets on which one could write down things. Since papyrus was lighter and thinner
than clay tablets, it was easy to carry and store. The sheets were also less breakable as compared
to clay tablets. This invention was a major accomplishment in Egyptian record-keeping and
communications. People then were able to send letters or correspondences anywhere in the world
since the pieces of paper were very light that they could be carried and delivered by birds.
Moreover, record-keeping was no longer a problem since documents would not take huge
storage spaces. Therefore, it was easier to keep them away from raiders who often destroyed
records of the nations they invaded.
Ink
When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the paper, engraving ceased to be used in
writing. As a result, the Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals to
produce inks of different colors. The ink must withstand the elements of nature since it was used
to record history, culture, and codified laws. It must also be tamper-proof so that people could
not simply tinker with those written down by authorities.
Hieroglyphics
Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians
also developed a system of writing using
symbols, known as hieroglyphics. Although
some say that hieroglyphics was adapted
from the early writing system established in
Mesopotamia as a result of trade between
civilizations, the Egyptians believed that
this writing system was provided to them by
their gods. This form of writing can still be
seen today and remains to be as famous as
the pyramids where they were found.
Hieroglyphics was the language that tells
the modern world of the history and culture
of the ancient Egyptians. Their records were
well-preserved since they were carved at the
walls of pyramids and other important Egyptian structures.
The Egyptians also invented the use of
cosmetics. Although cosmetics in the modern
times are used to improve and highlight the facial
features of a person, their function in ancient
Egypt was for both health and aesthetic reasons.
Egyptians wore Kohl around the eyes to prevent
and even cure eye diseases. Kohl was created by
mixing soot or malachite with mineral galena.
Egyptians also believed that a person wearing
make-up was protected from evil and that beauty
was a sign of holiness. At present,
the cosmetic industry is a booming
multibillion industry.

Wig
Another cosmetic invention
of ancient Egyptians is the wig. At
present, wigs are used to enhance the appearance of people who are balding or those who want to
try new hair trends. Meanwhile, during the ancient Egyptian times, wigs were worn for health
and wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes.
The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy Egyptians from the harmful rays
of the gun. Wearing a wig was better than putting on a scarf or any other head cover since a wig
allowed heat to escape. Moreover, it was considered cleaner than natural hair because it
prevented the accumulation of head lice.

Water Clock/Clepsydra
Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water
clock. This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from one
vessel to the other. The amount of water (or its height, depending
on the method used) remaining in the device determines how much
time has elapsed since it is full. In the process, time is measured.
The water clock was widely used as a timekeeping device during the
ancient times.

GREEK CIVILIZATION
Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern part of Europe. Known as the birthplace of
western philosophy, some of the major achievements of the Greeks include in-depth works on
philosophy and mathematics, More than coliseums and the Olympics, the Greek civilization has
contributed much to the world especially in the fields of science and technology.

Alarm Clock
One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient
Greeks is the alarm clock. Although the alarm clock during that time did not
resemble present-day alarm clock, t he purpose was just the same—to tell an
individual when to stop or when to start. The ancient Greek's alarm clocks
used large complicated mechanisms to time the alarm. They made use of water
(or sometimes small stones or sand) that dropped into drums which sounded
the alarm. Plato was believed to have utilized an alarm clock to signal the start
of his lecture. His version used four water vessels lined up vertically. The
upper vessel supplied the water which dropped to the vessel below it, which
was set to be filled in a given time. After it was full, water was siphoned
off at a faster rate into the third vessel which would cause the expulsion
of contained air, creating a whistling noise. Afterwards, this vessel would
empty towards the bottom vessel for storage and reuse.
Water Mill
Watermills were also
considered as one of the most
important contributions of the Greek
civilization to the world. They were
commonly used in agricultural
processes like milling of grains
which was a necessary form of food
processing during that time. Because
milling was made possible by the
use of watermills, the mass
production of rice, cereals, flours,
and the like became common.
Watermills were considered better than mills powered by farm animals because they required
less effort and time to operate since the farmer did not have to raise animals. They only required
access to rivers or flowing water where a mechanism of a large wheel with small "buckets" of
water attached to it could be installed.

ROMAN CIVILIZATION
The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the
west. It was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance during that period. Because
the Roman Empire was so large, other civilizations looked up to it as their model in terms of
legislation and codified laws. Aside from their contributions in politics, a lot of discoveries and
inventions still relevant today can be attributed to the Roman Empire.

Newspaper
One of the major contributions of the
Romans is the newspaper. The first
newspapers, known as gazettes, contained
announcements of the Roman Empire to the
people, Made before the invention of paper,
these gazettes were engraved in metal or stone
tablets and then publicly displayed. When
paper was invented, it became easier for the
Romans to "publish" matters that needed the
attention of the Roman citizens. In fact, with
the advent of paper, minutes of the proceedings
of the Roman senate were done in shorthand.
These documents were edited and published on
the same day that they were recorded. This
way, the Romans enjoyed easy access to government information the same way we benefit from
present-day newspapers.

Bound Books or Codex

With the invention of paper, it
became easier for civilizations to write
down everything that happened in their
time. Record-keeping was much easier
since paper did not easily break, was
lightweight, and did not occupy much
space. As a result, civilizations became
fond of record-keeping, especially
documenting events and newly
legislated laws. Aside from Romans
writing down information about
history and politicos, literature
changed form from clay tablets to parchments of paper. According to sources, Julius Caesar
started the tradition of stacking up papyrus to form pages of a book. Later on, they were able to
provide covers to protect the papyrus. The earlier covers were made of wax but were later on
replaced by animal skin which proved to be stronger and longer lasting. With the papyrus pages
bound together and covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman Empire was able to produce the
books or codex.

Roman Architecture
Roman architecture is one of
the most visual
contributions of the ancient Roman
Empire to the world. Roman
architecture was considered a
continuation of Greek
architecture, hence, the
resemblance. However, Roman
architecture was still regarded
as pioneering since the Romans
were able to adapt new building
and engineering technology on
architectural designs
established in the past. In this manner, they were able to preserve great and elaborate
architectural designs because they could produce sturdier and stronger infrastructures. The
Romans were also able to creatively redesign old architectural patterns to adapt to the new trends
at that time. This development in the field of engineering and architecture was fully supported
and funded by the Roman government so they were able to implement major projects such as
large churches (cathedrals and basilicas), aqueducts, coliseums, amphitheaters, and even
residential houses. The quality of these majestic Roman structures can be seen by the way they
withstood time and the harsh elements of the environment. Today, people of the world still enjoy
these marvels. These structures are proofs of ancient Roman technology.

Roman Numerals
Although other number systems had already been
established before the Roman numeral, these old systems
could not keep up with high calculation requirements due
to the increasing rate of communication and trade among
nations. Since the Roman Empire was expanding, it had to
deal with many nations to maintain its power. For this
reason, the Romans devised their own number system
specifically to address the need for a standard counting
method that would meet their increasing communication
and trade concerns. Although the Roman numeral is no
longer widely used today due to its inherent limitations,
quite a number of enthusiasts would still use it over other
more popular number systems, like the Hindu-Arabic
system, due to its aesthetic and historical value.

CHINESE CIVILIZATION
The Chinese civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia, if not the
world. Also known as the middle kingdom, China is located on the far east of Asia. It was
famous among other ancient civilizations because of its silk trade. Not a great amount was
written about ancient China partly due to its distance from the other civilizations. Despite its less
popular status among the early civilizations, one cannot discredit the significant contributions of
Chinese civilization to the world.
Silk
One of the things that connected Far East
China to the world is silk, Although silk is natu
rally produced by silk worms, the Chinese were
the ones who developed the technology to harvest
the silk and process it to produce paper and
clothing. Silk production resulted in the creation
of a product for trade. The silk trade opened China
to the outside world, making way for cultural,

economic, and scientific exchanges. It

bridged the gap between the western world
and the middle kingdom.
Tea Production
 Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over crushed or shredded
dried tea leaves. It was believed that the first tea was drunk by a Chinese emperor. Tea
production was developed when an unknown Chinese inventor created a machine that was able
to shred tea leaves into strips. This machine was done using a wheel-based mechanism with
sharp edges attached to a wooden or ceramic pot. Because of this invention, the Chinese were
able to increase their production of tea and trade with other nations. China thus became known
for its tea exports aside from its silk products. Tea production developed by the ancient Chinese
may have resulted in making tea as one of the most popular beverages in the world today.

Great Wall
Once considered the only
man-made structure that could be
seen from outer space, the Great
Wall of China is said to be the
largest and most extensive
infrastructure that the nation built. It
was constructed to keep out foreign
invaders and control the borders of
China. Made with stone, brick,
wood, earth, and other materials, it
showcased the extent of Chinese
engineering technology at that time.
The structure was so massive and
strong that it was said to have
literally divided China from the rest of the world. The wall's construction put the nation among
the powerful civilizations during the ancient times. It was the pride of their land and their
crowning glory. Today, with some sections already in ruins, the Great Wall still continues to be a
world attraction due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur.

Gunpowder
The gunpowder is one of the most
interesting inventions Gin China.
Originally, it was developed by Chinese
alchemists who aimed to achieve
immortality. They mixed charcoal, sulfur,
and potassium nitrate, but instead of
creating an elixir of life, they
accidentally invented a black powder that could actually generate large amounts of heat and gas
in an instant.
Ironically, instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets from guns and
cannons which cause countless deaths. In fact, gunpowder-propelled weapons are preferred by
raiders who plan to attack at a distance. The same weapons are also used to dissipate any
attempts of invasion. On the other hand, gunpowder is also used in fireworks during important
celebrations in China.

Medieval/Middle Ages
The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars
were prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the fields of weaponry,
navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. The wars have resulted in population
decline, but during the latter part of the period, there was a significant rise in population. Trade
and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater demands for transportation
technology. Some of the most innovative minds came from this period.

Printing press
After the Chinese developed woodblock printing,
Johann Gutenberg was able to invent the printing press, a
more reliable way of printing usi6g a cast type. He utilized
wooden machines that extracted juices from fruits, attached
to them a metal impression of the letters, and pressed
firmly the cast metal into a piece of paper, which then
made an exact impression on paper.
This general invention soon evolved to be the
mechanical printing press which was eventually used all
over the world. The printing press was invented to address
the need for publishing books that would spread
information to many people at a faster rate. This invention
also made works accessible to individuals who could not
even write (Streissguth, 1997).
Microscope
Another invention in the Middle Ages is the
microscope. Growing populations caused massive
migration and urbanization during the period. More
and more people transferred to polluted and
populated urban areas which resulted in more people
getting sick and needing medical attention. To
develop the proper medicines for illnesses, experts
must understand the sickness through an
investigation. Thus, they needed a device that could
magnify things invisible to the eye guided by the principles used for the invention of eyeglasses
in earlier years, Zacharias Janssen was able to develop the first compound microscope. With this
device, people were able to observe organisms that were normally unseen by the naked eye. The
microscope was key in discovering new means in preventing and curing various illnesses
(Davidson, 2015).

Telescope
Since the Middle Ages was also known
as the Age of Exploration, the need for nautical
inventions was high. Considering the vast and
empty oceans that separated lands, ship captains
needed to see far and wide for them to navigate
or to avoid dangers at sea. The invention of the
telescope, an optical instrument that helps in the
observation of remote objects, was a great help
for navigators during this time. Together with
the telescope, the invention of the compass, oars, and rudders made sea travelling easier and
safer (Helden, 1989).

War weapons
Since wars were widespread during the Middle Ages, great development in the weaponry
technology also occurred. All sides must develop weaponries not only as offensive tools but also
as defensive instruments. For open-area battles, people developed cross bows and long bows so
that they could attack the enemies at long ranges, keeping themselves safe with the protection of
walls and fortresses. Additionally, in close-range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear
something to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation of iron body armors.
However, body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The problem was eventually
solved by the invention of the chainmail.

MODERN TIMES
The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded that
more goods be produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient means of transportation to trade
more goods and cover a larger distance. Machines that required animals to operate must thus be
upgraded. Faster and easier means to communicate and compute should be developed to
establish connections between and among nations. All these needs resulted in the development of
industries. However, due to massive industrialization, the modern times again faced more
complicated problems. Food processing and medicine posed some of the bigger challenges since
health was of great concern.
Pasteurization
 As people were able to develop better means of production to meet the needs of the
population, food preservation and food safety became an issue. The challenge to keep
manufactured food from deteriorating was greater for dairy products, especially milk, since they
usually spoiled faster. These goods needed to be consumed almost immediately after production
or they would cause illness like diphtheria, food poisoning, and typhoid fever. Since transporting
these products would also take, time, it would be impossible to trade them.
Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist, found a way to solve the problem.
He invented pasteurization, the process of heating dairy products to kill the harmful bacteria that
allow them to spoil faster. Through this process, milk could be stored and consumed for a longer
period. It also prevented illnesses caused by harmful bacteria (Macalester College, 2010). Other
contributions of Pasteur to science, technology, and medicine included his works on molecular
asymmetry, fermentation, and vaccination.
Petroleum refinery
The modern times demanded better means of powering homes and transportation. At
first, people used animal oils for generating light to illuminate their homes. However, the
production of animal oils could not keep up with the demand. Faced with this concern, Samuel
M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining petroleum. Kerosene was later on referred to as
the "illuminating oil" because it was used at first to provide lighting to homes. After some time,
it was applied for heating purposes. The development of kerosene established the petroleum
refinery industry (Skrabec, 2010). At present, petroleum is widely used in powering automobiles,
factories, and power plants, among others.
Telephone
The more people got connected by trade and
exploration, the more they needed a way to easily maintain
these connections and communicate with each other in real
time. Governments likewise needed some kind of
communication system which would allow them to
administer their states well. Important day-to-day decisions
must be discussed and addressed at the fastest time possible.
Thus, the development of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was one of the most
important inventions at that time.
Calculator
 Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been developed, circumstances
in the modern times required a faster way to compute more complicated equations. Computing
devices must also be easy to carry since they would be utilized on a day-to-day basis. The
creation of modern calculators did not only pave the way for easier arithmetic calculations, but
also resulted in the development of more complex processing machines like the computer.

PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS
Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes to the
global advancement of science and technology. It is quite remarkable to note the ingenuity of the
Filipinos despite the lack in resources. The Philippines is known to be one of the most vulnerable
countries in terms of natural disasters. Many of the discoveries and inventions made by the
Filipinos were therefore built from indigenous materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical
environment.
Salamander tricycle
It has become ordinary for Filipinos to
convert transport vehicles into something more
useful. An example is the conversion of
military jeeps in World War Il into jeepneys.
Another Filipino innovation is the addition of a
sidecar to a motorcycle, transforming it into a
tricycle to accommodate more passengers.
During the rainy season, flooding is a
common occurrence in many areas in the
country. Tricycles find it very difficult to
traverse the streets. To remedy the issue,
Victor Llave and his team at H20
Technologies were able to invent the
Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that can
cross not only flooded streets but also rivers and lakes. It may also be utilized to travel from
island to island. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, the Salamander is a useful invention that
has a lot of potential.
Salt lamp
One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing nation, is electrification.
Electricity powers various types of machines, including light sources. In many rural areas in the
country, activities would cease when it gets dark. It also becomes more dangerous to travel.
Filipinos have resorted to using candles and kerosene lamps but they carry certain risks as they
are fire hazards. Solar power is also a welcome development but like rechargeable batteries, solar
panels are too expensive for
ordinary Filipinos. Fortunately, a young
Filipina inventor named Aisa Mijeno
was able to invent a lighting system
that utilizes a material abundant in the
Philippines— saltwater. She invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an
environment-friendly light source that runs on saltwater. The SALt lamp is safer as it poses no
risk of fire and emits no toxic gases. Aside from people who live in coastal areas, it may also
benefit those from far-flung barrios because they can make their own saltwater by mixing two
tablespoons of salt and a glass of tap water.
Medical incubator
A common problem in the Philippines is the high mortality rate of newborn babies. One
reason for this problem in the 20th century was the lack of available incubators especially in
farflung rural areas due to lack of resources and electricity. Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino
pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted into Harvard Medical School, devised a medical
incubator made from indigenous and cheap materials which did not run on electricity. Dr. del
Mundo's incubator was made by placing a native laundry basket inside a bigger one. Hot water
bottles were inserted between the baskets to provide warmth and a makeshift hood to allow
oxygen circulation. Its main purpose was to maintain conditions suitable for a newborn, usually a
pre-term baby. Other breakthroughs in Philippine medicine attributed to Dr. del Mundo include
her works on the immunization and treatment of jaundice and the BRAT diet for curing diarrhea.
Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap system
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is endemic in tropical
and subtropical areas, including the Philippines. This virus is usually
transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito, rampant during the rainy
season. Insecticides were previously used to kill the species.
However, recent studies show that insecticide resistance has evolved
in some mosquito populations. Likewise, using insecticides is harmful
not only to humans but also to the environment. In 2010, the
Department of Science and Technology—Industrial Technology
Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was able to introduce the
Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System, also known as OL Trap.
This trap system is made of natural ingredients that are lethal to
mosquitos but safe for humans and the environment.

EJeepney
A major innovation that changed the transportation
industry in the Philippines was the development of
the jeepney. This iconic public utility vehicle was
built using the military jeeps left by the Americans
after World War Il. The chassis and the body of the
military jeeps were extended to accommodate more
load and passengers. Because of its usefulness, the
jeepney dominated Philippine streets and is
considered as the primary mode of transportation of
most Filipinos. However, the diesel-powered jeepney produces large quantities of black smoke,
and is usually a major contributor of noise pollution due to its primitive exhaust system. To
counter these disadvantages, the electric jeepney (eJeepney) was developed. This modern type of
transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive diesel. It is environment-friendly
since it does not emit any smoke and noise.
The items discussed in this chapter are only some of the great inventions and
developments during the different time periods. There are still more innovations and discoveries
that were made in the course of history that changed the world. Can you name other great
discoveries?

Application

After you have learned about the different development with science and technology
from the different time periods, answer the following questions:
 Give three other major scientific and technological developments in the world (or in
the Philippines) that created a large impact on your daily life.


 What historical antecedents gave rise to the inventions you mentioned in the first
question?
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 How did the developments in science and technology shape human history?
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Well done! You have just finished Lesson 1 of this module. Should there be some parts
of the lesson which you need clarification, please ask your instructor anytime.
Now, of you are ready, please proceed to Lesson 2 of this module which will discuss
about Intellectual Revolutions.