MODULE 1

GENERAL CONCEPTS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Lesson 1
Science comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning ‘knowledge’. It refers to a systematic and
methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation,
experimentation or both.
Technology, for its part, is the application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce
services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems. It comes from the Greek root
word techne, meaning ‘art, skill, or cunning of hand.’

HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

A. ANCIENT TIMES
In the Ancient Times people were concerned with:
 Transportation was significant during ancient times because people were trying to go to places and
discover new horizons. They travelled to search for food and find better locations for their settlements. They
also travelled to trade their goods in exchange for things that they lacked.
 Navigation assisted them in their journeys that allowed them to return home after they discovered new
places or completed an important trade with another group of people.
 Communication was essential in order 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 recall where they had travelled and document the
trades they had made with one another. It was vital to keep records of their history and culture in order for
them to establish their identities.

Mass production - As the size and number of nations grew, the demand for food and other basic necessities
also increased. This condition also implied that individuals must be able to produce food in a limited time and
space, since resources became limited as more people struggled to share basic necessities. As a result, the
people need a form of technology that would enable them to increase food supplies and other survival needs
without having to travel further or work harder.
Weapons and Armors / Security and Protection
 Weapons and armors were also vital in the discovery of new places or the formation of new alliances with
other tribes. At the time, there was always the risk of war when people met others of different culture and
orientations. Conflicts were common especially if different groups struggled to control vital resources.
 Stronger nations tended to invade weaker ones in order to take vital resources. As a result, the invention of
weapons and armor for security and protection was considered a major achievement.
Conservation of Life / Health - Survival is one of the primary challenged to ancient people. 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,
illness.
Engineering - The field of engineering is known for improving transportation, establishing buildings to protect
against human attacks and natural disasters, and constructing larger and stronger infrastructures. Human
advancement in this field enabled them to construct structures that addressed their specific needs and wants.
Some of the ancient structures still stand today and continue to amaze people.
Architecture - During ancient times, architectural designs were seen as indicators of a civilization's technical
growth. Architecture will be seen as a status symbol among nations in future generations, indicating how
advanced their technology is. It can also assist in determining a nation's identity.

SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
 Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia between the
Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the area later became Babylonia.
 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:
 the first writing system - One of the major contributions of the Sumerians
 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, a way of passing their traditions, cultures, and their legacy.

Uruk City:
 Another important contribution of the Sumerians
 Considered to be the first true city in the world. There were actually no
building stones in the location of this city and lumber was limited, that
makes the construction a big challenge.
 It was build by the Sumerians using only mud or clay from the river,
which they mixed with reeds, producing sun- baked bricks. They used
these bricks to make houses to protect them from harsh weather and to
build around the city as protection from animals and enemy.
The Great Ziggurat Of Ur:

Also called as the mountain of God, another engineering and architectural feat
of the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
 It was built in the same manner that they constructed the City of Uruk, using
sun-baked bricks.
 The Ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only priest
was allowed to enter.
 It showcases the Sumerian architecture and their remarkable technology that they used to build it.
Irrigation And Dikes:
 As population increase, so did the demand for food. The Sumerians were
challenged to mass produce items but the elements in the environment
seemed uncooperative. It was difficult to get water form 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.
Sail Boats:

At that time, when wheels 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, Sumerians wanted to discover faraway lands to settle
increasing population and boats were not enough to accommodate
more people and products, hence, they created Sailboats.
 Sailboats became essential in the 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
process.
 Mass production was made easier. Farmers were able to mill grains with less
effort.

Plow:
 As farmers needed a technology which would enable them to dig the ground
where seeds would be planted, hence, the plow was invented.
 It was invented to dig the earth in a faster pace. As the plow beaks the ground,
the farmer would just drop the seeds and farm work would already be done.
 It helps farmers cultivate larger parcels of land for faster mass food production
with less 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 sun-baked bricks that they laid
down on the ground. Later, they poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to
asphalt, to smoothed the road
 The Sumerians does not have any degree in engineering or in architecture, but they were able to build
buildings, road, infrastructure and many more that are still solid and stable until now.

BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
 Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates river.
 Babylonians were great builders,engineers, and architects.
 They emerge near the river because water is one of their basic necessities
(food). It also enable them to travel from one place to another.
Hanging Garden Of Babylon:
 One of their major contributions is the hanging garden of Babylon, one of
the seven wonders of the ancient world.
 It was said to be a structure made up of layers upon layers of gardens
that contained several species of plants, trees, and vines.
 However, no physical evidence has been found to prove the existence of
the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its exact location is unknown.

EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
 Another early civilization famous for it legacy is the Egyptian civilization
located in North Africa.
 Many stories tell about the engineering feats of the Egyptian especially
regarding infrastructures established by the Pharaohs.
 Aside from engineering technology, the Egyptians have contributed other
practical things that the world considers as essential.

Paper or Papyrus:
 Egyptians were able to make writing easier for the world with the help of
Papyrus. Before, they are using tables made from clay tablets, but they find it
fragile, heavy, and delicate to handle. Hence, the Egyptian invention of paper
or papyrus was a welcome development. They were able to process the plant
in order to produce thin sheets on which one could write.
 It was easy to carry and store. The sheets were also less breakable compared
to clay.
Ink:
 When 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. Also, must also be tamper-proof so that
people could not simply tinker with those written down by authorities
Hieroglyphics:

Like 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 systems was provided to them by
their gods.
 Their records were well-preserved since they were carved at the walls of
pyramids and other important Egyptians structures.
Cosmetics:
 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.
 Egyptians wore Kohl around 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.
Wig:
 Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptian 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, they were worn for health and wellness rather than
for aesthetic purposes.
 They used it to cover their head from the harmful rays of the sun.
Water Clock/ Clepsydra:

 Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water clock. A device used for
timekeeping during the ancient times.
 This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from on one vessel to
another. The amount of water (or height) remaining in the device determines how
much
 time has elapse since it is full. In the process, time is measured.
 This invention also leads to our modern-day clock through series of improvement
done by the succeeding civilization.
GREEK
CIVILIZATION
 Greece is an archipelago in the southerneastern part of Europe. Known as the
birthplace of western philosophy.
 Some major achievements of the Greeks include in-depth works on Philosophy
and Mathematics.
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 More than Coliseums and Olympics, they also contributed muchin the field of
Science and Technology.

Alarm Clock:
 One of the most utilized gadgets today was invented by ancient Greeks is
the alarm clock. Although the alarm clock during that time does not
resembles the present- day clocks, the purpose was just the same- to tell
an individual when to stop or when to start.
 They made used 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.

Water Mill:

Watermills were also considered as one of the most important
contributions of the Greek civilization to the world. Commonly used in
agricultural processes like milling of grains which is necessary form of
food processing during that time.
 Mass production of rice, cereals, flours and the like became common
with the help of watermills.
 Modern-day watermills also help for converting mechanical energy into
electricity which also leads to invention of windmill and turbine.

ROMAN CIVILIZATION
 The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and
social entity in the west. Political because of its huge population and
territory and social because of religion.
 It was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance during the
period. Because the Roman Empire was so large, other civilizations
looked up to it as their model in terms of legislation and codified law.

Newspaper:
 One of the major contributions of the Romans is the newspaper.
 The first newspaper published in Rome, known as Acta Diurna, is a
gazette, contained announcements of the Roman Empire to the people. It
was made before the invention of paper, these gazettes were engraved in
metal or stone tablets and then publicly displayed.
 After the invention of paper, it became easier for the Romans to “publish”
announcements and to easily edit and published minutes of the Roman
senate. It provides Romans easy access to their government information,
like us today.
Bound Books or Codex:
 Since paper was already invented, record keeping became easier.
 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 leter on replaced by
animal skin which provide to be stronger and long-lasting.
 With this, the ancient Roman Empire was able to produce the first books or codex.
Roman Architecture:
 one of the most visual contributions of the ancient Roman Empire to the
world and was considered the continuation of Greek architecture.
However, it was still regarded as pioneering since the Romans were able
to adapt new building and engineering technology on architectural designs
established in the past.
 Romans were able to preserved great and architectural designs because
they can produce sturdier and stronger infrastructures. They were able to
creatively redesign old architectural patterns to adapt new trends. They
were able to build large churches, coliseums, amphitheaters, etc.
Roman Numerals:
 Although other number systems had already been established before the
Roman Numeral, these could not keep up with high calculation requirements
due to the increasing rate of communication and trade among nations, hence,
Romans devised their own number system to address the need for a standard
counting method to meet this concerns.
CHINESE CIVILIZATION

 The Chinese civilization is considered 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 very famous among the other ancient civilization because of its silk Pag8o 1
trade.

Silk:
 Chinese were the ones who developed the technology to harvest the silk
and process it to produce paper and clothing.
 The silk trade opened china to the outside world, making way for cultural,
economic, and scientific exchanges.

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.
 China became known for its tea exports aside from its silk products.
Great Wall of China:
 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, bricks, wood, earth, and other materials.

Gunpowder:

One of the most interesting inventions in 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.
 Instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets
from guns and cannons which cause countless deaths. On the other
hand, gunpowder is also used in fireworks during occasions in China.

Lesson 2 :

B. 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 field of weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm
production, and health.
 Most innovative minds came from this period to control the increase of trade and commerce among
nations.

Printing press:
 After the Chinese developed woodblock printing, Johann Gutenberg
was able to invent the printing press, a more reliable way of printing
using a cast type.
 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.
Microscope:
 With the growing population caused by massive migration and urbanization,
people get sick because of these urban areas that became polluted and
populated. Therefore, to develop proper medicines for these illness, experts
must understand the sickness through investigation that is why they invented
this device to magnify the small things that are invisible to the naked eye.
 The microscope was key in discovering new means in preventing and
curing various illnesses.
 Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Father of Microscope.
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
avoid dangers at sea.
 The invention of the telescope, an optical instrument that helps inthe 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.
War Weapon :
 Since wars were widespread during the Middle Ages, great development in
the weaponry technology also occurred to protect themselves, so they
must develop weapons not only as offensive tools but also as defensive
instruments.
 One of the keys to gaining victory during this time is well- crafted cross and
longbows and armors. Crossbows are used to attack enemies at long
ranges. Armors are used to protect themselves in close-range hand-to-
hand combat. Eventually, body armor was replaced by chain mail armor
allowing soldiers for better movement.

Lesson 3 :

C. MODERN TIMES
 The booming world population during the 19th 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 upgrade. Faster and
easier means to communicate and compute should be developed to establish connections between and
among nations. Because of these, the birth of various industries takes place.
 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 from deteriorating was greater for dairy
products, especially milk, since they usually spoiled faster that can lead to food
poisoning, diphtheria, etc. if consumed, therefore, it is impossible to trade.
 Louise Pasture, a French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist, 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.
Petroleum Refinery:

Modern times demanded better means of powering homes and
transportation. At first, people used animal oils for generating light to
illuminate their homes, but it is enough to keep with the increasing
demands.
 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. It’s development established the
petroleum refinery industry.
 Nowadays, petroleum is widely used by many people for powering automobiles, factories, and
power plants, etc.
Telephone:
 People get connected by tradings and exploration and to maintain these
connections and communications with each other.
 Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. It was one of the most
important inventions at that time. But before, the connection is very
limited, the commoners cannot afford to buy one, and it is not that
reliable in terms of stability and consistency.
 Nowadays, telephones are one of the necessities in this fast-changing
world.

Calculator:

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  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.
 The creation of modern-day calculator did not only pave the way for easier
arithmetic calculations, but also resulted in the development of more complex
processing machines like computer.
 Blaise Pascal, Father of Calculator.

Lesson 4 :

D. PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS
 Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes to the global
advancement of science and technology.
 The Philippines is known to be one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of disaster.
 Many of the discoveries and inventions made by Filipinos were therefore built from indigenous materials
or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment.

Salamander Amphibious Tricycle:

 It has become ordinary for Filipinos to convert transport vehicles into
something more useful, like the conversion of
 American military jeeps used in World War II into Jeepneys. Also,
innovation of adding sidecars to motorcycles, transforming into a
tricycle.
 During rainy season, flooding is an issue in our country and tricycles
cannot travel. Therefore, H2O Technologies headed by Dominic N.
Chung and Lamberto Armada, with Chief Designer Victor “Atoy” Llave,
was able to invent the Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that can
cross not only flooded streets but also rivers and lakes.
Salt lamp:
 One major needs in the Philippines is electrification. Filipinos have
resorted to using candles and kerosine 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.
 A young Filipina inventor named Aisa Mijeno was able to invent the
Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an environmental-friendly
light sources that utilizes a material abundant in the Philippines- saltwater
without causing risk.

Medical Incubator:

A common problem in the Philippines is the highly mortality rate of
newborn babies. There was the lack of available incubators especially
in far-flung 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. It was made by placing a naive 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 for newborn or preterm baby.
 Dr. Fe del Mundo also 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 kills the species but it 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 (OL Trap)
made of natural ingredients that are lethal to mosquitoes but safe for
humans and the environment.
E-Jeepney:

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  A major innovation that changed the transportation in the Philippines
was the development of Jeepney.
 This iconic public utility vehicle was built using the military jeeps left
by the Americans after the World War II. The chassis and the body
of the mileposts were extended to accommodate more load and
passengers.
 Because of its usefulness, it 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 (e-Jeepney) was developed. It utilizes
electricity and environmental- friendly, since it does not emit any smoke and noise.

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