TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Unit I

Lesson 1: Historical Antecedents…. …………………………………….. 4

II. Lesson 2: Intellectual Revolutions the Defined Society ………………..

18

III. Lesson 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building ……………. .

38

IV. Unit II

Lesson 1: Technology as a Way of Revealing ………………………. 50

V. Lesson 2: Human Flourishing as Reflected in the Development

Of Science and Technology ………………………………… 61

VI. Lesson 3: The Good Life ………………………………………………… 70

VII. Lesson 4: When Technology and Humanity Cross …………………… 79

VIII. Unit III

Lesson 1: The Informative Age ……………………………………….. 89

IX. Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society ………………………

101

X. Lesson 3: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) ………………….

110

XI. Lesson 4: Gene Therapy …………………………………………………

117

XII. Lesson 5: The Nano World ……………………………………………. 123

XIII. Unit IV: Climate Change and Energy Crises ………………………… 132

XIV. Unit V:Environmental Awareness …………………………………… 145

XV. Unit VI: Alternative Energy Resources ……………………………….. 153

Lesson 1: Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations changed the

Course of Science and Technology

Hi there! How are you today?

I hope you are feeling okay with what we call the “new normal”.

Do you know that there is a science behind this

phenomenon? Yes, because this pandemic is brought
by a virus which can be studied by scientists with the
use of technology. Science can affect humanity in
different ways. It can help or harm you, depending on
the way how it was employed.

Science and Technology are always present in everything that you do.
Analyze what you have done before you decided to start flipping the pages of
this module, can you identify the science and or technology involve?

Learning Goals:

Today you will be learning the historical antecedents of science and

technology. But before you proceed, here are the goals that you need to hit
as you finished this module:

1. discuss the interaction between science, technology and society

throughout history;
2. explain how scientific and technological developments affect society
and the environment; and
3. identify the paradigm shifts in history.

Are the learning goals above clear to you? Remember that those are the
things that will keep you on the right track as you explore our topic. I know
that you are already excited with our lesson! However, there is one more
thing that I want you to do. Below is a table with letters that stand for the title
of this course. Fill up the table with the words starting with the given letters to
form your current definition or understanding of science, technology and
society.
S- T- S-
C- E- O-
I - C- C-
E - H- I -
N- N- E-
C- O- T-
E- L- Y-
O-
G-
Y-
When you’re done, you can submit your answers in our google
classroom or if you can’t do that because of connection difficulty, you can just
submit it on our next meeting.
 Let us now begin to unravel the history of science and technology and
their connection to society.

Explanation:

Science and technology started when life on Earth begun. It

progresses from the different activities/efforts of individuals to improve the
way how they live. Individuals in different periods in our history made use of
different tools from different materials to help them acquire food, get dressed
and build homes for protection and survival.

You may ask, what is the importance of knowing the beginning of science and
technology? It is important to know the history of science and technology for you to
understand how it influenced human lives in different periods/generations and how
science and technology were influenced by humanity as well. In addition, knowing
how science and technology developed over time can help you decide how to
properly apply it on your daily activities.
Do you know that the earliest form of science and technology was
found during the pre-historic time, 2.3 million years ago? Yes, it was human
artifacts such as roughly shaped stones used for chopping and scraping. The
said artifacts were found in Eastern Africa.

Ancient Period

Advances in science and technology started on this period. Advances

in the transportation, communication and way of living allow people in this
period to flourish.

Below are the significant inventions in the ancient period:

One of the significant inventions during

ancient period was the Sumerian wheel which is
said to evolve from tool known as potter’s wheel
use in pottery where clayware is made.

People in this period are trying to go

to different places to find food and better
place to live. They also travel to exchange
goods to other group of people. With these

Sumerian wheel reasons, Sumerians reinvented the potter’s

3500 BC wheel by titling it to a 90 degrees angle for the purpose of
transportation. However, it was only after
1000 to 1500 years the wheels was first
incorporated on carts.
 Cuneiform was the first writing system
developed by Sumerians. They carved pictures
and triangular symbo ls on a clay using wedge to
keep records of their activities.

Cuneifor
m2400
BC

Another essential invention in

ancient period was when Ancient
Egyptians began writing on papyrus (made
from a pith of cyperus papyrus plant),
lightweight, durable and portable material
similar to thick paper. Egyptians invented
this paper because of difficulty in writing on
stones.

Ancient people used papyrus for

communication and record-keeping.

Papyru
s
3000
BC

The increase in population paved the way on

the invention of a tool used to irrigate lands to
produce more food items. To be able to do the
irrigation of crops, ancient Egyptians invented
shadoof – a manual device used for lifting water.
This invention initiated the concept of lifting things
by the use of counterweights.

Shadoof

In ancient period; armors, weapons,

treatments for wounds and diseases was invented for protection, survival and
life conservation. In
addition, mathematical calculations such as angles, rectangles, triangles,
volume of the portion of pyramid were also introduced.
 Euclid- the founder of modern geometry, Archimedes – the founder of
engineering, mechanics and the one who calculated the value of pi, are only
some of the philosophers who raised on this period.

Middle Ages (Dark Ages)

Do you wonder why this period was called “Dark Ages”?

Dark Ages was coined by a Renaissance scholar Petrarch who believed that
ancient Greece and Rome were the pinnacle of human success and regarded
the succeeding period as chaotic. Thus, no scientific advancement and no art
were produced.

Contradictory to what scholars like Petrarch stated, Middle Ages bring forth
many scientific and technological developments. Also, it is in this period,
medieval universities built facilities to support the scientific communities.

Here are the significant scientific and technological advancement during the
middle ages:

In Germany, to ease the pain of having huge

volume of texts being handwritten, Johannes
Gutenberg developed a printing press to convert
handwritten text into printed books. His introduction
of mechanical movable type printing initiated the
Printing Revolution.
Gutenberg printing press was regarded as the
milestone of the second millennium.
Gutenberg Printing Press

The invention of heavy plough by the European

helped them not only in the cultivation of their
fertile land but it also turned their agriculture and
economy to prosper rapidly.

Heavy plough agitated the agricultural revolution in

Northern Europe characterized by more efficient
agricultural practices that led to higher and
healthier agricultural products.
Heavy Plough
Spinning wheel is a device t hat converts fiber into
thread or yarn and then woven into cloth. This device
is said to be a breakthrough of thi s period because it
sped up the production of cloth 10 to 100 times.

Spinning wheel was introduced to Europe in 13 th

century AD. There were historians who claimed that
spinning wheel was started in India in 500 -1000 AD.
However, up until now no one knows who and when
exactly the first spinning wheel was invented.
Spinning Wheel
13t Century
h
AD

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the

prominent people in the Middle Ages.
He was coined as the epitome of the
Renaissance humani st ideal. A great
painter, draftsman, sculptor, architect,
engineer and had interest in science in
which he stressed the importance of
experiment.

Da Vinci had produced a vast series

of notebooks containing his
Leonardo da Vinci observations in the field of anatomy,
1452
-1519 cloud formations, plans for sites, military
inventions, tanks, flying machines and
submarines.

Can you name some of da Vinci’s work?

Modern Ages

As the Earth aged, what do you think happened? Correct, human population
increased. This increase in human population stirred people of Modern Ages
to find ways on how to enhance food production, transportation and
communication. Thus, these enhancements paved way for industrialization to
take place.

Do you think this was a great move? People demanded for a better way of
living which was dealt with scientific and technological processes. However,
the said move was accompanied by challenges due to massive
industrialization. Human health, food safety and environment were of great
concerns.
Listed below are some of the inventions done in Modern ages

The compound microscope was invented by

Zacharias Janssen by putting together several
lenses on a tube. This invention sparked the
idea that when an object is placed near the end
of the tube, it can be magnified 3 times its
original size when closed and up to 10 times
when extended to the maximum.

Zacharias Janss
en’s
Compound Microscope

Can you identify the uses of the compound microscope in today’s time?

Galileo was the first one who used telescope

out of spyglasses, to observe the sky that led to
the discovery of craters and mountains on the
moon.

Galileo was also coined in the invention of

liquid thermometer and microscope.

Galileo’s
Telescope
 Isaac Newton is known to be the most
influential scientist of all time. He is a
mathematician who founded calculus; a
physicist who defined the law of gravity; light;
color; and planetary motion; an astronomer;
and a theologian.

His book entitled” Philosophiae Naturalis

Principia Mathematica (Mathematical
Principles of Natural Philosophy) was known as
one of the most important single works in
Isaac Newton
the history of modern science.
1642-1727

The most famous physicist in the 20th century

was Albert Einstein. His known works were: Theory
of Relativity which won a Nob el Prize for Physics in
1921; Quantum Theory, nuclear power, the atom
bomb; and the famous equation E=mc 2 which is
employed up until now in calculus.

Albert
1879- 1955
Einstein

It was in the late 1800 that candles and oil lamps have been replaced by
bulb. Moreover, Modern Ag es gave birth to a more advanced technology that
can help improve human’s way of living.

Furthermore, it is in this period, engine powered airplane was first

operated; invention of radio by Guglielmo Marconi; birth of modern
television that was coined to John Logie Baird; and the first car to run with
engine also took place in this period. In addition, it is also in this period
electronic and computer begun.
Science and Technology in the Philippines

Can you identify an invention made by Filipino?

Science and Technology in the Philippines has its own history. Our country had
its own indigenous technology long before it was colonized by different
conquerors. Ancient Filipinos used technology in agriculture, handicrafts, pottery,
weaving, metal wares and boats. They are also aware of different herbal
medicines that they used for curing diseases. Moreover, Filipino natives have
their own alphabet and system of writing known as “ALIBATA” or “BAYBAYIN”;
method of counting weights and measures.
Banawe Rice Terraces is known to be one of the sophisticated products
of ancient Filipinos and stand as a proof that they were already engaged in
farming and engineering during the pre -Spanish era.

Let us find out more of the Filipino inventions on the succeedi ng page:

Dr. Fe del Mundo was the one who invented

the first incubator – a device used to maintain the
environmental conditions of babies born premature.
An improved version of this device helped not only
premature babies but also in treating jaundice.

This Filipino invention had saved countless babies

not only in the Philippines but to the world as well.

Medical
Incubator

Dr. Abelardo Aguilar discovered

erythromycin using the bacteria
Saccharopolyspora erythraea extracted
from the soil of his backyard.

Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to

treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract
infections and syphilis.
Erythromycin
 Leonardo S. Sarao was the first one
who manufactured the most iconic and
popular mode of transportation in the
Philippines, the “Jeepney”.

Sarao’s idea of redesigning the

military jeeps left by Americans from
World War II revolutionized Philippine
industry and had changed the life of
Filipinos in the aspect of transportation.
Jeepney

Gregorio Y. Zara was a famous Engineer

and Physicist. H e was the one who invented and
patented the first Videophone – a photo phone
signal separator.

Zara’s notable works include: patented of

compass in 1929, wooden microscope, vapor
chamber and robot that has the ability to talk,
walk and respond to a given command.
Videophone

Wow! We should be proud of all the inventions our Filipino Scientists

have contributed to science and technology not only for our country but for the
entire world.

In addition, science and technology in the Philippines progresses with

time. It played different roles in different eras of the Philippine history.

Did you understand our lesson? Let us see. Answer the following
questions.

a. How did the developments in science and technology shape human

history?

b. What were the major changes brought by science and technology

to the society?
Interconnection of Science, Technology and Society

Lifted from
tech21stworld.blogspot.com
For you to better understand the
interconnection of science, technology and society, let us define each terms.

Science comes from the L atin word scientia which means knowledge.
It refers to the systematic study of the nature and behavior of the universe
through observation, experimentation and measurement
(Collinsdictionary.com). Science explains how material and physical things in
the universe work.

Technology pertains to the application of scientific knowledge for

practical purposes. It is used to create useful tools to solve real-world problems
and make people’s lives easier (yourdictionary.com).

Society is a group of organized people iving

l together, making decisions
about how to do things and share works that need to be done (Cambridge
dictionary).

With above definitions and with the help of the diagram , can you now
identify the interconnection of science, technology and society?

Let’s Elaborate:

Now it is your time to expand your horizon. Do the following:

1. Read the excerpt of the article entitled “More is Different” by Paul

Anderson. You can find it by clicking or typing https://www.nikhef.
nl/~h02/ more_is_different_comment.pdf (Can also be found on
the appendix of this lesson).
2. Make a concept map showing the history of S&T: how approaches
shifted, and identifying the different effects of S&T to our society
and environment.
3. Once done, submit your work via google classroom if you can’t do
that because of connection difficulty, you can just submit it on our
next meeting.

Congratulations! You are now done with lesson 1. Make sure to take
notes of the important details for you to ace the quiz next meeting.
REFERENCES:

Anderson, P. 1976. More is Different.

https://www.nikhef.nl/~h02/more_is_different_comment.pdf

Floridi, Luciano. 2014. The Fourth Revolution, Oxford of University Press

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology

and Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Philosophy of Science (Encyclopedia) Scientific Progress, Scientific

Revolutions

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

APPENDIX

‘More is different’

The fundamental parts of life

‘More is different’ is the title of an article by P.W. Anderson, published in
Science in 1972. Anderson is an outstanding physicist and a Nobel prize
winner (1979).
The Science article is a somewhat unusual mix of profound scientific analysis
and subjective appraisal of certain scientific disciplines. In the latter category
falls his qualification of ‘the arrogance of the particle physicist’.

Anderson’s article is scientifically excellent and inspiring. He wrote it at the

time when ‘spontaneous symmetry breaking’, also called ‘the Higgs
mechanism’, was at the focus of attention in high energy physics. Prior to
Higgs and to Brout and
Englert, Anderson had discovered this mechanism in non-relativistic quantum
mechanics. The relativistic version of Higgs and Brout and Englert got all the
attention, perhaps that is why Anderson is not particularly fond of high energy
physicists. The Higgs boson, by the way, is yet to be found...

Back to Anderson’s article ‘More is different’. He argues that finding the laws
that govern the fundamental interactions in nature is not sufficient for
understanding nature. ‘Reductionism’ leads us to these fundamental laws, but
that does not make the opposite path (‘constructionism’) trivial, or easy, or
even obvious. He is right of course.

He starts the argument by discussing the electric dipole moment. A

fundamental particle cannot have an electric dipole moment. An electric
dipole moment arises when charge is distributed over space. A fundamental
particle is point like that does not allow a charge distribution so no electric
dipole moment can arise. There is a deeper and more robust argument
against fundamental electric dipole moments. The theory of the interactions
of charged particles through electric (and magnetic) fields exhibits a profound
symmetry: it does not distinguish right from left. An electric dipole would do
exactly that and therefore cannot exist at the fundamental level.

Let us have a look at the ammonia molecule (as Anderson does in his
article). Its chemical formula is NH3, it has a three dimensional structure (a
tetraeder) and definitely a dipole moment. The tetraeder, however, oscillates
at a high rate between its two mirror imaged (with respect to the triangle
formed by the three hydrogen atoms) states and thereby the average dipole
moment becomes zero.
So on average the dipole moment is zero.

There are, however, also molecules which are not symmetric with respect to
their mirror image and do not oscillate from one state to the other: the
symmetry is broken. Sugar molecules, for example, have a spiral structure
like winding stairs. They can be either ‘right-handed’ R (like a standard
corkscrew) or ‘left-handed’ L (the mirror image of a standard corkscrew). It is
a property of the electromagnetic interaction, the force that holds these
molecules together, that the L and R molecules have exactly the same
(binding) energy: they are exactly equally stable. Both the L and R forms can
be synthesized in the laboratory and they appear in equal quantities when
this is done. Here is the very remarkable fact: in living organisms only one
‘chirality’, only one sense of rotation is produced. The same holds for proteins
and for DNA. This is indeed very remarkable and as far as I know,
unexplained. ‘Life’, the most complex of all complex systems, breaks the LR
symmetry that is inherent in the fundamental laws that govern it.

The more complex a system is, the more information it can encode. ‘Reading’
what is encoded is the challenge for the scientists dealing with the analysis of
the emerging phenomena.

For P.W. Anderson ‘broken’ symmetries indicate a hierarchical structure of

science. It is easy to agree with him that this hierarchy by no means implies
an intellectual hierarchy, or a hierarchy of science that is to be valued more,
or less.
The knowledge of the fundamental laws alone is not sufficient to predict all
natural phenomena. Superconductivity is one famous example to illustrate
this.
The fundamental theory, in particular quantum mechanics, had been known
for
30 years until finally the phenomenon was understood. (The experimental
discovery of superconductivity precedes the theoretical explanation by almost
two decades more: Kamerlingh Onnes discovered superconductivity in 1911).

What Anderson really was heading for in his article was a discussion of the
complexity of living systems. He did not reach a conclusion, in the sense that
he did not claim to have understood the transition from, the symmetry
breaking between, inanimate and animate systems. But he asserted: ‘Surely
there are more levels of organization between human ethology and DNA than
there are between DNA and quantum electrodynamics, and each level can
require a whole new conceptual structure.’

The article ‘More is different’ was written in 1972, almost 40 years ago. It
reads very well and is fully relevant today. What progress has been made
over the past 40 years? Too much to summarize here, but let me very briefly
look at particle physics, i.e. let me look at the ‘fundamental end’. The charm
quark was discovered. The tau lepton. The gluon. The W and Z bosons. The
bottom quark, the top quark, the tau neutrino. Quantum-chromodynamics, the
theory of quarks and gluons. The Standard Model of strong and electroweak
interactions of quark and leptons. However, an experimental confirmation of
the Higgs field that breaks the symmetry from an ideal massless world to one
where particles carry mass, a very early step up the complexity ladder very
soon after the Big Bang, is still missing... The Large Hadron Collider, the
powerful (and unique) particle accelerator of CERN is going to give us a clue
soon.

The Higgs particle itself gives rise to speculations about a more

comprehensive
(but broken!) symmetry: super symmetry, doubling the number of elementary
particles and leading to more than one Higgs boson. There are other
‘evidence based’ speculations about dark matter and dark energy that
indicate that there still is a lot to learn at the fundamental level...

So, 40 years after P.W. Anderson’s observation ‘More is different’ one can
observe that ‘less’ has not been reduced to its minimal number of ingredients
yet. There is still a lot of work to be done, a lot to be discovered at the
fundamental end.

How about the other end, how about ‘more’? A lot of progress has been
made there too. Our knowledge has grown enormously, the life sciences
dominate the research agendas. ‘Genomics’ and its many ramifications are
enormously important, scientifically and also economically. But I wonder
whether new conceptual structures for new levels of organization, going up in
complexity – from DNA to ‘us’ - have already been found. We need to
continue looking and we will make progress, but great paradigm shifts and
scientific methods that would fundamentally differ for these various levels of
organization, I do not see them yet. Fundamentally, it is all science.

Jos Engelen
27-11-2011
 Lesson 2: Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society
Good day to you!

I hope you are okay and already coping up with

your new learning environment.

Previously, we have talked about the historical

antecedents of science, technolog y and society. I am
glad that you were able to discover the origin of the
tools/technology we are using today.

On this lesson, we will be dealing with

scientists, philosophers, and other intellectual
personalities that changed the ideas/beliefs of the soci ety through their
scientific, logical and critical thinking concepts.

Learning Goals:

To guide you on this lesson, here are the things that you should bear
in mind:

4. identify the intellectual revolutions that shaped society across time;

5. explain how intelle ctual revolutions transformed the way how human
see the world; and
6. articulate w ays by which society is transformed by science and
technology.

Kindly give yourself enough time to analyze and absorb the learning
goals above.

To begin, let us first try what you already know about this lesson. Don’t
worry if you are not familiar with the statements given below, surely after
finishing this lesson you will ace it.
On the space provided write TECH if the statement is correct or SOC if
it is not.

_____ 1. Earth is the center of the solar system according to Copernicus.

_____ 2. Intellectual revolutions are also known as paradigm shifts.

_____ 3. The Darwinian Revolution was, in itself, controversial and met with
resistance.
_____4. African revolution was hindered due to the problem arising from
racialized views in history.

_____5. The production of the most notably mutant corn (maize) happened in
Mesoamerican Civilization.

When you’re done, you can submit your answers in our google
classroom or if you can’t do that because of connection difficulty, you can just
submit next meeting.
Let’s Explore:

This is the right time for you to nurture and enhance your literacy skills
through reading. Your task for this portion is to read the following
articles/journals by clicking the link below the title. As you read one article to
another kindly answer this question: What are the scientific revolutions that
happened in the following places?

Reading 1:
Meso-American Civilization
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mesoamerican-civilization

Reading 2:
A Brief Look at Science and Technology in Asia
https://tecpartners.co.uk/brief-look-science-technology-asia/

Reading 3:
The Middle East is Ripe for a Scientific Revolution
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21028095-700-the-middle-east-
isripe-for-a-scientific-revolution/

Reading 4:
Great Achievements in Science and Technology in Ancient Africa-asbmb
https://www.asbmb.org/asbmb-today/science/020113/great-
achievementsin-stem-in-ancient-africa

Note: All the readings are found on the appendix.

Explanation:

Like what I had stated, the focus of this lesson is the intellectual revolutions
that shaped our society. But what is intellectual revolution?
Intellectual revolution refers to a period where a major change in concepts,
ideas or practices of how something works took place. It is where the widely
accepted scientific beliefs were being challenged, opposed and altered.

Consequently, the advancements brought by science and technology during

intellectual revolution period changed our society’s beliefs and perceptions
about the universe. Let us now take a look at the most important intellectual
revolutions that renewed, enlightened and helped us better understand how
the universe behaves and functions.

The Copernican Revolution

In the ancient century, people believed that Earth was the center of the
universe. A clear and most exemplary explanation of this belief was proposed
by a mathematician astronomer, Claudius Ptolemy, and was known as the
Geocentric Model or Ptolemic Model.

Geocentric model asserted that planets, sun and

moon rotate around the immovable Earth. This concept
was explained using the idea that objects fall toward the
center of the Earth, that if the Earth is moving, you cannot
see an object thrown vertically upward to fall back at the
same place. Ptolemy was successful in demonstrating his
theory leaving no objections especially on the part of the
church because it placed humanity as the center of the
universe; as a result,
Geocentric Model was widely accepted by the people The Geocentric Model
during that time.

However, in the 16th century, the concept of

geocentric model was challenged by a Polish
mathematician and astronomer, Nicolaus
Copernicus who proposed that the sun is the
one immovable at the center of the universe.
Thus, Earth, other planets and moon rotate
around it.

Consequently, geocentric model was

superseded by Copernicus model known as heliocentric
model. Determined to prove his observations,
Copernicus calculated the
planetary positions in which he found out that
The Heliocentric Model there is a direct relationships between the
orbits of the planets and their distances from
sun. He
even asserted that planets orbited the sun in a perfect circle. Although, there
were evidences, Copernicus’s heliocentric model faced controversies and
was rejected at first by the people because it opposed the teachings of the
church.
Copernicus’s heliocentric model was eventually accepted when astronomers
such as Galileo profoundly realized that he simplified the concept of planetary
orbits and answered issues that geocentric model could not be explained.
Thus, the acceptance of heliocentric model marked the transformation of
people’s understanding of the motion of the universe as well as how
astronomers observe heavenly bodies. As a result, Copernicus was coined as
the initiator of the scientific revolution.

The Darwinian Revolution

Another intellectual revolution stirred in the 19 th century, when an English
naturalist, geologist and biologist, Charles Darwin introduced his theory of
Evolution.

Darwin’s theory of Evolution of

Natural Selection refers to a biological
process wherein all species of organisms
originate, develop, inherit and adapt traits
that enhanced the individual’s capacity to
compete, survive and reproduce.

Darwin’s theory was considered as one of

the most controversial breakthroughs
Theory of Evolution
in scientific revolution because it
contradicts the people’s belief that the
functional
characteristics/nature of organisms was a manifestation of God. In addition,
Darwin’s theory of evolution changed how people viewed biology and leaves
fundamental impacts on modern science, religion and other aspects of
society.
The Freudian Revolution

Another personality who made an impact on society’s

thought was Sigmund Freud- an Austrian neurologist,
known to be the father of Psychoanalysis who creates
new techniques in understanding human behavior and
personalities.

Freud revolutionized psychology in the 20 th century by

formulating the Psychoanalytic Theory – a scientific way
of understanding the inner and unconscious conflicts
rooted within individual’s personality based from their free
associations, dreams and fantasies.

Similar to the theory proposed by Copernicus and

Darwin, Psychoanalytic theory also faced rejections and controversies.
People claimed that the said theory lacks scientific evidences.
Freud’s Iceberg Theory
However, Freud determination resulted in dominating psychotherapeutic
practice in treating psychological disorders.
The Information Revolution

The information revolution is also called as “computer

age”. This period has brought so much change on how
we live because of the widespread use of technology.

These are only some of the intellectual/scientific revolutions that transformed

society’s belief and perceptions of how the universe functions. The advancements or
changes brought by these individuals through observations and experimentations
were proofs on how the society is defined by science and technology and vice versa.
Let’s Elaborate:

Instructions: Complete the table below by identifying intellectual revolutions that took
place and the scientist / philosophers involved on the following events.

Scientific Concept/s Proponent

Copernican

Darwinian

Freudian

Information

Meso-American

Asian

Middle East

African
Expected Output:

To complete this lesson, you need to make an analysis paper pertaining to

the transformation of society as impacted by intellectual revolutions. Make
sure to follow the format given on the course guide.

Your analysis paper will be graded using the rubric found on the next
page:

RUBRIC FOR ANALYSIS PAPER

5 4 3 2 COMMEN
TS
Introductio
Introductio There is a well- Introductio Introductio
n n and developed n creates n does
Conclusio introductio n
adequately interest. clearly
n explains that Main topic describe
the grabs the states the the
backgroun interest of position backgroun
d but lacks the reader and and the d. Thesis
detail. continues up conclusion is vague
Thesis to the end. effectively and the
states the Conclusio n summariz conclusion
topic but must es the does not
fundament effectively topic. summarize
al wraps up the main
elements importanc e points.
are of the thesis.
missing.

Main Welldeveloped Three or Three or Less than

Points main points. more main more main three main
Sentences points points are points are
directly relate to present, explained
relate to the thesis however, and are
the thesis and but some lacks poorly
supporting may lack details in developed
examples are details. describing and
concrete and The the event. described.
detailed. analysis Few
shows descriptive
events language
from the is used.
author’s
point of

The view but

analysis is could use
developed more
with an descriptive
effective language.
point of
view.
 Organizati Logical Logical Writing is
on progressio progressio not
n of ideas n of ideas. organized.
with a Transition The
clear s are transitions
structure present between
that throughout ideas are
enhances the paper, unclear or
the thesis. but lack nonexistent.
Transition variations.
s are
effective
and vary
throughout
the
paragraph
, not just
in the
topic
sentences
.
Style Writing is Writing is Writing is Writing is
smooth, clear, clear, but confusing
skillful and sentences could use and hard
coherent. have a little to follow.
Sentences varied more Contains
are strong structure sentence fragments
and and variation to and run-on
expressive phrasing make the sentences.
with varied is writing
structure. consistent. more
Phrasing interesting.
is
consistent
and words
are
chosen
well.
Mechanic Punctuatio Punctuatio There are Distracting
s n, spelling n, spelling 4-5 errors errors in
and and in punctuatio
capitalizati capitalizati punctuatio n, spelling
on are all on are n, spelling and
correct. generally and capitalizati
No errors. correct capitalizati on.
with 1-2 on.
errors.
http://drosplans.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/4/4/13445761/rubricforcriticala
nalysisessay.pdf

Once done you can submit all your answers to this lesson including
your analysis paper to our goggle classroom, if you can’t do that, you can
submit your work on our face to face meeting.

Congratulations! You made it to the 2nd lesson.

 REFERENCES:

Blatch, S. 2013. Great Achievements in Science and Technology in Ancient

Africa.
https://www.asbmb.org/asbmb-today/science/020113/
greatachievements-in-stem-in-ancient-africa

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology

and Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Philosophy of Science (Encyclopedia) Scientific Progress, Scientific

Revolutions

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

Rubric for Critical Analysis

Essay.http://drosplans.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/4/4/13445761/
rubricforcriticalanalysisessay.pdf

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2020. Meso-Ameriacn Civilization

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mesoamerican-civilization

Websell, J. 2016. A Brief Look at Science and Technology in Asia

https://tecpartners.co.uk/brief-look-science-technology-asia/

Zewail, A. 2011. The Middle East is Ripe for a Scientific Revolution.

https://www.newscientist.com/ article/mg21028095-700-the-
middleeast-is-ripe-for-a-scientific-revolution/

Appendices
Reading No. 1

Mesoamerican civilization

WRITTEN BY:
• The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
LAST UPDATED: May 11, 2020 See Article History
Mesoamerican civilization, the complex of indigenous cultures that
developed in parts of Mexico and Central America prior to Spanish exploration
and conquest in the 16th century. In the organization of its kingdoms and
empires, the sophistication of its monuments and cities, and the extent and
refinement of its intellectual accomplishments, the Mesoamerican civilization,
along with the comparable Andean civilization farther south, constitutes a New
World counterpart to those of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.

statues: Tula Grande archaeological site Four statues carved as human

figures, each 4.6 metres tall; from the Tula Grande archaeological site. ©
piginka/iStock.com

A brief treatment of Mesoamerican civilization follows. For full

treatment, see pre-Columbian civilizations.
Archaeologists have dated human presence in Mesoamerica to possibly as
early as 21,000 BCE (though the dating of the Valsequillo finds on which that
early date is based remains controversial). By 11,000 BCE, hunting-
andgathering peoples occupied most of the New World south of the glacial
ice cap covering northern North America. The cooler climate of this period as
compared with that of the present day supported a grassland vegetation,
especially in the highland valleys, that was ideal for large herds of grazing
animals. The shift toward sedentary agriculture apparently began after about
7000 BCE, when a dramatic global warming caused the glaciers to retreat
and tropical forests to overtake the Mesoamerican grasslands.
The gradual domestication of successful food plants—most notably a mutant
corn (maize) with husks, dating to c. 5300 BCE—over succeeding millennia
gave rise to more or less permanent village farming life by about 1500 BCE.
In addition to corn, crops included beans, squashes, chili peppers, and
cotton. As agricultural productivity improved, the rudiments of civilization
emerged during the period designated by archaeologists as the Early
Formative (1500–900 BCE). Pottery, which had appeared in some areas of
the region as early as 2300 BCE, perhaps introduced from Andean cultures
to the south, took on varied and sophisticated forms. The idea of the
templepyramid seems to have taken root during this period.
El Castillo, a Toltec-style pyramid, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán state, MexicoEl
Castillo (“The Castle”), a Toltec-style pyramid, rising above the plaza at
Chichén Itzá in Yucatán state, Mexico.© diegograndi/iStock.com

Corn cultivation in one area—the humid and fertile lowlands of southern

Veracruz and Tabasco, in Mexico—was sufficiently productive to permit a
major diversion of human energy into other activities, such as the arts
and commerce. Struggles for control of this rich but limited farmland
resulted in a dominant landowning class that shaped the first great
Mesoamerican civilization, the Olmec.

San Lorenzo, the oldest known Olmec centre, dates to about 1150 BCE, a
time when the rest of Mesoamerica was at best on a Neolithic level. The site
is most noted for its extraordinary stone monuments, especially the “colossal
heads” measuring up to 9 feet (nearly 3 metres) in height and possibly
representing players in a ritual ball game (see tlachtli).

Olmec “colossal head”Olmec “colossal head” at La Venta Park-Museum in

Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.Adalberto Rios Szalay—Sexto Sol/Getty
Images

The period known as the Middle Formative (900–300 BCE), during which the
La Venta urban complex rose and flourished, was one of increased cultural
regionalism. The Zapotec people, for example, attained a high level of
development at Monte Albán, producing the first writing and written calendar
in Mesoamerica. However, at this site, as well as in the Valley of Mexico, the
Olmec presence can be widely detected.

In the subsequent Late Formative and Classic periods, lasting until about
700–900 CE, the well-known Maya, Zapotec, Totonac, and Teotihuacán
civilizations developed distinctive variations on their shared Olmec heritage.
The Maya, for example, brought astronomy, mathematics, calendar making,
and hieroglyphic writing, as well as monumental architecture, to their
highest expression in the New World. At the same time, Teotihuacán, in the
Valley of Mexico, became the capital of a political and commercial empire
encompassing much of Mesoamerica.

Teotihuacán power diminished after about 600, and for the next several
centuries numerous states vied for supremacy. The Toltecs of Tula, in central
Mexico, prevailed from about 900 to 1200 (the Early Postclassic Period).
Following Toltec decline, a further period of unrest in the Late Postclassic
Period lasted until 1428, when the Aztec defeated the rival city of
Azcapotzalco and became the dominant force in central Mexico. This last
native Mesoamerican empire fell to the Spaniards, led by Hernán Cortés, in
1521.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised

and updated by Jeff Wallenfeldt, Manager, Geography and History.

Reading No. 2

A brief look at Science and Technology in Asia

October 10, 2016
by John Websell

The general conception is that many of the cutting-edge technological

developments, and to a lesser extent scientific advancements, emanate from
Asia. For instance, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China together produce
a staggering 90% of the world’s digital gadgets. Aside from the region’s
hardware dominance, nations across Asia are becoming increasingly
important to the global supply of digital content and services, something
which will only increase as the continent develops over the coming decades.
With this in mind and as ABRS Ltd. has already looked at some of Thailand’s
digital and technological developments in recent posts, today the focus
switches to three of Asia’s most important and promising countries, and their
place in the global technology and scientific community.
Japan
Typically a country synonymous with amazing technological innovation, it
may come as a surprise that many experts believe Japan’s period of
technological supremacy is, in some ways, a thing of the past.
There are many reasons for this shift in power, some of which will be easier
for the government to address than others. Firstly (and most obviously), the
rise of strong foreign competitors, coinciding with shrinking Japanese
markets, has increased the pressure on the country’s technology industries.
The impact is even greater because of Japan’s previous emphasis on
hardware development and production; something which is becoming less
important in the modern world as the prominence of software expertise
grows. Whilst it may seem relatively easy to arrest this particular decline –
transferring attention to software, rather than hardware innovation – in
practice, Japan’s institutionalised corporate culture makes responding to
modern day challenges slightly more difficult than at first glance. Traditionally
relying on group consensus to make decisions, the fast-paced nature of the
global economy in related sectors makes it hard for companies to respond
fast enough to emerging and changing trends, leaving it trailing behind more
flexible nations, such as the US.
Indeed, Japan’s recent struggles are reflected in Tokyo itself. In the past,
Japanese DVD players, TV’s and other such products were ubiquitous in its
capital city; now however, as you wander around the bustling metropolis,
you’re far more likely to see its inhabitants using iPhones and Macs, instead
of home grown Japanese devices. Thus the country needs to catch up with
conglomerates like Microsoft by developing smart gadgets that can compete
with their rivals in the West.
Despite this decline in certain tech sectors, analysts the world over are
predicting a Japanese revival, based on the multitude of companies and
industries that are bucking this undesirable trend. For example, Kazuhiro
Tsuga, president of Panasonic, is working hard to implement wholesale
changes to the company so as to make it competitive once more,
emphasising the need to speed up the decision making process in particular.
Elsewhere, Sharp is establishing operations throughout the globe in an effort
to expand its reach, at the same time as it develops a range of new products
that appeal to consumer’s worldwide, including ebooks. A recent article
highlights a raft of other companies that are in a position to compete
internationally in the near future, including gaming company Gree and e-
commerce giant Rakuten.
China
Throughout history, China has been the origin of countless technologies we
take for granted in the modern age: paper, matches, the iron plough,
propellers, and even the rocket are all the product of Chinese research and
innovation from times past. Having had such a huge impact on human
society, it’s probably fair to say we may not be at our current state of
technological advancement without them. However, in recent decades,
science and technology in the country has stagnated, whilst their European
counterparts underwent a scientific revolution in the 16th century.
As such, in 2006, the government unveiled its ‘ingenious innovation’
campaign, aiming to make the country a technological powerhouse by 2020,
and likewise help solve some of the country’s biggest problems: air pollution
and inequality. In the succeeding years since the initiative was announced,
China has already seen noticeable benefits. In 2014, for example, roughly 7
million students are expected to graduate from Chinese universities, a 7-fold
increase from the 1.1 million who completed courses in 2001. To support this
rapid increase in advanced study, in the past 5 years, China has
implemented a range of complimentary initiatives aimed at precipitating
‘indigenous innovation’, reducing the nation’s reliance on the US and West in
general for its advanced technologies.
Together with the aforementioned programmes and initiatives, the Chinese
government is also investing heavily in various tech industries to help realise
the country’s ambitions. In 2012, spending on Research and Development
(R&D) totalled one trillion Yuan, equivalent to $164 billion – just a shade
under 2% of the nation’s GDP. Compare this to the States, which spent $447
billion/2.8% GDP in the same year, and you can see the gap between the two
countries is fast disappearing. Interestingly, China is actually predicted to
overtake the United States in this regard by the year 2022.
The combination of the influx of tech students and intensified investment has
lead researchers to conclude that China is now a major player in world
science and technology, and will become progressively more important in
future, thanks to its large population, locally-based scientists, and a
government keen to finance these industries.
China’s recent focus on technology and science does have its downsides
however. According to two Chinese university deans, obtaining grants in the
country depends largely on buttering-up bureaucrats rather than good
research; a claim supported by the findings of an anti-corruption watchdog in
2014, which said it had uncovered evidence of “fraud in research grants by
China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and at prestigious Fudan
University”.
India
Technological developments in India differ from the two nations mentioned
above, in that the impact will be more beneficial to the overall wellbeing of the
country; providing more than just economic growth. Specifically, experts see
the spread of digital innovation, alongside advances in energy and genomics
as being integral to the nation’s progression, improving business and
agricultural productivity, updating healthcare and education services, and,
most importantly, raising the living standards for millions of citizens. That’s
not to discount the economic potential of these changes, predicted to be in
the region of $550 billion to $1 trillion by the year 2025 if things continue at
the current rate.
Already, cheap vaccines and sundry other drugs have enabled India to
establish itself firmly in the international pharmaceutical industry to such an
extent, that 80% of charity Médecins Sans Frontières’ anti-HIV drugs are from
Indian generics.
Meanwhile, India has big plans for the country’s energy sector. In 2015, coal
was still, understandably, the main source of energy in the country,
responsible for roughly two-thirds of electricity. This is something the
government is looking to change moving forward, as they endeavour to focus
aggressively on solar power. In 2014 for instance, the government set the
target of producing 100 gigawatts of solar-energy by 2022; a vast increase
from the 3.7 gigawatt capacity, it currently provides – a miniscule 1.4% of
India’s total electricity. Wind power currently plays a significant role too.
Producing 23 gigawatts, the country’s wind-power capacity is roughly the
planet’s fourth biggest, roughly equal with Spain.
India has also made great strides in its scientific endeavours in recent years,
most notably in the form of the 2008 and 2014 Moon missions Chadrayaan-1
and the Mars orbiter Mangalyaan; though it’s fair to say the country’s space
programme has received both positive and negative responses to these
projects.
Although the initiatives mentioned above are a step in the right direction,
making the most of these developments won’t be simple, due to the many
issues afflicting the country at the moment. Telecommunication infrastructure,
for one thing, is far from ideal, while computer literacy is still relatively limited
among the Indian population at large. Fortunately, there’s plenty the
government can do to encourage the growth of India’s tech industries.
Supporting entrepreneurs and major reforms to regulatory systems would be
advantageous, whilst greater investment in R&D – which was as low as
0.87% of GHDP in 2010 – will have a similarly beneficial effect to China’s
additional investment.
Furthermore, irrespective of India’s recent successes, the India nonetheless
continues to lead the world in incidents of tuberculosis and maternal deaths,
and is also unable to provide a quarter of its citizens with electricity.
Therefore, given that the country is likely to become the most populous within
a generation, India will undoubtedly require significant technological and
scientific development to meet the energy, food, and health care needs of its
people.
Technology in Asia – a continent of innovation
Many other countries across the continent have their own story to tell, aside
from the 3 examples provided in this post. For instance, South Korea’s
cultural popularity around the world has caused a number of startup’s to
emerge working within the digital and technology sectors, including website
viki.com. Taiwan is following a similar path to Japan meanwhile, moving away
from hardware production, instead turning to software and content
development.
Together, the points raised throughout this article proves Asia is truly a
crucible of innovative technological development; a continent that will play an
incredibly important role in the evolution of our digital age.

Reading No. 3

The Middle East is ripe for a scientific revolution

19 April 2011
By Ahmed Zewail

Historical effects have kept Middle Eastern science down

The Arab Spring puts the Middle East in a position to become a scientific
powerhouse, but it needs help, says the US science envoy to the region

SCIENTIFIC research in the Arabian, Persian and Turkish Middle East lags
behind that of the west. Of course, there are individual scientists who produce
world-class research and there are institutions and nations which make
significant contributions in certain fields. Publication and citation indicators
show some encouraging trends. But naturally one asks: “Why have Arab,
Persian and Turkish scientists as a group underperformed compared with
their colleagues in the west or with those rising in the east?”

It is simplistic to say that there is a single cause, such as a (false) dichotomy

between faith and reason. Muslims are no different from anyone else; there is
no ethnic or geographic monopoly on intelligence. Muslims in Spain, north
Africa and Arabia were at the peak of a sophisticated civilisation when
Christian Europe was in the Dark Ages.

I think the answer lies in the recent history of the Arab, Persian and Turkish
world. Consider what happened in the past century. First there was
colonisation by western empires, which installed class and caste systems
from outside. The result was huge populations of illiterate peasants. Illiteracy
reached nearly 50 per cent, and among women it was as high as 80 per cent
in many countries. When colonisation ended after the second world war,
these countries looked to the superpowers for help, first west then east. And
when the cold war ended, there was only one place left to look: up. That
search for answers has been exploited by some to politicise religion.

It goes without saying that the developing world should help itself. The Middle
East must not think itself incapable of competing with developed nations. But
in addressing the gap, one must bear in mind a history that has resulted in
large populations of frustrated people who lack real opportunity.

Many graduates in the Middle East are without jobs. What are their options?
Their energy must not be allowed to be diverted into fanaticism and violence.
In contrast to the silver wave faced by rest of the world, the Arab world is
facing a youth wave. These young people can achieve great things in science
if they are given the chance.

I see three essential ingredients for progress. First is the building of human
resources by promoting literacy, ensuring participation of women in society
and improving education. Second, there is a need to reform national
constitutions to allow freedom of thought, minimise bureaucracy, reward
merit, and create credible- and enforceable- legal codes.

The recent revolutions in Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere show that these
changes are possible. Over the past two decades I have been involved in
promoting political and educational reforms, and I feel we now have an
opportunity to make a real change.

“In the light of recent revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, I now think real
changes are possible”

Thirdly, the best way to regain self-confidence is to start centres of excellence

in science and technology in each Muslim country to show that Muslims can
compete in today’s globalised economy and to instil in the youth the desire for
learning. It is gratifying to see such centres being set up in Turkey, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Qatar and elsewhere. In Egypt I am reviving the National Project
for the Development of Science and Technology, which the Mubarak regime
made every effort to derail despite the overwhelming support of the Egyptian
people.

What can the developed world do? First and foremost it can partner with
Middle East nations to improve their research capabilities. It can also offer
aid, but only under certain circumstances. Aid packages are usually
distributed among many projects with no follow-up, leading to diffusion of
resources and a lack of impact. Better results can be achieved by directing a
significant fraction of the assistance to programmes of excellence selected to
build up both infrastructure and human resources.

Aid must also be depoliticised. The use of an aid programme to help

totalitarian or undemocratic regimes is a big mistake. In the long run it is far
better to be on the side of the people, not on the side of a dictator.

Such partnerships aimed at improving science and technology in the Arabian,

Persian and Turkish Middle East are in the best interests of both the
developed and the developing worlds, as knowledge-based societies are
better equipped to be part of the world economy. They will also contribute to
progress and enlightenment, and hence peaceful coexistence and a more
civilised and truly global humanity.

Part of this article was adapted from the foreword to Exploring The Changing
Landscape Of Arabian, Persian And Turkish Research, a Global Research
Report published by Thomson Reuters

Reading No. 4

Great achievements in science and technology in ancient Africa

By Sydella Blatch
February 01, 2013

Despite suffering through the horrific system of slavery, sharecropping and

the Jim Crow era, early African-Americans made countless contributions to
science and technology (1). This lineage and culture of achievement, though,
emerged at least 40,000 years ago in Africa. Unfortunately, few of us are
aware of these accomplishments, as the history of Africa, beyond ancient
Egypt, is seldom publicized.

Sadly, the vast majority of discussions on the origins of science include only
the Greeks, Romans and other whites. But in fact most of their discoveries
came thousands of years after African developments. While the remarkable
black civilization in Egypt remains alluring, there was sophistication and
impressive inventions throughout ancient sub-Saharan Africa as well. There
are just a handful of scholars in this area. The most prolific is the late Ivan
Van Sertima, an associate professor at Rutgers University. He once
poignantly wrote that “the nerve of the world has been deadened for centuries
to the vibrations of African genius” (2).

Here, I attempt to send an electrical impulse to this long-deadened nerve. I

can only fly by this vast plane of achievements. Despite this, it still should be
evident that the ancient people of Africa, like so many other ancients of the
world, definitely had their genius.
Math

Surely only a few of us know that many modern high-school-level concepts in

mathematics first were developed in Africa, as was the first method of
counting. More than 35,000 years ago, Egyptians scripted textbooks about
math that included division and multiplication of fractions and geometric
formulas to calculate the area and volume of shapes (3). Distances and
angles were calculated, algebraic equations were solved and mathematically
based predictions were made of the size of floods of the Nile. The ancient
Egyptians considered a circle to have 360 degrees and estimated Π at 3.16
(3).

Eight thousand years ago, people in present-day Zaire developed their own
numeration system, as did Yoruba people in what is now Nigeria. The Yoruba
system was based on units of 20 (instead of 10) and required an impressive
amount of subtraction to identify different numbers. Scholars have lauded this
system, as it required much abstract reasoning (4).

Astronomy

Several ancient African cultures birthed discoveries in astronomy. Many of

these are foundations on which we still rely, and some were so advanced that
their mode of discovery still cannot be understood. Egyptians charted the
movement of the sun and constellations and the cycles of the moon. They
divided the year into 12 parts and developed a yearlong calendar system
containing 365 ¼ days (3). Clocks were made with moving water and
sundiallike clocks were used (3).

A structure known as the African Stonehenge in present-day Kenya

(constructed around 300 B.C.) was a remarkably accurate calendar (5). The
Dogon people of Mali amassed a wealth of detailed astronomical
observations (5). Many of their discoveries were so advanced that some
modern scholars credit their discoveries instead to space aliens or unknown
European travelers, even though the Dogon culture is steeped in ceremonial
tradition centered on several space events. The Dogon knew of Saturn’s
rings, Jupiter’s moons, the spiral structure of the Milky Way and the orbit of
the Sirius star system. Hundreds of years ago, they plotted orbits in this
system accurately through the year 1990 (6). They knew this system
contained a primary star and a secondary star (now called Sirius B) of
immense density and not visible to the naked eye.

Metallurgy and tools

Many advances in metallurgy and tool making were made across the entirety
of ancient Africa. These include steam engines, metal chisels and saws,
copper and iron tools and weapons, nails, glue, carbon steel and bronze
weapons and art (2, 7).

Advances in Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda between 1,500 and 2,000 years
ago surpassed those of Europeans then and were astonishing to Europeans
when they learned of them. Ancient Tanzanian furnaces could reach 1,800°C
— 200 to 400°C warmer than those of the Romans (8).
Architecture and engineering

Various past African societies created sophisticated built environments. Of

course, there are the engineering feats of the Egyptians: the bafflingly raised
obelisks and the more than 80 pyramids. The largest of the pyramids covers
13 acres and is made of 2.25 million blocks of stone (3). Later, in the 12th
century and much farther south, there were hundreds of great cities in
Zimbabwe and Mozambique. There, massive stone complexes were the hubs
of cities. One included a 250-meter-long, 15,000-ton curved granite wall (9).
The cities featured huge castlelike compounds with numerous rooms for
specific tasks, such as iron-smithing. In the 13th century, the empire of Mali
boasted impressive cities, including Timbuktu, with grand palaces, mosques
and universities (2).

Medicine

Many treatments we use today were employed by several ancient peoples

throughout Africa. Before the European invasion of Africa, medicine in what is
now Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, to name just a few places, was more
advanced than medicine in Europe. Some of these practices were the use of
plants with salicylic acid for pain (as in aspirin), kaolin for diarrhea (as in
Kaopectate), and extracts that were confirmed in the 20th century to kill Gram
positive bacteria (2). Other plants used had anticancer properties, caused
abortion and treated malaria — and these have been shown to be as
effective as many modern-day Western treatments. Furthermore, Africans
discovered ouabain, capsicum, physostigmine and reserpine. Medical
procedures performed in ancient Africa before they were performed in Europe
include vaccination, autopsy, limb traction and broken bone setting, bullet
removal, brain surgery, skin grafting, filling of dental cavities, installation of
false teeth, what is now known as Caesarean section, anesthesia and tissue
cauterization (3). In addition, African cultures preformed surgeries under
antiseptic conditions universally when this concept was only emerging in
Europe (2).

Navigation

Most of us learn that Europeans were the first to sail to the Americas.
However, several lines of evidence suggest that ancient Africans sailed to
South America and Asia hundreds of years before Europeans. Thousands of
miles of waterways across Africa were trade routes. Many ancient societies in
Africa built a variety of boats, including small reed-based vessels, sailboats
and grander structures with many cabins and even cooking facilities. The Mali
and Songhai built boats 100 feet long and 13 feet wide that could carry up to
80 tons (2). Currents in the Atlantic Ocean flow from this part of West Africa
to South America. Genetic evidence from plants and descriptions and art
from societies inhabiting South America at the time suggest small numbers of
West Africans sailed to the east coast of South America and remained there
(2).
Contemporary scientists have reconstructed these ancient vessels and their
fishing gear and have completed the transatlantic voyage successfully.
Around the same time as they were sailing to South America, the 13th
century, these ancient peoples also sailed to China and back, carrying
elephants as cargo (2).

People of African descent come from ancient, rich and elaborate cultures that
created a wealth of technologies in many areas. Hopefully, over time, there
will be more studies in this area and more people will know of these great
achievements.
References

1. Kresge, N. “A history of black scientists.”ASBMB Today. February 2011.

2. Van Sertima, I. “The Lost Sciences of Africa: An Overview.” Blacks in
Science: Ancient and Modern. 7–26 (1983).
3. Woods, G. Science in Ancient Egypt (1988).
4. Zaslavsky, C. “The Yoruba Number System.” Blacks in Science: Ancient
and Modern. 110–127 (1983).
5. Lynch, B. M. & Robbins, L. H. "Namoratunga: The First Archeoastronomical
Evidence in Sub-Saharan Afraica." Science 4343, 766–768 (1978).
6. Adams, H. “African Observers of the Universe: The Sirius Question.”
Blacks in Science: Ancient and Modern. 27–46 (1983).
7. Brooks, L. African Achievements: Leaders, Civilizations and Cultures of
Ancient Africa. (1971).
8. Shore, D. “Steel-Making in Ancient Africa.” Blacks in Science: Ancient and
Modern. 157 – 162 (1983).
9. Asante, M. et al. “Great Zimbabwe: An Ancient African City-State.” Blacks
in Science: Ancient and Modern. 84–91 (1983).

Lesson 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building

Hello there!

Last time, we discussed intellectual

revolutions that change and influenced our
perspectives on how we view different things on our
environment as well as how we lived.

On this lesson, we will be dealing with the

role and impacts of science and technology in
nation building specifically in our country, the
Philippines.

Learning Goals:

To guide you on this lesson, here are the things that you should bear
in mind:

1. discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation

building;
2. explain how science and technology contribute to the national
development; and
3. identify science and technology policies of the government and
appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino nation.

Familiarize yourself with the learning goals given above so you will
stay focus as you go through this lesson.

In our previous discussion, you’ve learned that science and technology

progresses in the Philippines. Filipino scientists have shared many inventions
and discoveries in the development of science and technology not only in our
country but to the world as well.

Aside from the inventions and discoveries mentioned last meeting, there are
a lot of Filipino inventions that you need to know! However, you need to
spend a lot of time in order to view all of that. So I just choose the top ten
inventions which you can watch shortly. Below is the link where you can find
it.

Video No. 1:

Top 10 Filipino Inventions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8WP5R1h7pQ&feature=share

What is your thought after watching the video? Isn’t it amazing?

As time progresses, advancements in different inventions and

discoveries took place. These advancements do not just mean modern living
but it also determines the socio-economic status of a country. Thus, the more
advance science and technology in a country, the higher its socio-economic
status will be.

Science and technology are the main factors to country’s development.

Economic advances and improvements in health care systems, education
and infrastructure are all dependent on the scientific and technological
revolutions.

In the Philippines who do you think is/are responsible in the economic

programs of our country? Watch the video below for you to know. Video No.
2:

NEDA- The National Economic and Development Authority

www.neda.gov.ph

Here is the guide question that you need to answer as you watch the
video.

➢ What is the role played by NEDA in S & T and in the nation

building?

Explanation:

In today’s time, we cannot ignore the significance of science and

technology in our everyday life. Everything around us can be explained by
science- the air that we breathe, the food we eat and even the clothes we
wear. On the other hand, technology gave us tools can we can manually use
and electric devices that can helps do our tasks conveniently. Science and
technology make our lives simpler, faster and easier.

Impacts of Science and Technology on Society

So what science and technology do for us? For your clear

understanding, below is a list of the impacts of science and technology on
society.

Science and technology:

1. helps us save time and energy by giving us tools or devices that

can make our lives easier, simpler and comfortable. Examples of
these devices are: vacuum cleaner, washing machine, microwave,
 rice cooker, electric fans, air conditioning unit, television set and
computer unit.
2. helps us to easily get the information we need all over the world by
the use of world wide web. World Wide Web does not only help us
get the information we want but also to organize it and retrieve it
whenever we want to.
3. improved our transportation that enable us to move from one place
to another in a faster way. Also, science and technology offered us
different choices on how we would like to travel by creating
different types of vehicles that we can use either by land, air or
water.
4. improved our ways of communication through the use of various
electronic media such as: internet; televisions; radios; computers;
and smartphones.
5. improved our education and learning process by integrating
technology. Schools today employ different technologies such as:
smart boards; iPads; on line learning also known as e-learning;
computer-simulation lessons; and on-line educational games to
motivate students.

The fundamental role of science and technology on the society is to

improve people’s lives by making it easier and better with the advancement in
medicine, significant change in education, communication, agriculture,
industries and businesses.

The Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

As what we have discussed, progress in science and technology

benefits the society. Thus, socio-economic status of a country is dependent
on the advancements of science and technology it has.
Countries around the world are classified as developed and developing
countries (Prieto, Vega, Felipe & Meneses, 2019). The said classification is
based on the country’s economy (output or products) and the implementation
of science and technology in improving health care and education. It is a well-
known fact that countries who developed faster are the ones with a strong
foundation and well implemented science and technology – which means that
they are the countries that invest more on science and technology to create
tools or devices that will uplift their countries economic status. Developed
countries are known to be highly industrialized, examples are: Japan;
Sweden and France (Investopedia, 2019).

On the other hand, developing countries are countries who put little
emphasis and importance on the development of science and technology.
Developing countries have poor developmental plan and policies specifically
in health care and education. Examples of developing countries are: Nigeria;
Mexico; and Philippines (Investopedia, 2019).

So what can a developing country do in order to keep abreast with the

developed countries?

Developing countries should focus on the following:

a. generation of new knowledge

b. focus on tasks that are nationally and globally important and
competitive areas of research that are multi-disciplinary in nature
 c. produce research that are goal and result-oriented, tangible and
significant
d. encourage scientists and technologist to be committed in
developing significant knowledge which are scientific and
technologically based that are of economic importance to the
nation (Prieto, Vega, Felipe & Meneses, 2019).

The Role of Science and Technology in the Developing World in the 21 st

Century

Currently, advancements in science and technology are very evident. The

use of fiber optics to speed up the transmission of data and nanotechnology
to transform businesses and industries to boost the economy are only some
of the evidences.

With the continuous advancements in science and technology specifically in

the aspects of economy, medicine and education, poor people in the
developing country can experience improved and better lives.

In order to maximize the implementation of science and technology, a

developing country should invest on:

a. quality of education;
b. continuous improvement on the skills of the workforce by giving
appropriate trainings, seminars and workshops; and
c. ensuring that the discovered information or knowledge are widely
communicated or shared within and across the society.

You see how important science and technology in nation building?

Science and technology are the driving factors for nation’s development.
Science as a way of knowing how things will work with the help of research;
and technology as a way of creating wealth for the nation, inventing,
discovering or enhancing devices that will improve the quality of life through
health care and education. Together, science and technology help in the
transformation and economic growth of a nation.

Philippine Policies and Laws Pertaining to Science and Technology

From the discussion above, it is very clear that science and technology play
a huge role in nation building. Thus, in order to strengthen the implementation
of science, technology and research development in a country, its
government must enact policies and laws.

For the Philippines, below are the policies and laws enacted by the Congress
from 1958 to present.

✓ R.A. 2067 also known as Science Act of 1958. An Act to Integrate,

Coordinate and Intensity Scientific and Technological Research and
Development and to Foster Invention to Provide Funds therefore and
for other Purposes.
✓ R.A 3589. An Act Amending R. A. 2027 Modifying the National
Science Development Board, National Institute of Science and
Technology and the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, Extending
Tax Exemption, Privileges and Grants, Request and Donations for
Scientific Purposes to
Private Educational Institutions and for other Purposes enacted June
22, 1963.
✓ R. A. 5207 known as the "Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability
Act of 1968."An Act Providing for the Licensing and Regulation of
Atomic Energy Facilities and Materials, establishing the Rules of
Liability for Nuclear Damage and for other Purposes. This act was
approved June 15, 1968 to encourage, promote assist the
development and use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes as a
means to improve the health and prosperity of the inhabitant of the
Philippines and to contribute and accelerate scientific, technological,
agricultural, commercial and industrial progress.
✓ Presidential Decree No. 78, series of 1972 established the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA). Its main function is to provide environmental protection
and to utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the people.
✓ Presidential Decree No. 334, series of 1973 created the Philippine
National Oil Company to promote industrial and economic
development through effective and efficient use of energy resources.
✓ Executive Order 128 known as the Reorganization Act of the National
Science and Technology Authority (NSTA). Thus NSTA was replaced
by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). DOST is the
premiere science and technology body in the country charged with the
twin mandate of providing central direction, leadership and
coordination of all scientific and technological activities, and of
formulating policies, programs and projects to support national
development.
✓ R. A. 8749 known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and was
enacted by the Congress on June 23, 1999. Clean Air Act is a
comprehensive air quality management policy and program which
aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.
✓ R.A. 8792 known as "Electronic Commerce Act of 2000." This Act
aims to facilitate domestic and international dealings, transactions,
arrangements agreements, contracts and exchanges and storage of
information through the utilization of electronic, optical and similar
medium, mode, instrumentality and technology to recognize the
authenticity and reliability of electronic documents related to such
activities and to promote the universal use of electronic transaction in
the government and general public.
✓ R. A. 9367 known as the "Biofuels Act of 2006". This act was
enacted to develop and utilize indigenous renewable and sustainable-
sources clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil;
mitigate toxic and greenhouse gas (GSG) emissions; increase rural
employment and income; and ensure the availability of alternative and
renewable clean energy without any detriment to the natural
ecosystem, biodiversity and food reserves of the country.
✓ R. A. 9513 known as the “Renewable Energy Act of 2008“. The
aims of this act are to accelerate the exploration and development of
renewable energy resources such as, but not limited to, biomass,
solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and ocean energy sources, including
hybrid systems, to achieve energy self-reliance, through the adoption
of sustainable energy development strategies to reduce the country’s
dependence on fossil fuels and thereby minimize the country’s
exposure to price fluctuations in the international markets, the effects
of which spiral down to almost all sectors of the economy; increase the
utilization of renewable energy by institutionalizing the development of
national and local capabilities in the use of renewable energy systems,
and promoting its efficient and cost-effective commercial application by
 providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives; and encourage the
development and utilization of renewable energy resources as tools to
effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions and thereby balance
the goals of economic growth and development with the protection of
health and the environment.
✓ R.A. 10175 known as the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012”. It
aims to address legal issues concerning online interactions and the
Internet in the Philippines.
✓ R. A. 10612 known as the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of
2013”. This is an Act Expanding the Coverage of the Science and
Technology (S&T) Scholarship Program and Strengthening the
Teaching of Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools. Its main
objective is to strengthen the country’s science and technology
education by fast tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics,
and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics subjects in
secondary schools throughout the country. Towards this end,
scholarships shall be provided to finance the education of talented and
deserving students in their third year of college, and pursuing a degree
or training in the areas of science and technology, and to provide
incentives for them to pursue a career in teaching in high schools,
especially in their home regions.
✓ R. A. 10844 known as the “Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT) Act of 2015”. This law shall
strengthen its efforts on the following focus areas: Policy and Planning;
Improved Public Access; Resource-Sharing and Capacity-Building;
and Consumer Protection and Industry Development. Apart from this,
the DICT is expected to spearhead the following endeavors: Nation
building Through ICT; Safeguarding of Information; and Advancement
of ICT in the Philippines.

Major Science and Technology Development Plans

• The Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP)

This was first development plan which was conceptualized and
introduced by Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology in
1988 during the time of the late President Corazon C. Aquino.

STMP aimed to modernize the production sector, upgrade

research activities and the development of infrastructure for science
and technological purposes. Also, to examine and determine which
areas of research needed attention and must be given priority, a
Research and Development Plan was formulated.

In identifying which programs can be pursued under this STMP,

the following criteria were used: development of local materials;
probability of success; potential of product in the export market; and its
strategic nature. The identified programs who met the criteria were:
aquaculture, marine fisheries, forestry, natural resources, process
industry, food, feed industry, energy, transportation, construction
industry, information technology, electronics, instrumentation and
control, emerging technologies, and pharmaceuticals.

• Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND)

 This development plan was established in 1993 during the term
of President Fidel V. Ramos. This was formulated because of
President Ramos’ perspective that science and technology were one
of the key factors in which the Philippines can achieve the status of
New Industrialized Country (NIC).
The plan’s priority programs were:
1. exporting winners identified by the DTI;
2. domestic needs identified by the President’s Council for
Countryside Development;
3. support industries; and
4. coconut industry development.

• National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP 2002-2020)

This development plan was prepared and organized by the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) headed by Secretary
Estrella F. Alabastro. NSTP is a suggestive plan that the Philippine
government will follow in 20-year period. It covers the visions, goals,
strategies, area thrust and includes the medium-term element that
contains the specific strategic programs that DOST will pursue and
implement from 2002 to 2020. Thus, NSTP envisioned that:

By 2004, Science and Technology already played a significant

role in the improvement of national productivity and competitiveness
and greatly contributed in solving national crucial problems.

By 2010, Philippines should already have secured places in

global market; known to be a world-class knowledge provider and user
in several areas of science and technology; and have advanced but
steady economic growth and improved its people quality of life
through proper utilization of science and technology.

By 2020, Philippines should already develop extensive with high

technology content and globally competitive products and services.

The core areas for science and technology under the NSTP are:
agriculture, forestry, and natural resources; health/medical sciences;
biotechnology; information and communication technology (ICT);
microelectronics and mechatronics; earth and marine sciences;
fisheries and aquaculture; environment; natural disaster mitigation;
energy materials science and engineering; and manufacturing and
process engineering (Fernandez, 2002).

Let’s Elaborate
 For your activity, choose three (3) science and technology policies or laws
given above then describe and evaluate their impact/s on the development of
our nation. You may use the table below.

S&T Policies/Laws Description Evaluation

a.

b.

c.

You can submit this once you’re done to our goggle classroom or on our
next meeting.

Expected Output:

To completely finish this lesson you are hereby directed to submit a

maximum of 2-page infographics which is due next meeting.

Guidelines in doing the Infographics:

1. Form a group with three members
2. Brainstorm on how you will present your infographics
3. Your work must contain the role of science and technology in Philippine
nation building; how science and technology contribute to the national
development; and policies or laws pertaining to science and technology
that have a positive impact on the development of our nation.
4. Take note You
Congratulations! that your workdone
are now is a representation of yourself,
in lesson 3 which do itlast
is also the creatively
lesson
for unitwith
1. Do not forget to submit your
pleasing visual presentation.activity and output on time.

RUBRIC FOR INFOGRAPHIC

5 4 3 2 COMMEN
TS
Content All details Most details Few details No details
support the support main support main to support
main idea idea, has idea, lacks the main
appropriately; accurate accurate idea,
information are information for information information
accurate and almost all and does not is
detailed; and subject matter clearly inaccurate
information and the support and does
adequately information visual’s not support
supports the mostly adequate purpose the visual’s
purpose of and supportive purpose
visual of visual’s
purpose
 Focus
Most Topic and title
of the topic Topic and Topic and
and title are are clear and title are titles are
clear and can can be easily difficult to not clearly
easily be identified, the identify, the identified,
identified, the main idea is main idea is there is no
main idea is also clear and not clearly main idea
appropriate tois appropriate stated, and identified,
the topic, and to the topic, few and
most and all illustrations illustrations
illustrations illustrations compliment do not
compliment the compliment the the purpose complemen
purpose of thepurpose of the of the visual t the
visual visual purpose of
the visual
Visual The use of The use of The use of There is a
Appeal color, design, color, design, color, design little
and space is and space is and space is attempt to
outstanding, adequate and inappropriate use color,
have an the overall , the design design and
original and design is mostly lacks space
creative harmonious and creativity appropriatel
design, and pleasing and y, the
the overall originality, design is
design is the overall dull and
harmonious design lacks presentatio
and pleasing harmonious n has
and the sloppy
presentation appearance
is unpleasing
Mechani Free of Mostly free of Frequent Too
cs grammatical grammatical grammatical frequent
errors and the errors and the errors and grammatica
words used are words used are the l errors and
legible and mostly legible presentation elements
pertinent to the and pertinent to is illegible and are
topic the topic confusing distractive
and the use
of
illustration is
ineffective
Lifted from: http://piktochart.com/
REFERENCES:

Fernandez, R. 2002. Government S&T plan formulated. Retrieved from:

https://www.philstar.
com/business/2002/03/18/154306/government -sampt-plan-
formulated

Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/updates/top-developing-
countries/

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology and
Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

NEDA- The National Economic and Development Authority. www.neda.gov.ph

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

https://www.hisour.com/philippines-science-history-37197/

Top 10 Filipino Inventions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8WP5R1h7pQ&feature=share

URL:

http://piktochart.com/ https://www.hisour.com/philippines-science-history-

37197/

Lesson 1: Technology as a Way of Revealing

Good day to you!

 Welcome to Unit 2 of the STS course! In
this module we will familiarize ourselves with the
connection and the fundamental role played by
science and technology to the human condition.

In the first unit, you have learned how

science and technology started and how it
changed our lives. It also unravels the role
played by science and technology in improving
our country’s economic growth and socio-
economic status.

In this unit, we will focus on the effects of science and technology

in achieving human flourishing and defining what is good life.

To begin with our first lesson in this unit, we will be discussing

how technology can be used to reveal what was happening in our
environment due to human activities- be it beneficial or harmful.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this lesson.
After this lesson, you should be able to:

1. identify the importance of diversity and collaboration in the scientific

community towards human flourishing;
2. analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express
philosophical ramifications that are meaningful to you as students
and as a part of society;
3. discuss and illustrate the dangers of modern technology; and
4. explain why art is the saving power of modern technology

After going through the learning goals, I know that you are now excited
to know what this lesson is all about. So what are you waiting for? Start
flipping the pages.

Before you formally start, you need to first analyze the pictures on the next
page. After that, group them into two based on their impacts on society or on
humanity.
 As you grouped the pictures, what did you observe?

Let’s Explore:

In order for you to better understand our discussion; you need to first read
the article below and watch the video that follows.

Reading 1:
The Question Concerning Technology by: Martin Heidegger
https://www.google.com/search?
client=firefoxd&q=the+question+concerning
+technology+by+martin+Heidegger

Video 1:
The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the case against Scientism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPeyJvXU68k&feature=share

Question: Do humans really abuse science? Elaborate your answer then

post it on messenger
Explanation:

The article “More is Different” by Anderson told us that, there are still a lot of
things that need to be unfolded as an individual engage more deeply in
science and technology. Thus, as one continuously engages himself/herself
in science and technology, he/she becomes more curious and will then start
to asks a lot of questions about his/her being, importance, and origin.

As humans become knowledgeable, they tend to seek more on what is good

and what is true. These are the same goals of science and technology- to
improve lives (good) and explain or reveal the real nature of a thing or
phenomena (truth). Consequently, human flourishing is deeply interconnected
with the goals of science and technology. Hence, we could say that science
provides technology which is an end product that can be used as a tool for
human to flourish. In addition, Heidegger (1977) said that, technology is a
human activity we excel in as a result of achieving science.

Scientific Method

How do scientists and other practitioners who are engrossed with science
and technology find what is good and the truth in order for humans to
flourish? Aside from creativity, scientist also used scientific method to
observe and answer questions.

Scientific method refers to the procedure that involves a systematic

observation, measurement, experiment and the formulation, testing and
modification of hypotheses (Oxford Dictionary). Generally, there is a logical
step to follow in using scientific method to solve scientific problems or answer
questions. These are as follows:

a. Making a systematic observation. Observing and identifying

unexplainable phenomena using different senses.
b. Problem identification. Identifying predominant
question/problem and relevant factors associated with it.
c. Formulating hypothesis. Making a scientific guess or proposing
solution or explanation pertinent to the problem.
d. Conducting experiment. A procedure that will support, confirm
or reject the hypothesis.
e. Data gathering and analyzation. This can be numerical or
written observation of what took place during the experiment.
f. Formulating conclusion. With the gathered and analyzed data
that will support the observation, your conclusion will be the
scientific answer to the question. Providing recommendations can
be done as well to extend knowledge gained.

Although, scientific method is a logical procedure, it does not mean

that scientists strictly followed the steps. In finding answers, there are times
that a scientist needs to go back or repeat a certain step or steps to come up
with the best answers.

Diversity and Collaboration in Scientific Community

Another important thing that scientists do to achieve human flourishing

is to collaborate with each other. It is a well-known fact that individuals are
unique, each one of us possess unique characteristics, talents and have
diverse backgrounds so as scientists. So to consolidate diverse perspectives
and come up with the best and most beneficial way of achieving human
flourishing collaboration is of essence. Best example of this is the
collaboration of medical experts from different countries to come up with a
vaccine that will impede, if not totally cure Corona Virus.

Collaboration and diversity are significant in scientific community

because they:

a. balance possible biases through peer checking and assessment;

b. stimulate problem solving by relaying and sharing ideas within the
community;
c. facilitate specialization by employing their expertise in validating
their hypotheses;
d. served as inspiration and motivation; and
e. divide labor

Essence of Technology

It was already discussed that science and technology are the foundation of
comfortable and improve lives; with technology we can do our tasks easier
and faster. With these reasons we can say that technology really plays an
important and huge role in our daily life. However, the true essence of
technology is still unknown for most of us because most of us define
technology as a tool or device that we use every day. You may asks, how
else can we define it?
According to Martin Heidegger in his article “The Question Concerning
Technology” which you have read at the beginning of this lesson, the essence
of technology can be defined in two ways, which are:

a. Technology is a means to an end which for Heidegger is the

instrumental definition of technology. Hence, technology is not an
end itself; it is a means to an end. The definition that we know
about technology which is a tool, a device or an instrument that
get things done for us falls under this category.

We use technology base on our needs; its function is

dependent on our needs. Like for example, a smartphone. Its
main purpose is for communication, however some of us used it
as a record keeping device or instrument where all or files and
memories such as pictures are stored. Others used it as a
gaming instrument.

b. Technology is a human activity for Heidegger is the

anthropological definition of technology. In this category,
Heidegger claimed that to achieve an end and to produce and use
a means to an end is, by itself, a human activity.

In simpler term, technology is a human activity because it is

invented, created and produced by humans. Consequently, its
function or purpose is also determined by humans.

Technology as Poiesis

In the pursuit of knowing the real essence of technology, Heidegger

introduced the concept of poiesis which means “bringing forth” or revealing.
Thus, he stated that technology is a way of revealing unconcealed truth.

In analyzing what kind of unconcealed truth that technology reveals, we

should take into consideration how we make use of our different resources. It
is true that science and technology improve our lives. And as we progress,
we keep on finding ways on how we could enhance and live a better life
without realizing that we already exhaust and exploit our natural resources. In
this sense, Heidegger regarded technology not as a poiesis or bringing forth
instead he stated technology as a challenge forth – a way of revealing the
challenges faced by our environment due to the aggressive use of natural
resources through technology.

Evidences that confirmed Heidegger’s argument that technology specifically

the modern once are challenge forth can be seen everywhere. Examples are:
degradation of forest; water pollution; depletion of fossil fuels; and air
pollution, all of these pose huge treat not only to humans but to other living
creatures as well.

Enframing: Modern Technology’s Way of Revealing

According to Heidegger (1977), there are two ways on how people regard
nature – by using calculative thinking where people view nature as
something that they can control, putting orders and system so it can be better
understood based on their desires. This kind of thinking or attitude is what
Heidegger refers as enframing or “boxes”. In addition, he said that our desire
for a “precise” and “scientific” knowledge of the world was the basis of this
attitude of ours.

The other way is by employing meditative thinking. This kind of

thinking does not use technology for nature to forcibly reveal itself instead,
meditative thinking lets nature alone reveal its beauty to humanity.

People have the ability to use both – to take care of nature and to
control it. However, controlling or enframing was commonly used because of
the desire of security and fear of uncertainty. Blinded by the desire of control
and security; people’s way of enframing challenge forth nature which brings
danger to humanity due to misuse, misinterpretation and misconstruction of
its resources. The Dangers of Technology

We cannot ignore the fact that technology- be it ancient or modern, are

beneficial to us and we also know that it can be harmful or dangerous.
However, the danger of technology does not depend on its kind neither on its
function. The danger lies on how we make use of the technology. Remember
that the function of technology varies with the needs of the people using it.

Furthermore, the essence of technology cannot be revealed by its kind nor

its function but on the significance it unfolds.

Can you identify dangers technology can bring to you? How about to society
and on the environment?

Art as a Way Out of Enframing

Since the dangers of technology were unfolded and are evident, it is

necessary for us to reflect on our actions to avoid it (Heidegger, 1977). We
should realize that enframing nature can prevent poiesis. Thus, we are
depriving ourselves in appreciating the significance of nature into our being
and in witnessing how technology reveals the realm of truth of the universe.

For Heidegger, art is an activity of the mind. So it has the capacity to shift the
minds of the people from using the calculative thinking and to start
appreciating the value of nature through the use of meditative thinking.
Hence, when we realized that nature is the most beautiful art, we may see its
worth and start to take good care of it.

You have learned how significant technology is it can either build or break
us, our nation and the universe as well. With the knowledge you have gained
in this lesson, I am positive that you will choose to do the right thing which is
to be a good and responsible steward of God’s creation.

Let’s Elaborate:

For your activity, you need to do two things:

1. Read the article entitled Technological Advancements and their Effects

on Humanity by Karehka Ramey (2012) which you can access using the
link
https://siddhibhave2018.wordpress.com/2017/04/29/technological-
advancements-and-their-effects-on-humanity/

2. Make a Venn diagram depicting or showing the comparison of human

conditions before and after science and technology. Use can use the
illustration below as your refer ence. Submission of this is on or before
July 15, 2020.

commo
BEFORE n AFTER

Expected Output:

For you output in this lesson you need to submit a maximum of 2-pages
reflection paper about how technology affects you.

Format for reflection paper

Font style and size: Arial or Calibri 12”

Margin: 1” for all sides
First line: Your name – e.g. Rosalie Esteban (left align)
Second line: Year and Section – e.g. BSE SCI 2A (left align)
Third line: Title of Paper – e.g. Reflection Paper No. 1
For the body of your paper, it must be Justify aligned with 1.5 spacing
For reference or citations, use single spacing and use the 7 th edition APA
format

If you wish to ace your reflection paper, kindly adhere to the given rubric
and submit it on or before July 15, 2020.
 RUBRIC FOR REFLECTION
5 4 3 2 COMMENT
S
Reflective The reflection The The reflection The
Thinking explains the reflection attempts to reflection
students’ own explains the demonstrate does not
thinking and student’s thinking about address
learning thinking learning but is the
processes, as about his/her vague and/or student’s
well as the own learning unclear about thinking
implications the personal and/or
processes
for future learning learning
learning process
Analysis The reflection The reflection The
is an in-depth attempts to reflection
analysis of the analyze the does not
learning learning move
experience, experience but beyond a
the value of the value of description
the derived the learning to of the
learning to self the student or learning
or others, and others is experience
the vague and/or
enhancement unclear
of the
student’s
appreciation
for the
discipline
Making The reflection The The reflection The
Connection articulates reflection attempts to reflection
s or multiple articulates articulate does not
Cohesiven connections connections connections articulate
ess between this between this between the any
learning learning learning connection
experience experience experience to other
and content and content and content learning or
from other from other from other experience
courses, past courses, courses, past s.
learning, life past learning learning
experience experiences, experiences, or
and/or future and/or future personal
goals goals goals but the
connection is
vague and/or
unclear
Lifted from:
http://earlycollegeconference.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/12/Po
rtfolio-Rubric-forReflection.PRINT_.pdf

REFERENCES:

Heidegger, M. 1977. The Question Concerning Technology. Retrieved from:

https://www.google. com/search?client=firefox-
d&q=the+question+concerning+technology+by+martin +Heidegger

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology

and Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
 Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

Ramey, K. 2012. Technological Advancements and their Effects on

Humanity.
Retrieved from:
https://siddhibhave2018.wordpress.com/2017/04/29/
technologicaladvancements-and-their-effects-on-humanity/

http://earlycollegeconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/PortfolioRubric-
for Reflection. PRINT.pdf

Appendix

Reading No. 1:

"In what follows we shall be questioning concerning technology. . ."

The first pages of "The Question Concerning Technology," set the terms of
Heidegger's discussion. The first paragraph establishes the essay's objective:
to investigate technology in order to prepare us for a "free relationship" to it.
One of the fundamental questions of the essay has to do with how "we" (and
who this "we" is will be part of our own discussion) currently relate to
technology, how we think about it, what we imagine it to be.

The problem for Heidegger is not so much the existence of technology or the
forms it takes, but rather our orientation to technology. If we accept this
formulation of the problem, then it becomes clear that our response to the
various problems brought about by technology cannot be solved simply by
making the technology better. It is also impossible to ignore these difficulties
simply by "opting out" of technology:

Thus we shall never experience our relationship to the essence of technology

so long as we merely conceive and push forward the technological, put up
with it, or evade it. Everywhere we remain unfree and chained to technology,
whether we passionately affirm or deny it. (287)

Heidegger's assertion that "the essence of technology is by no means

anything technological" serves a number of purposes:

• It allows Heidegger to move his discussion of technology out of the

domain of technological "experts." This attempt to "open up" the
conversation is at once a democratic gesture (remember that this
essay was first presented as a lecture to audiences who where neither
philosophers nor technicians) and a strategy to shift the discussion to
philosophy--a field in which Heidegger himself is the expert.
• Arguing that the the essence of technology is not technological also
allows Heidegger to expand the historical scope of his discussion; later
on he will argue that the essence of technology actually precedes the
historical emergence of the "concrete" forms of technology in the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
• This historical expansion, in turn, makes it possible for Heidegger to go
back to Greek philosophy (one of his areas of specialization) for some
of the guiding concepts for his analysis.
Heidegger's method of "questioning" strives to expose the unexamined
assumptions that shape our understanding of the world we live in. He tries to
find the "blind spots" in our thinking that keep us from a more profound--and,
we might say now, more "empowering"--way of conceiving the world and our
place in it. In "The Question Concerning Technology," he asks, "how do we
generally think about technology?" He comes up with two answers:

• technology is a means to an end

• technology is a human activity

These answers make up what Heidegger calls the current "instrumental

[aimed at getting things done] and anthropological [a human activity]
definition of technology" (288). He concedes that this definition is correct--that
it describes technology accurately--but it does not go far enough for
Heidegger's purposes.

Our everyday understanding of technology, that is, has blind spots that
prevent us from understanding more fully our relationship with technology.
Even our attempts to maintain control over technology, to master it so that it
doesn't destroy us, are informed by our "instrumental conception" of what
technology is. As Heidegger observes, "The will to mastery becomes all the
more urgent the more technology threatens to slip from human control" (289).
For a fuller understanding of how humanity stands in relation to technology ,
we need to consider what we mean by the "instrumental": what assumptions
lie behind our understanding of "getting things done" or "achieving our
goals?" The basic idea in any attempt to "get something done" is that one
thing (for example, a student in the Graphic Design Program) has an effect on
something else (the paper, toner, paint, etc. that make up the student's next
design project). Heidegger's pursuit of the fundamental meaning of
"instrumentality" leads him to an old problem in philosophy: the question of
causality.
 Lesson 2: Human Flourishing as Reflected in the Development of
Science and Technology

Good day to you!

How are you feeling today? I hope that

amidst our situation, you are fine and happy.

Today we will be discussing the impact of

scientific and technological progress to our
happiness and to our ways of achieving the so
called “human flourishing”.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this

lesson. After this lesson, you should be able to:

5. defined human flourishing and cite ways on how to achieve it;

6. critique human Flourishing vis -à-vis the progress of science and
technology;
7. explain de-development as a progress and development framework;
and
8. differentiate traditio nal concept of growth and consumption with the
de-development concept

Always remember to familiarize yourself with the given goals above for
you to scientifically understand and apply our lesson in your daily activities .

I know that you are now ready to st art your new journey. To begin with
kindly answer the following question:

1. How do you define happiness?

2. What makes you happy?

3. Does progress in any area or aspect of your life make you happy?

4. Will you agree with the statement “progress means happiness”?

Why or Why not?

Let’s Explore:

For you to have a glimpse of what is the relationship of progress and

happiness, you need to watch the video below.

Video 1:
Akiro Kurosawa’s Dreams “Village of the Watermills”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK4mtPQ_THM&feature=share Here
are the questions that you need to answer after watching the video on
You Tube:
1. What is/are the message of the film with regards to what can
science and technology do to humans?
2. Which will you choose, living conveniently or having a long life?

Explanation:

We begin our discussion by defining human flourishing!

Human flourishing can be defined in several ways:

 a. Human flourishing is a profound truthfulness to other (Crouch,
2017).
b. Human flourishing is the creation of value with your life and giving
value to other people which he collectively refers as earned
success;
(Brooks, 2014)
c. Human flourishing refers to an effort to achieve self-actualization
and fulfillment within the context of a larger community of
individuals, each with the right to pursue his or her own such efforts
(The National League for Nursing, n.d.).
d. For a famous philosopher, Aristotle, human flourishing pertains to
the ultimate goal or ultimate end of all individuals.

I bet the one that struck you the most was the definition of Aristotle.
What does he mean by ultimate end?

For Aristotle, there is an end goal for all the things that we do, that we
do what we desire to do in order to attain the so called Eudaimonia,
happiness or flourishing. Eudaimonia comes from combined Greek words
“good and spirit”, it is the highest happiness or flourishing that we can
achieve. We can also define Eudaimonia as the pursuit of becoming a better
person. Thus, flourishing is the success that we earned by improving our lives
as a result of various human qualities such as: phronesis, friendship, wealth
and power.

The question is, how can an individual achieve Eudaimonia or

flourishing by acquiring the 4 qualities stated by Aristotle?

Here’s how, an individual can have friends by doing good and at the same
time acquire wealth and power through hard work to accumulate things that
can help him or her to have a better life. However, Aristotle includes
phronesis – a person’s ability to habitually “do the right thing in the right
place, at the right time in the right way” (Bhatta, n.d.). In other words, an
individual can achieve flourishing when he or she acquires friends, wealth
and power by constantly doing what is right with a clear understanding of why
and how he or she can achieve it. Hence, doing the right thing is not enough,
it must be accompanied by reason and concern with what is good or bad for
him or her.
As we progress with the aid of science and technology, we are able to
find means on how to explore different places, develop more products and
most importantly improve our lives. But the way we do it is very much different
with the concept of Aristotle because we are no longer focusing on what is
good or bad for an individual alone - we already shifted from self-flourishing to
human flourishing.

In human flourishing, competition for survival is already outdated. What

we are pursuing now is collaboration and cooperation, making us the “man of
the world”- where we are expected to work hand in hand with our
organizations or institutions to reach a common goal.

Progress and development mean improving one’s life. The

improvement mostly if not all the time requires getting more, acquiring more.
The question is do we really need to acquire more to flourish? Does human
flourishing always equated with progress and modern technology? At this
point, can we say that we are flourishing?

If your answer to all of my questions is yes, then why are countries

around the world classified as developed and developing? If we are pursuing
human flourishing, why are there countries experiencing poverty? And why do
rich countries become richer?

On September 23, 2015, an anthropologist from London School of

Economics, Jason Hickel wrote an article where he criticized the efforts of
the United Nations (UN) to eradicate poverty by using growth and
development as their main strategy.

Find out why Hickel opposed the UN’s strategy in combating poverty
by reading his full article below.

Forget 'developing' poor countries, it's time to 'de-develop' rich countries

Jason Hickel

As the UN’s new sustainable development goals are launched in New York,
there’s little to celebrate about the business-as-usual approach

This week, heads of state are gathering in New York to sign the UN’s new
sustainable development goals (SDGs). The main objective is to eradicate
poverty by 2030. Beyoncé, One Direction and Malala are on board. It’s set to
be a monumental international celebration.

Given all the fanfare, one might think the SDGs are about to offer a fresh plan
for how to save the world, but beneath all the hype, it’s business as usual.
The main strategy for eradicating poverty is the same: growth.
Growth has been the main object of development for the past 70 years,
despite the fact that it’s not working. Since 1980, the global economy has
grown by 380%, but the number of people living in poverty on less than $5
(£3.20) a day has increased by more than 1.1 billion. That’s 17 times the
population of Britain. So much for the trickle-down effect.

Orthodox economists insist that all we need is yet more growth. More
progressive types tell us that we need to shift some of the yields of growth
from the richer segments of the population to the poorer ones, evening things
out a bit. Neither approach is adequate. Why? Because even at current levels
of average global consumption, we’re overshooting our planet’s bio-capacity
by more than 50% each year.

In other words, growth isn’t an option any more – we’ve already grown too
much. Scientists are now telling us that we’re blowing past planetary
boundaries at breakneck speed. And the hard truth is that this global crisis is
due almost entirely to overconsumption in rich countries.

Instead of pushing poor countries to 'catch up' with rich ones, we should be
getting rich countries to 'catch down'

Right now, our planet only has enough resources for each of us to consume
1.8 “global hectares” annually – a standardized unit that measures resource
use and waste. This figure is roughly what the average person in Ghana or
Guatemala consumes. By contrast, people in the US and Canada consume
about 8 hectares per person, while Europeans consume 4.7 hectares – many
times their fair share.

What does this mean for our theory of development? Economist Peter
Edward argues that instead of pushing poorer countries to “catch up” with rich
ones, we should be thinking of ways to get rich countries to “catch down” to
more appropriate levels of development. We should look at societies where
people live long and happy lives at relatively low levels of income and
consumption not as basket cases that need to be developed towards western
models, but as exemplars of efficient living.

How much do we really need to live long and happy lives? In the US, life
expectancy is 79 years and GDP per capita is $53,000. But many countries
have achieved similar life expectancy with a mere fraction of this income.
Cuba has a comparable life expectancy to the US and one of the highest
literacy rates in the world with GDP per capita of only $6,000 and
consumption of only 1.9 hectares – right at the threshold of ecological
sustainability. Similar claims can be made of Peru, Ecuador, Honduras,
Nicaragua and Tunisia.

Yes, some of the excess income and consumption we see in the rich world
yields improvements in quality of life that are not captured by life expectancy,
or even literacy rates. But even if we look at measures of overall happiness
and wellbeing in addition to life expectancy, a number of low- and middle-
income countries rank highly. Costa Rica manages to sustain one of the
highest happiness indicators and life expectancies in the world with a per
capita income one-fourth that of the US.

In light of this, perhaps we should regard such countries not as

underdeveloped, but rather as appropriately developed. And maybe we need
to start calling on rich countries to justify their excesses.

The idea of “de-developing” rich countries might prove to be a strong rallying

cry in the global south, but it will be tricky to sell to westerners. Tricky, but not
impossible. According to recent consumer research, 70% of people in middle-
and high-income countries believe overconsumption is putting our planet and
society at risk. A similar majority also believe we should strive to buy and own
less, and that doing so would not compromise our happiness. People sense
there is something wrong with the dominant model of economic progress and
they are hungry for an alternative narrative.

The problem is that the pundits promoting this kind of transition are using the
wrong language. They use terms such as de-growth, zero growth or – worst
of all – de-development, which are technically accurate but off-putting for
anyone who’s not already on board. Such terms are repulsive because they
run against the deepest frames we use to think about human progress, and,
indeed, the purpose of life itself. It’s like asking people to stop moving
positively thorough life, to stop learning, improving, growing.

Negative formulations won’t get us anywhere. The idea of “steady-state”

economics is a step in the right direction and is growing in popularity, but it
still doesn’t get the framing right. We need to reorient ourselves toward a
positive future, a truer form of progress. One that is geared toward quality
instead of quantity. One that is more sophisticated than just accumulating
ever increasing amounts of stuff, which doesn’t make anyone happier
anyway. What is certain is that GDP as a measure is not going to get us there
and we need to get rid of it.

Perhaps we might take a cue from Latin Americans, who are organising
alternative visions around the indigenous concept of buen vivir, or good living.
The west has its own tradition of reflection on the good life and it’s time we
revive it. Robert and Edward Skidelsky take us down this road in his book
How Much is Enough? where they lay out the possibility of interventions such
as banning advertising, a shorter working week and a basic income, all of
which would improve our lives while reducing consumption.

Either we slow down voluntarily or climate change will do it for us. We can’t
go on ignoring the laws of nature. But rethinking our theory of progress is not
only an ecological imperative, it is also a development one. If we do not act
soon, all our hard-won gains against poverty will evaporate, as food systems
collapse and mass famine re-emerges to an extent not seen since the 19th
century.

This is not about giving anything up. And it’s certainly not about living a life of
voluntary misery or imposing harsh limits on human potential. On the
contrary, it’s about reaching a higher level of understanding and
consciousness about what we’re doing here and why.

Source: Hickel, J. (2015). Forget ‘developing’ poor countries, it’s time to

‘dedevelop’ rich countries. The Guardian. Retrieved from
https://www. theguardian.com/global-
developmentprofessionalsnetwork/ 2015/sep/23/developing-
poor-countriesde-develop-rich-countries-sdgs

Hickel’s (2015) concept of ‘de -develop’ made us realize and reflect on

the way how we pursue human flourishing, both for indiv idual and for the
society. He made us critically think of our purpose on this Earth and why are
pursuing it.

Let’s Elaborate:

For you to gain more knowledge on this lesson, you need to post a topic
on our group chat, about your ideas on de -developing. Ar e you in favor of this
concept? Why?

In answering the question kindly remember our last topic, where we

discussed that collaborati on is needed to develop and formulate best answer
or solution to a problem.

Expected Output:

For you output in this lesson you need to submit a maximum of 2-pages
analysis on how human flourish as S & T develops.

Format for analysis paper

Font style and size: Arial or Calibri 12”

Margin: 1” for all sides
First line: Your name – e.g. Rosalie Esteban (left align)
Second line: Year and Section – e.g. BSE SCI 2A (left align)
Third line: Title of Paper – e.g. Analysis Paper No. 2
For the body of your paper, it must be Justify aligned with 1.5 spacing
For reference or citations, use single spacing and use the 7 th edition APA
format
Your analysis paper will be graded using the rubric below:

RUBRIC FOR ANALYSIS PAPER

5 4 3 2 COMMEN
TS
Introductio There is a well- Introductio Introductio Introductio
n and developed n creates n n does
Conclusio introductio n interest. adequately clearly
n that Main explains
topic the describe
grabs the states the the
interest of position backgroun
the reader and and the d. Thesis
continues up conclusion is vague
to the end. effectively and the
Conclusio n summariz conclusion
must es the does not
effectively topic. summarize
wraps up the main
importanc e points.
of the thesis.

Main Welldeveloped Three or Three or Less than

Points main points. more main more main three main
Sentences points points are points are
directly relate to present, explained
relate to the thesis however, and are
the thesis and but some lacks poorly
supporting may lack details in developed
examples are details. describing and
concrete and The the event. described.
detailed. analysis Few
The shows descriptive
analysis is events language
developed with from the is used.
an author’s
point of
view but
could use
more

effective descriptive
point of language.
view.
 Organizati Logical Logical Organizati Writing is
on progressio progressio on is clear. not
n of ideas n of ideas. Transition organized.
with a Transition is present The
clear s are at times, transitions
structure present but there is between
that throughout very little ideas are
enhances the paper, variation. unclear or
the thesis. but lack nonexistent.
Transition variations.
s are
effective
and vary
throughout
the
paragraph
, not just
in the
topic
sentences
.
Style Writing is Writing is Writing is Writing is
smooth, clear, clear, but confusing
skillful and sentences could use and hard
coherent. have a little to follow.
Sentences varied more Contains
are strong structure sentence fragments
and and variation to and run-on
expressive phrasing make the sentences.
with varied is writing
structure. consistent. more
Phrasing interesting.
is
consistent
and words
are
chosen
well.
Mechanic Punctuatio Punctuatio There are Distracting
s n, spelling n, spelling 4-5 errors errors in
and and in punctuatio
capitalizati capitalizati punctuatio n, spelling
on are all on are n, spelling and
correct. generally and capitalizati
No errors. correct capitalizati on.
with 1-2 on.
errors.
Lifted
from:http://drosplans.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/4/4/13445761/rubricforcriticalan
alysisessay.pdf
 Once done, submit all your answers to this lesson including your
analysis paper on our next meeting.

Congratulations! You made it to the 2nd lesson of Unit 2.

REFERENCES:

Akiro Kurosawa’s Dreams “Village of the Watermills”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK4 mtPQ_THM&feature=share

Hickel, J. (2015). Forget ‘developing’ poor countries, it’s time to ‘de-develop’

rich countries. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.
theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/
sep/23/developing-poor-countries-de-develop-rich-countries-sdgs

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology

and Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

URL

http://drosplans.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/4/4/13445761/rubricforcriticalanalysi
sessay.pdf

Lesson 3: The Good Life

What life lesson have you learned from the short film? Does the winner show some
characteristics of an individual having good life?

Explanation:

So, what does a good life mean? Does it mean living a grandeur life or
living a life well? And why do we need to know the importance of having a
good life? What is its relevance to Science, Technology and Society? I bet
these are the questions that you have in mind as you start flipping the pages
of this lesson.

All of us want a good life. But, what does it mean? This question is the same
question many philosophers strive to answer.

Below is a list of philosophers and their perception of what good life is.
Leucippus and Democritus

Leucippus and Democritus

(around 460-370 B.C.) are proponents
of materialism philosophy which
believed that comfort, pleasure and
wealth are the only highest goals in life.

Epicurus

Epicurus is a Greek philosopher who introduced the

Hedonism philosophy. He is also the first one who stated
that pleasure is the experience that makes our life worth
living.

Hedonists claimed that since life is limited, we

should satisfy ourse lves with the things that give us
pleasures. That we must aim to maximize our total
pleasure and if we already attain it, we will be constantly
happy.

Hedonists motto is – “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die”.

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius is one of the

principal leaders of Stoicism – school of
thought created for those living their lives
in the real world which was founded by
Zeno of Citium in Athens (early 3 rd century
B.C.).

Stoicism argued that virtue like

wisdom is a kind of happiness and
judgment that must be based on behavior
instead on words. Thus, as an individual,
we don’t have the power to control external factors and must not be
dependent on it. For this reason, we should only rely on ourselves.

Hence, according to Stoicism’s philosophy relying on oneself will help

us control destructive emotions and only acts on what can be acted upon
(Prieto, Vega, Felipe & Meneses, 2019).
Humanism

Humanism is a school of thought who

asserts that as human beings, we have the
right, power and responsibility to give
meaning and shaped our own lives.

Humanists believed that humans are not just

stewards of God’s creation; they are also the
one who has the ability to control themselves
as well as the world they live in. This is the
same belief that most of the scientists have.
The main reason why they view the world as a
place that they can control (enframing), a place where they can study and
discover things that lead them to invent and create technologies that can help
them and the society achieve good life.

Theism

Theism is not a school of thought; it is a belief in

the existence of one Supreme Being (God) or
deities (gods). They also believe that God or gods
are all-knowing, powerful and pervasive.

Theists claimed that the ultimate basis for

happiness is the intimate communication and
relationship with God. Thus, they believed that
having this kind of relationship to God as the
creator of their lives gives meaning to their
existence.

Theism is of two kinds – it can be

Monotheism as the name implied, it is a belief in one
God. The other one is Polytheism, a belief in many
gods.

Aristotle

Aristotle is a Greek philosopher known for his

work “Nicomachean Ethics” where he identified
that the highest good for human beings is
Eudaimonia –happiness (this was discussed in
our previous meeting).
Aristotle’s idea of a good life is living well and
happy life. Thus, he argues that living well and
having a happy life doesn’t mean just acquiring
things or living in pleasure.

Good life for Aristotle is realizing our

potential to cultivate and exercise it to fullest- this in turn lead us to the
greatest fulfillment of our true nature. In addition, Aristotle claimed that to live
well one must be morally virtuous, healthy, live comfortably, have good
friends, is respectable and knows how to exercise his/her unique abilities and
capabilities.
Emrys Westacott

Emrys Westacott is a philosophy professor

at Alfred University and an author of
several philosophy books. In 2018, he
wrote an article entitled “What is the Good
Life?” where he identified the different
meanings of good life or living well.

According to Westacott, good life or living

well can be understand in several ways –
by knowing the essence of moral life; the
life of pleasure; the fulfilled life; the
meaningful life; and the finished life.

The Moral Life - an individual with good life is said to have a moral life.
For Westacott, good life or living well can be attained by living morally –
adhering with the norms and standards of the society. A person is said to be
good and moral if he or she possesses and practices most of the important
virtues such as: kindness, generosity, truthfulness, loyalty, and courage. Most
importantly, he or she doesn’t only pursuing his/her own pleasure but also
spent time in pursuing things that could benefit the society.

The Life of Pleasure – Westacott agreed with the philosophy of

Epicurus, good life is a pleasurable life. However, he emphasized that
indulging oneself to excessive pleasure will eventually lead him or her to
degeneracy. Thus eating and drinking excessively can cause us health
problems that will limit the span of pleasure that we may experience.

Using the philosophy of Epicurus, Westacott describe a person with good life
as a person that feels good and has lots of good and happy experiences.

The Fulfilled Life – Westacott’s definition of good life as fulfilled life is

anchored on the philosophy of Aristotle. Thus, a fulfilled life is a life in which
an individual have the chance to pursue his or her calling by maximizing his
or her potentials without harming others.

The Meaningful Life – this concept or idea refers to the happiness felt by
people who found their purpose, fulfillment and satisfaction in life. As stated
by Westacott, a good life can also be understood by having a meaningful life
in which an individual finds their meaning in life through their passion, work,
and or family.
The Finished Life - refers to achieving your dream life. Thus, Westacott
claimed that a good life can be defined as finished life where your passion,
joy, significance and potential are realized and yours dreams were fulfilled.
 However, Westacott argued that no one can tell if a person really live a good
life until that person dies. This is because a person can appear to be happy
and live a fine life, however, when he or she dies, revelations of what his or
her true identity will unfold.

In conclusion, Westacott defined good life as both desirable and

admirable in most if not all of the virtues and morals given above.

The Role of Technology in Achieving Good Life

Like what we have discussed, technology plays a huge role in achieving

good life due to the following:

• technology is one of the highest expressions of human potentials or

activities;
• technology alone is a means of achieving good life because the main
aim of its creation is to improve society’s life;
• technology allows us thrive and flourish if we desire; and
• using technology in a virtuous way can help us flourish and live a good
life.

All of us wanted a good life and pursuing it entails a lot of hard work.
Hard work that is not only evident physically and intellectually but also in
values. In addition, a person living a good life is also known to be virtuous
and moral.

Let’s Elaborate:

Let the class know your own definition of good life, kindly answer this
question: “What is good life for you?” Share your answer on our group chat.

Expected Output:

For you output in this lesson you need to submit a maximum of 2-pages
reflection of your stand about good life and ways on how to attain or
experience good life.

Format for reflection paper

Font style and size: Arial or Calibri 12”

Margin: 1” for all sides
First line: Your name – e.g. Rosalie Esteban (left align)
Second line: Year and Section – e.g. BSE SCI 2A (left align)
Third line: Title of Paper – e.g. Analysis Paper No. 2
For the body of your paper, it must be Justify aligned with 1.5 spacing
For reference or citations, use single spacing and use the 7 th edition APA
format Use the rubric below as your guide to successfully finish your paper.

RUBRIC FOR REFLECTION

5 4 3 2 COMMENT
 S
Reflective
The The reflection The reflection The
reflection
Thinking explains the attempts to reflection
explains the students’ own demonstrate does not
st udent’s thinking and thinking about address
thinking learning learning but is the
about his/her processes, as vague and/or student’s
own learning well as the unclear about thinking
processes implications the personal and/or
for future learning learning
learning process
Analysis The reflection The The reflection The
is an in-depth reflection is attempts to reflection
analysis of the an analysis analyze the does not
learning of the learning move
experience, learning experience but beyond a
the value of experience the value of description
the derived and the the learning to of the
learning to self value of the the student or learning
or others, and derived others is experience
the learning to vague and/or
enhancement self or others unclear
of the
student’s
appreciation
for the
discipline
Making The reflection The The reflection The
Connection articulates reflection attempts to reflection
s or multiple articulates articulate does not
Cohesiven connections connections connections articulate
ess between this between this between the any
learning learning learning connection
experience experience experience to other
and content and content and content learning or
from other from other from other experience
courses, past courses, courses, past s.
learning, life past learning learning
experience experiences, experiences, or
and/or future and/or future personal
goals goals goals but the
connection is
vague and/or
unclear
Lifted from: http://earlycollegeconference.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/12/Portfolio-Rubric-for-
Reflection.PRINT_.pdf

Once done, submit your tasks on our next meeting.

Congratulations! You made it to the 3rd lesson of Unit 2.

REFERENCES:

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology and
Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technol ogy and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

The Cook (life lessons).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuEJ2XS8V6c&feature=share

URL
http://earlycollegeconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Portfolio-
Rubric-for Reflection.PRINT.pdf

Lesson 4: When Technology and Humanity Cross

Good day to you!

Previously, you have learned that with the

help of technology, you can have a better life –
you can be happy because it can help you work
easier and faster. Thus, we can say that
technology is a means for us to live a good life.
However, Aristotle stated that one way of
achieving good life is for us to maximize our
potentials as human beings, and in order for us
to do that we must first understand our human
rights.

In this lesson, we will be discussing fundamental human rights

that will protect and ensure our well-being amidst scientific and
technological advancements. It is important for us to know our rights for
these will serve as our guide in pursuing a good life through the use of
technology. Also, we will be dealing with different concepts about robots
vis-à-vis humanity.

Learning Goals:
 Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this lesson.
After this lesson, you should be able to:

4. examine human rights in order to uphold such rights in

technological ethical dilemmas;
5. evaluate contemporary human experience in order to strengthen
and enlighten the human person functioning in society; and
6. discuss the effects of the interaction of technology and humanity
through the challenges they encounter.

Are the learning goals above clear to you? Remember that those are
the things that will keep you on the right track as you explore our topic. I know
that you are already excited with our lesson! So what are you waiting for?
Start flipping the pages! Good luck and hope you will learn something
valuable in this lesson.

To begin with, carefully analyze the pictures below then answer the
questions that follow.
 a. What can you say about the pictures?
b. Do you think these scenarios would really take place in the future?
c. What did you feel seeing the pictures?

Let’s Explore:

Here’s a short film that would remind you that new things aren’t always
better.

Video 1:
Tea Time
https://www.youtube.com/wacth?v=9pdsuRWe0z0&feature=share
Explanation:

What separates humans from other organisms is our capacity for reason. We
have the right to make choices that enable us and the society to flourish; and
in order to flourish or have good life we must properly and consistently
exercise our rights by accepting or rejecting; minimizing or maximizing;
evaluating; and deciding the range and functions of science and technology.
Hence, our rights as humans are the critical factors to be considered in our
pursuit of good life in the face of scientific and technological developments.

Protecting a human’s well-being and upholding the dignity of a person

by strengthening human rights are the major concern of The United Nations
General Assembly in proclaiming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR) on December 10, 1948. UDHR identified the fundamental human
rights that are vital and necessary in achieving good life. Its first seven
articles are said to be the most significant rights of humans which are as
follows:
 Article 1: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and
rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act
towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”.

Article 2: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedom set forth in
this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property,
birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of
the political, jurisdiction or international status of the country or territory to
which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing
or under any other limitation of sovereignty”.

Article 3: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person”.

Article 4: “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the
slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms”.

Article 5: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or

degrading treatment or punishment”.

Article 6: “Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a

person before the law”.

Article 7: “All are equal before the law and are entitled without any
discrimination to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this
Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination”.

These rights are equated to freedom that all of us are entitled and
guaranteed by virtue of being human. Consequently, our rights as human are
rights to sustainability (Mukherjee, 2012) and can function as a means of
protecting the poor and the weak from the deficiencies and excesses of
science and technology. Moreover, humans can flourish with science and
technology by injecting the moral and ethical duty of protecting and upholding
human rights to develop sustainable approach in bridging the gap between
develop and developing countries.

Status of Technological Use in the Philippines

We can’t avoid the fact that technology is already part of our society.
Whether we like it or not, we are affected directly and indirectly by
technology. Thus, most of us if not all are highly dependable on the different
technologies made readily available in our environment. Because
technologies offer convenience, pleasure, happiness and easier
communication.

Furthermore, there are number of technological devices that can be easily

found inside our homes making it more accessible to everyone. Hence, we
can infer that these technological devices are some of the most commonly
used types of devices across all age groups. Almost all households, if not all,
own these types of devices. To be more specific, these devices include:
television sets, mobile phones and computers. People all over the world use
these technologies everyday to accomplish their different tasks.

According to Kantar Media, one of

the most trusted television audience
measurement providers in the Philippines
92 percent of the urban homes and 70
percent of rural homes own at least one
television set.
 In 2012, Noda reported that 15,135
million households have television set, which
mean that this device have greatly influenced
Filipinos way of living. In addition, the survey
conducted by Kantar Media proved that
almost all Filipino households use this
particular
device.

In the late 1800’s Paul Julius Gottlieb Nipknow, a German engineer

and invertor, successfully send images through wires with the aid of a rotating
metal disk also known as “Nipknow disk”. The said disk had 18 lines of
resolution and was called as “electric telescope”. Nipknow laid the foundation
of television, since his invention was used as a fundamental component in the
first televisions. Thus, Nipknow was known to be the one who proposed the
world's first electromechanical television system. Following the success of
Nipknow- Allan Archibald, Campbell-Swinton and Boris Rosing created a new
system of revision through the use of cathode ray tube in addition to the
mechanical scanner system. Thus, with the success of the two inventions
pave way for the two types of television systems – the mechanical and the
electronic television systems.
Filipinos’ fascination on mobile
phones was very evident on the survey
conducted in 2010 by Synovate – a
global research agency. The survey
revealed that 67 percent product
ownership in the Philippines and more
than half of the Filipino population own
at least one mobile phone. In addition,
in the report made by ABS-CBN in
2010, mobile phones are considered
as the must-have device among young
Filipinos. To prove this claim, the IPos Media Atlas Philippines Nationwide
Urban conducted a survey in 2011-2012 and the result showed that 1 out of 3
Filipinos cannot live without mobile phone.

On April 3, 1973, a senior engineer at Motorola, Martin Cooper made

the world’s first mobile phone call to properly inform their rival
telecommunications company that he was making a call using a mobile
phone. Cooper’s mobile phone weighed 1.1 kilograms and measured
228.6x127x44.4 mm and has a capacity of 30-minute talk time. The challenge
on the first mobile phone was its charging time that took 10 hours. The first
commercial mobile phone was introduced during 183 by Motorola and was
named Motorola DynaTac 8000X (Goodwin, 2016).

Unlike television sets and mobile

phones, computers and laptops are not
the typical device or technology that we
can find inside the Filipino households.
Although there are families that can afford
to buy computers and laptops, most of the
profits gained by computer and laptop
manufacturers come from offices,
businesses, commercial establishments
or schools where such devices have
become part of their necessities.
 In 19th century, Charles Babbage, an English Mathematician professor
designed the analytical engine that was used as the basic framework of the
computers even until the present time. Generally, computers can be classified
into three generations – digital, analog and hybrid computers. The first true
portable, full feature computer was released April 1981and was called the
Osborne 1. Through the progress of science and technology, it was
envisioned that transition from a personal computer to laptop was only a
matter of design, an improvement and a little deviation from a standard
design of a personal computer.

In conclusion a typical household own at least four of the following

devices: a mobile phone (89%), smartphone (53%), table (14%), desktop
(39%), laptop or notebooks (37%), and a smart TV (4%) (Philstar, 2013).
These data prove the deep-seated fascination of Filipinos to different
technological devices.

Roles Played by these Technological Advancements

Different technologies such as television sets, mobile phones, computers

and laptops have different roles and functions in our lives. However, there are
technologies that have multiple functions like mobile phones and laptops.

Television Set – this is the most widely used platform for

advertisements and information dissemination. For most of us, televisions are
used for recreational activities, a means to bond with family members during
weekends and it can also serve as stress reliever to others.

Mobile Phone – the most widely used technology around the world
whose main function is for communication. Traditionally it is used for texting
and calling people far from us. However, due to the advancement of science
and technology, its function also progresses. Currently, mobile phone is
coined as an all-in-one device. We can use it to surf the internet, to watch
our favorite movies, to listen our favorite songs, take pictures more than to
text or to call people. In addition, it is very portable and convenient because it
can fit to any space, may be inside the pocket or bag.

Computer and Laptops – the most widely used device in offices,

schools, shops and other commercial establishments. Computers and laptops
functions as information storage and can be used during conferences,
seminars and meetings.

Robotics and Humanity

One of the great products of the innovative minds of the people is

robot which is now widely used especially by the developed countries like
Japan. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) together with The
United Nations Economic Commission of Europe (UNECE) formulated
working definitions for service robots. Below is the preliminary extract of the
relevant definitions of robot (IFR, 2012):

A robot is actuated mechanism

programmable in two or more axes with degree of
autonomy, moving within its environment, to perform
intended tasks. Autonomy in this context means the
ability to perform the intended tasks based on the current
state and sensing human intervention.
 A service robot is a robot that performs useful tasks for humans or
equipment excluding industrial automation application.

A personal robot or a service robot for

personal use is a service robot used for
noncommercial task, usually by laypersons.
Examples are domestic servant robot, automated
wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot or pet
exercising robot.

Professional service robot is used for commercial

task, usually operated by properly trained operator.
Examples are: surgery robot, rehabilitation robot and
delivery robot.

Roles Played by Robots

Robots are seen to be of great help to us, they can:

• ease our workloads - in office and or at home;

• make our lives more efficient and less stressful;
• can perform repetitive, precise, complicated and dangerous tasks; and
• They can give us pleasure (as a toy, a masterpiece in a museum or
gallery, and or a movie character).

In order to protect and uphold the well-being of humans and because

of ethical consequences, Isaac Asimov’s formulated the three laws of robotics
in the 1940s. The laws are the following:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a
human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given by human beings except where
such orders would conflict with the first law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection
does not conflict the first and second law.

Ethical Dilemma/s Faced by Robotics

Since robots are machines and don’t have life, there are ethical dilemmas
these machines faced, such as:
 1. Safety – this is the primary concern of all individual. Ethical dilemma
comes in if human’s safety is compromised, who will be held
accountable? Who should be blamed, the robot, the person using the
robot or the creator/inventor of the robot?

2. Emotional component and ability to think – is it really acceptable to

produce or create a robot with emotional component? What will
happen to humans? How about our right for protection and security as
human beings?

3. Deviation from the law – what will happen and who is to be blamed if
the problems arise when the robot deviates from the laws specified?
Again is it the robot, the person using the robot or the creator/inventor
of the robot?

Why the Future Does Not Need Us

“Why the future doesn’t need us” is a wired magazine essay written by
Bill Joy in 2000, where he expressed his deep concerns on the progress of
modern technologies. He stated that humans may face extinction due to the
technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) creating intelligent
robots that may replace us. Moreover, Joy claimed that genetics,
nanotechnology and robotics (GNR) are the most powerful technology that
we have in 21st century because they can significantly extend the average
human lifespan, hence they may pose great danger especially when placed in
an abusive hands.

Furthermore, Joy sees danger in the ability of robots, engineered

organisms and nanobots to undergo self-replication. Thus if these
technologies go out of control it could lead to significant damage to the world
we live in. The worst case scenario is that, GNR are smaller than the
traditional or conventional “weapons of mass destruction”, thus making them
readily available to individuals or small groups that can easily utilize them.

What’s the most frightening possibility is that the future does not need
us if the GNR known to be the 21st century’s most powerful technologies can
do everything better, precise, cheaper and faster that humans.

Let’s Elaborate:

Complete the table below.

 Your gadgets at How it occupies your time when you are at
home home

Expected Output:

For your output in this lesson you need to answer the 10-items quiz next
meeting. In addition, you also need to submit all your answers for this lesson
next meeting.

Congratulations! You are now done with module 2.

REFERENCES:

Joy, B. 2000. Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us. Retrieved from:
http://www.wired.com/ wired/archive/8.04/joy_pr.html. 1 of 18.
1/19/2004

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology and
Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

Tea Time. https://www.youtube.com/wacth?v=9pdsuRWe0z0&feature=share

Lesson 1: The Information Age

Hello there!

elcome to Unit 3 of our course Science,

Technology and Society. In this unit, we will
focus on the specific issues in science
technology and society which includes recent
phenomena and potentials with regard to the
advancements of scientific and technological
concepts.
 Lessons in this unit dwells on one of the
government vision’s which is by 2004; science
and technology shall have contributed
significantly to the pressing problems of our
country.

Thus, on this lesson, we will be discussing the development of

information age and its impact on the society. In addition we will also talk
about the different ways on how information age including social media
influenced our lives.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this lesson.
After this lesson, you should be able to:

9. link learned concepts of development and of the information age

that have impacted our lives;
10. determine the impacts of the information age to human lives; and
11. illustrate how social media and information age have impacted our
lives.

After going through the learning goals, I know that you are now excited
to know what this lesson is all about. So what are you waiting for? Start
flipping the pages.

To start with, let me know how familiar you are with the different social media
platforms currently available. Name the following.
 Were you able to name all the logos of the internet platforms given above?

Let’s Explore:

For you to have a good pre-view of our discussion, kindly watch the videos
below.

Video 1:
TEDtalk: Julain Assange on “Why the World Needs Wikileaks”
https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_assange_why_the_world_needs_wikileak
s?language=en

Video 2:
How we decide by Jonah Lehrer
http://fora.tv/2010/01/05/Jonah_Lehrer

Explanation:
Information age refers to the time where information can be widely and easily
disseminated and is readily available through the use of technology such as
computer. This period is also known as “Computer Age, Digital Age and New
Media Age”. In addition, information age is characterized by rapid growth in
communication and information technology.

Information age can also be defined as information and societies that

documents the beginning and growth of electronic information from ancient
times to Samuel Morse's invention of the telegraph in the 1890s through the
development of the telephone, radio, television and computers.

Consequently, the creation of computer and internet enables us to get

all the information we wanted in just a snap of our fingers and transform our
perspective towards working at home. Furthermore, internet permits us to
continue our tasks or routine such as; studying, shopping, paying bills and
ordering food even during pandemic (like what we are experiencing right
now).

Before we unfold the benefits, changes and impacts of information age

to us as well as to the society; let us first find out what happened in the past
and how information progresses through time.

Historical Development

There are four periods of the information age namely:

1. Pre-Mechanical (3000 BC to 1450 AD)

This period marks the beginning of communication. People tried to use

language to draw pictures (petroglyps) to tell story, keep records and map
their terrain. Advancements in language and media used were also evident in
this time, the people made use of rags, papyrus and eventually paper. In
addition, number system was also developed during this time that led to the
invention of the first calculator – the Abacus.

2. Mechanical (1450-1840)

This period showed the connection of the ancient technology to the current
technology that we have. Due to the outburst of interest in language and
computation, many new technologies were developed during this period. One
example is the Pascaline – a mechanical computer invented by Blaise
Pascal, a French mathematician, physicist and religious philosopher known
on his theory of probabilities.

Pascaline which was first known as arithmetic machine is capable of

adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing numbers.

3. Electro-mechanical (1840-1940)

This period signaled the beginning of telecommunications that give birth to

several revolutionary technologies such as the Morse code, telephone, radios
and televisions. These revolutionary technologies were regarded as the
crucial foundation for the development of modern information technology
systems.

The significant technology that was developed during this time was Harvard
Mark 1- created by IBM in 1944. Harvard Mark 1 was the first largescale
automatic digital computer and used by the Manhattan Project to detonate an
atomic bomb by stimulating the feasibility of an implosion.

4. Electronic/information (1940 –present)

In this period, machines already used electronic switches in the form of

vacuum tubes where people can automatically open and close thousands of
times faster than electromechanical relays.

The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was notable

invention during this era. ENIAC was the first electronic general-purpose
computer that used programming in solving large classes of numerical
problems. Also, its first program was the feasibility of the thermonuclear
weapon.

Information Age and the Internet

In formation Age became well-known because of the emergence of
electronic computers that is marked by the transformation of the traditional
industry into an information digitalization based economy. It was conceived
that the beginning of the information age marked the onset of digital
revolution.
The internet which is identical to modern IT, was developed during the
1970s. Internet was envisioned to connect computers together using the
concept of decentralization making it resistant to any single point of failure.
This is also the main reason why it cannot be totally destroyed in one event.
Thus, if there will be areas that will be disabled, information can be rerouted
easily. The primary software applications of the internet were e-mail and
computer-file transfer.

When internet existed, communication became easier however;

scientists find it difficult to access information due to slow speed of file
transfer. The said difficulty was solved through the invention and introduction
of World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1900s. It was at this time that
internet became an easily accessible network.

World Wide Web was developed mainly for commercial purpose. Its
introduction paved way to new services and created new products to sell.
Among the leading personalities who created products that carved the path
for the computers that we currently have is Steve Jobs who created the first
effective personal computer called the Apple 1. It was stated that Apple 1was
a huge advancement in computer sciences because it led the creation of
iPhone, iPod, iPad, iMac, and Apple TV.

Bill Gates is also a huge force in the Information Age. He founded

Microsoft, which creates almost everything that has to do with computers.
Microsoft develops programs like Microsoft Office, Windows, and many other
influential products.

The most notable person on this period was Claude Shannon who is
regarded as the Father of the Information Age. Shannon earned the said title
because of his significant and enormous work that laid the foundation for the
digital world.

Living in the Information Age

What is it like living in the information age? In this era, technology

played an increasing but crucial role on the success of organizations such as
industries, businesses and schools. IT has influenced our society in various
domains including education, the way it process and store information shifted
every aspect of our society.

Currently, IT has become part of our everyday lives. There have been
tremendous changes on how we live, work, play and socialize. Information
technologies such as computers, networks, mobile and wireless devices,
satellite communications, robotics, video text, cable TV, electronic mail (e-
mail), electronic gadget and automated office equipment and other
technological innovation and entrepreneurship have been the key players in
the changes that we experience.
Information technology like computers and mobile phones are
becoming increasingly affordable and they continue to be more powerful as
information processing tools. Some of the advantages of information
technology are:

1. Globalization - IT has made countries all over the world closer that led
to a more efficient, faster and easy sharing of information.
2. Communication - IT has made communication cheaper, quicker and
more efficient. The use of the internet opened virtual face to face
communication from different parts of the world.
3. Cost effectiveness - IT has led to digitalization of business processes
and increased productivity that gave more profits, better pay and
working conditions.
4. Creation of new jobs - IT opened opportunity for computer
programmers, system analysts, hardware, software developers and
web designers.

Moreover, the Information Age has changed people, technology,

science, economies, culture, and even the way people think. The Internet is
arguably the most prominent innovation of the Information Age. The Internet
changed the way people do everything. It has made people lazier, but it also
makes a large amount of the population smarter. The Information Age has
made industrial countries stronger. With online companies being some of the
most successful and economically stimulating businesses out there,
economies receive more from them and keep our world turning. People are
becoming more mature and more educated due to things like the computer
and the Internet. This period has reshaped governments, with new
technology being created every day. Governments can now have more
advanced and effective militaries. Because of things like the Internet, new
laws had to be put in place to stop cyber-crimes, piracy, and identity theft.

Impacts of the Information Age

The Information Age brought about many new inventions and

innovations. Many communication services like texting, email, and social
media developed and the world has not been the same since. People learn
new languages easier and many books have been translated into different
languages, so people around the world can become more educated. More
specifically it has introduced changes in the different aspects of people's
lives, because of: emergence of online companies; creation of economically
and stimulating businesses; more mature and educated people and
reshaping governments with technologies. However, the Information Age is
not all good. There are people in the world that believe they can live their
entire life through the Internet. Also, huge criminal organizations rely on
hacking into government systems and obtaining confidential information to
continue their way of life. Jobs have also become easier, and some jobs can
even be done from the comfort of your own home. The Information Age is
also known as the Age of Entrepreneurship. Now entrepreneurs can start and
run a company easier than ever before. It also impacts our work ethics by
distracting us and causing us to lose interest in the task we are doing. This
time period has also created a shortage of jobs and making many jobs
obsolete because machines are now being used to do the work humans once
did.

In conclusion, the information Age also known as the Computer Age,

Digital Age or New Media Age is a historic period in the 21st century. The
idea it upholds is that access to and the control of information is the defining
characteristic of this current era in human civilization. The driving force
behind changes and new options given to us is an innovation called the
INTERNET. Many possibilities are limitless and convenience is greatly
improved. New forms of communication were introduced. Educational
opportunities were greatly enhanced because of the wealth of knowledge now
placed at the fingertips.

There may be people who do not favor this occurrence citing the
creation of a technological divide, the impersonal nature of electronic
communication and the unregulated nature of the use of internet. Regardless
of these drawbacks, the world continues to becoming wired.

Nowadays, information could be shared or transferred quickly. People

are becoming more interested in sharing information about them. Various
aspects of our society are also being influenced by the Information Age
especially communication, economics, industry, health and the environment.
The rapid upgrade of information poses both positive and negative impacts to
our society. Therefore, we need to carefully check our motives before
disseminating information and we also need to verify information before
believing them and using and sharing them. We should share information that
could help improve our lives and others.

Let’s Elaborate:

For your activity, read the article “The Effects of Using Facebook” (can be
found on the appendix) then complete the table below.
Positive Effects of Using Negative Effects of Using
Facebook Facebook

Expected Output:

For you output in this lesson you need to submit a maximum of 2-pages
essay. Choose 1 among the given topics below.

Essay Topic 1: A day without Technology

Essay Topic 2: Timing your Technology

 Essay Topic 3: Technology and Past (Interviews with elders)

If you wish to ace your reflection paper, kindly adhere to the given rubric
and submit it on our next meeting.

RUBRIC FOR ESSAY

5 4 3 2 COMMENT
S
Focus and There is one There is one The topic and
Details clear, topic. Main the main idea
wellfocused ideas are are not clear
topic. Main somewhat
ideas are clear
clear and are
well
supported by
detailed and
accurate
information
Organizatio The The The There is no
n introduction introduction introduction clear
is inviting, states the states the introduction,
states the main topic main topic structure or
main topic, and provides and a conclusion
and provides an overview conclusion is
an overview
of the essay. included
of the essay.
It includes
Information
is relevant conclusion
and
presented in
logical order.
The
conclusion is
strong
Voice The purpose The purpose The purpose The purpose
of the writer of the writer of the writer of the writer is
is clear and is somewhat is somewhat unclear
there is a clear and clear and
strong there is there is
evidence of some some
attention to evidence of evidence of
the readers. attention to attention to
The writer’s the readers. the readers.
extensive The writer’s The writer’s
knowledge knowledge knowledge
and/or and /or and /or
experience experience experience
with the topic with the topic with the topic
is evident is evident is limited
Word The writer The writer The writer The writer
Choice uses vivid uses vivid uses words uses a limited
words and words and that vocabulary.
phrases. The phrases. The communicat Jargon or
choice of choice and e clearly but clichés may
words placement of the writing be present
seems words is lacks variety and detract
accurate, inaccurate at
from the
natural times and/or
 and not seems meaning
forced overdone
Sentence All Most Sentences
Structure, sentences sentences sound
Grammar, are well are well awkward, are
Mechanics constructed constructed distractingly
and Spelling and have but they repetitive, or
varied have the are difficult to
similar understand.
structure and
structure and The writer
length. The
length. The makes
writer makes writer makes numerous
no errors in several errors in
grammar, errors in grammar,
mechanics grammar, mechanics
and spelling mechanics and spelling
and spelling the interfere
that interfere with
with understandin
understandin
g
g
Lifted from: www.readwritethink.org>essay-rubric.pdf REFERENCES:

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology

and Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.
URL:
https://ehs.slu.edu.ph
www.readwritethink.org>essay-rubric.pdf
https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_assange_why_the_world_needs_wikileaks?l
anguage=en
http://fora.tv/2010/01/05/Jonah_Lehrer

The Effects of Using the Facebook

By Anne Gelene Tobias-Domangsang

”Think about what people are doing on Facebook today. They’re

keeping up with their friends and family, but they’re also building an image
and identity for themselves, which in a sense is their brand. They’re
connecting with the audience what they want to connect to. It’s almost a
disadvantage if you’re not in a now.” – Mark Zuckerberg.
 With the advent and the continuous development of technology comes
the Internet and the emerging issues that it brings. According to the Internet
World Statistics, there are approximately 2,267,233,742 internet users
worldwide in 2012. Today, it is no doubt that such number has dramatically
increased.

The purpose of the Internet has been changing from time to time.
Decades ago, many people used the Internet mainly to research and acquire
relevant information that could be valuable in their fields of study and life
endeavours. It has also been used to communicate with people. Today,
however, many people use the Internet as their main source of entertainment
and socialization. You can even bet that many of these Internet users only go
online to check their Facebook accounts.

It is important to learn that the Statistics Portal reports 1.44 billion

monthly active Facebook users monthly as of the first quarter of 2015. Active
users are defined as those have logged into Facebook during the last 30
days. Interestingly, Facebook users 2008 did not even reach a hundred
million. But in the third quarter 2012, the number of active Facebook users
skyrocketed and surpassed 1 billion. Furthermore, as of that quarter, the
social network had 1.25 billion active mobile users.

A question remains, however; what is really the impact of Facebook in

our world today?

The Facebook can be used to connect with people. Probably, all of us

have found friends and acquaintances that we would like to reconnect with in
the Facebook. This has been one of the fastest way to chat and communicate
with people all over the world. We can use this social network to invite friends
to an important event, inform people of significant news in our lives, and vice
versa. This has also been a very effective way to advertise business pursuits,
look for job opportunities, validate the credibility of a certain individual or
organization, be informed about important world phenomenon search for
great leisure places, find a great educational opportunity and many more.

However, if the Facebook renders countless benefits, it may also

cause danger to users who are not cautious and alert. For example, adding
strangers, fake accounts and untrustworthy acquaintances on Facebook may
cause threat on the individual and his or her family security. If not careful, one
may also be a victim of business and other organizational scams. Other
people may even believe on information and news form unreliable sources,
and cause other people to be misled by sharing such information.
Pornography and other materials that are not appropriate for young people
can be accessed easily. Cyberbullying and persecution have caused many
people pain and suffering. Sometimes, opportunities for genuine face-to-face
interaction are sacrificed, and precious time is wasted.

Kimberly S. Young’s research study entitled “Internet Addiction: A New

Clinical Phenomenon and It’s Consequences” in 2013, tackles very critical
issues that happen in reality among internet users, in which she explains that
the Internet has great effects, not just to the students and employees, but
also to family relationships. In fact, three surprising problems among users
emerged after conducting the study: (1) cyber affair, (2) student internet
abuse and (3) employee internet abuse. Social media, specifically the
Facebook, play a great role in such issues.
 So, is the Facebook a blessing to the world of communications and
social media? Or is it a cause for worry among the guardians of societal
ethics and morality? Is it a boon or a bane?

Well, as we reflect upon the impact of social media, it is important to

remember that in the end, it is till up us whether to use social media to our
advantage or allow us to destroy us. The Facebook and other social media
can be very beneficial if used properly. It can help us connect with people and
pursue great opportunities. Pornography, cyberbullying, and other online
scams will not be able to affect us if we do not allow it to enter into our online
lives. Because in the end, the nature of the internet is not really the challenge
– but the discipline of its users.

Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Good day to you!

How are you feeling today? I hope that

amidst our situation, you are fine and can
always see the silver lining of what we are
experiencing right now.

In this lesson we will be focusing on the

interconnection of environment, health and society
as well as the value of biodiversity as our source of
our biological resources with regard to our
consumption of goods.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this lesson.
After this lesson, you should be able to:

12. determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health;

13. explain the impact of biodiversity on human population growth;
14. discuss the adverse effects of resource depletion on society and
the measures that mitigate them; and
15. identify ways how we can protect our environment by knowing the
signs of contamination.

Always remember to familiarize yourself with the given goals above for
you to scientifically understand and apply our lesson in your daily activities.

I know that you are already excited to start your new journey. Before
you start, let us first do some environmental scanning. Kindly observe your
current environment then list the components of biodiversity that you can find
and give their benefits.

Let’s Explore:

To have a good grasps of our lesson, find time to read the following:

Reading 1:
Life and Biodiversity ppt. Evolution and biodiversity Eco
scienceBiodiversity: an overview
https://www.slideserve.com/alban/evolution-and-biodiversity Reading 2:
Biodiversity: Concept, Threats and Conservation
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294876262_Biodiversity_Concep
t_Threats_and_Conservation

Reading 3:
Biodiversity Loss and its Impact on Humanity
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225283251_Biodiversity_loss_an
d_its_impact_on_humanity

Explanation:

The biosphere, the surface of the Earth where living organisms live, is
comprises of various collections of countless organisms, called biodiversity,
which made up the essential life support for the survival of humans.

Walter G. Rosen was the first person who used the term biodiversity.
Biodiversity comes from the Greek word “bio” which means life and the Latin
word “diversitas’ meaning variety or difference. Thus, biodiversity mean
variety of life.

Biodiversity is an abbreviation of the words biological diversity. Below are

some of the definitions of biodiversity:

a. Biodiversity is the totality of diverse life forms found on biosphere

from single celled organisms such as bacteria and fungi, up to the
multicellular organisms such as plants, mammals and fishes at the
different biological levels including gens, habitats and ecosystem.
b. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth and their
interconnection with each other.
c. Biodiversity pertains to the “variability among living organisms from
all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic
eco-system and the ecological complexes of which the area part –
this include diversity within species, between species and of
ecosystem” (Biological Convention in Brazil, 1992).

Biodiversity is of three types as specified in the last definition above;

diversity within species- diversity of genes, diversity between species –
diversity of species, and of ecosystem – diversity of ecosystem.
 Diversity of genes refers to variation of genetic
characteristics within a species.

Diversity of species pertains to the number of

different specie s found in a given biological
organization.

Diversity of ecosystem is defined as the variety

of habitats, communities and ecological processes.

Benefits and Importance of Biodiversity

All organisms found in an ecosystem including human beings are part of

the network of life. Each species of plants, insects and animals has a place on
Earth and has their own vital role in the web of life. These species interact with
and depend upon each other either for food, shelter or oxygen.

Sustaining a vast dive rsity of species in ecosystem is essential to

preserve the network that supports all living things. Thus, “it is reckless to
assume that biodiversity can be diminished indefinite ly without threatening
humanity itself” (Wilson, 1992).

Biodiversity offers huge benefits to the survival of human beings. Below is

the list of the beneficial effects of biodiversity:

a) Consumptive Value – pertains to the direct utilization or

consumption of goods by humans. This includes:
• Food/drinks
• Fuel
• Medicine
• Better crop varieties
• Industrial materials
b) Non-consumptive Value – refers to all the functions and services
that biodiversity offers, this includes:
• Recreation
• Education and Research
• Traditional Value
• Ecological Services such as:
➢ Balance of Nature
➢ Biological Productivity
➢ Regulation of Climate
 ➢ Degradation of Waste
➢ Cleaning Air and Water
➢ Cycling of Nutrients
➢ Control of Potential Pest and Disease Causing
Species
➢ Detoxification of Soil and Sediments
➢ Stabilization of Land against Erosion
➢ Carbon Sequestration and Global Climate Change
➢ Maintenance of Soil Fertility

Threats to Biodiversity

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in boosting the productivity in an ecosystem

where organisms depend on to live and to survive. However, we tend to do a
lot of activities that can harm, endangered or threaten biodiversity. Below are
some of the threats to biodiversity:

a) Climate Change – refers to the long term and irreversible change

on the Earth’s climate which is associated to human activities
(directly or indirectly). Thus, the increase in temperature of the
atmosphere has a major impact on the environment such as:
increased in sea levels, ocean acidification, extreme drought,
decline in crop productivity, and heavy rainfall across the globe.

b) Destruction and Loss of Habitat- pertains to the changes in the

environment that led to the rendering of a specific habitat to be
functionally value. Human activities that resulted to the destruction
and loss of habitat of species include: deforestation, mining and
logging.

Habitat loss and destruction can be caused also by natural

phenomena such as earthquake, typhoon and volcanic eruptions.

c) Pollution – refers to all types of substances used by humans that

can harm or poison the biosphere. All kinds of pollution-be it air,
water or land appear to be a threat to all organisms found on Earth.

d) Invasive Species – pertains to the introduction of an exotic or

unnatural species to a new habitat. This type of activity poses
danger to the native species found on that specific habitat because
it can induce great competition for resources. Thus, if the exotic or
unnatural species successfully thrive on the area, they are called
“invasive” ones. However if it did not successfully flourish on that
area, the exotic or unnatural species will die.

e) Exploitation of Plants and Animals – refers to direct and indirect

harvesting of renewable resources such as plants and animals that
led to diminishing and destruction of the said resources.
f) Growth of Human Population – pertains to the rapid increase of
human population that puts pressure on the environment,
threatening the survival of natural species and habitats.

g) Other Potential Threats – this includes the epidemics and infectious

diseases like malaria, dengue and flu that affect wildlife as well as
human health.
 With all the given threats above, how can we now identify and
recognize that our environment is already contaminated? Actually, scientists
enumerated signs that tell us how contaminated our environment is and these
are the following:

➢ Disruption of reproductive cycle in birds that was the product of

high concentrations of pesticides
➢ Population declines and deaths of fish attributed to
contamination from oil spills.
➢ Disorientation and deaths of marine mammals (whales and
turtles) due to coastal pollutant runoff.
➢ Contaminated air and water.

Current Issues on Biodiversity

Human activities posed danger and threat to biodiversity all over the
world. Thus, we need to take a look at the condition and status of biodiversity
in our country. What are the underlying issues that our country is currently
facing?
1. From 450,000 hectares of Mangrove forests in 1918, we now only
have 149,000 hectares.
2. More than half (14,000 sq. km.) of our country’s wetlands which are
of international importance are already threatened.
3. Today we have only six million hectares of forests from the
original17 million hectares in 1935.

Knowing the different issues our country is facing with regard to

biodiversity, what can do now?

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity conservation is defined as the protection and management of

biodiversity to acquire resources for sustainable development. It has three
aims which include: preserving the diversity of species; sustainable utilization
of species and ecosystem; and maintaining life-support system and
necessary ecological process.

Below is a list of ways on how we can effective conserve biodiversity.

1. In-situ Conservation – the conservation method that takes place

within the species natural habitat. In this way, the natural ecosystem
is protected and maintained.

In-situ conservation of biodiversity offers great

advantages such as: convenience and cost effective; conserving
large number of living organisms simultaneously; and helping
the organism to better evolve and adjust to different
environmental conditions because species are in their natural
habitat.

Places or areas where in-situ conservation is highly

implemented were wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and
biosphere reserves.
 2. Ex-situ Conservation – the conservation method that uses breeding
and maintenance of endangered species in artificial ecosystem
such as botanical garden, gene banks and zoo.

Advantages of employing ex-situ conservation are:

species were provided with longer time of breeding activity; the
captive bred species can be reintroduced in the wild; and genetic
techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered
species.

As a student, how can you help conserve biodiversity?

In conclusion, as humans we are known to be the stewards of different

things, living and non-living, found on Earth. We are different with other living
organisms because of reason and freedom to choose, thus it is our moral
obligation to conserve biodiversity and the environment as well, simply
because biodiversity is our life. Continuous depletion and destruction of
biodiversity will threaten our existence here on Earth.

3. What can you do to help promote safekeeping of our biodiversity?

4. What is your stand on the value of biodiversity for health and
medicine? What are the factors to consider in distinguishing the
good and bad ways of utilizing biodiversity in this context?
5. What role does the environment play in addressing the needs of the
society?

Format for reflection paper

Font style and size: Arial or Calibri 12”

Margin: 1” for all sides
First line: Your name – e.g. Rosalie Esteban (left align)
Second line: Year and Section – e.g. BSE SCI 2A (left align)
Third line: Title of Paper – e.g. Reflection Paper No. 3
For the body of your paper, it must be Justify aligned with 1.5 spacing
For reference or citations, use single spacing and use the 7 th edition APA
format

5 4 3 2 COMMENT
S
Reflective The reflection The The reflection The
Thinking explains the reflection attempts to reflection
students’ own explains the demonstrate does not
thinking and student’s thinking about address
learning thinking learning but is the
processes, as about his/her vague and/or student’s
well as the own learning unclear about thinking
implications the personal and/or
processes
for future learning learning
learning process
Analysis The reflection The The reflection The
is an in-depth reflection is attempts to reflection
analysis of the an analysis analyze the does not
learning of the learning move
experience, learning experience but beyond a
the value of experience the value of description
the derived and the the learning to of the
learning to self value of the the student or learning
or others, and derived others is experience
the learning to vague and/or
enhancement self or others unclear
of the
student’s
appreciation
for the
discipline
Making The reflection The The reflection The
Connection articulates reflection attempts to reflection
s or multiple articulates articulate does not
connections connections connections articulate
Your reflection paper will be graded using the rubric found on the next page.
 Cohesiven between this between this between the any
ess learning learning learning connection
experience experience experience to other
and content and content and content learning or
from other from other from other experience
courses, past courses, courses, past s.
learning, life past learning learning
experience experiences,experiences,
and/or future and/or futureor personal
goals goals goals but the
connection is
vague and/or
unclear
RUBRIC FOR REFLECTION
https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/FerJTagacay1/biodivrsity-and -the-
healthysociety https://www.slideserve.com/alban/evolution-and-biodiversity

Lifted from: http://earlycollegeconference.org/wp-

content/uploads/2014/12/Portfolio-Rubric-for-
Reflection.PRINT_.pdf

Once done, submit your tasks (work sheet and reflection) in our goggle
classroom or on our next meeting.

Congratulations! You made it to the 2nd lesson of Unit 3.

REFERENCES:

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology and
Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294876262_Biodiversity_Concept_T
URL hreats_and_Conservation

http://earlycollegeconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Portfolio-
Rubric-for Reflection. PRINT.pdf

https://byjus.com/biology/biodiversity-conservation/
 Lesson 3: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Hello there!

How are you feeling today? I hope that

amidst our situation, you are fine and can always
see the silver lining of what we are experiencing
right now.

In th is lesson we will be discovering the

essence of genetically modified organisms, the
moral, ethical issues and their impacts on the
society.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this

lesson. After this lesson, you should be able to:

16. Define what is GMO;

17. explain the process of genetic engineering;
18. identify the uses and effects of GMOs on society, particularly in the
context of health and economy; and
19. discuss the moral and bioethical questions concerning GMOs an d
genetic engineering.

After going through the learning goals, I know that you are now excited
to know what this lesson is all about. So what are you waiting for? Start
flipping the pages.

But before you do that, kindly tell me first what do you know ab out
GMOs? Are you familiar with this word? Can you give examples of GMO
products? Write your answers below.

Trivia Time:
 Do you know that?

Over 12% of global Soybeans count

farmland grows GMO for half of all
crops as of 2016. GMO crops grown
worldwide.

54% of all GMOs GMO corn has between

worldwide grow in 6 to 25% greater yields
the Third World than no
n-GMO corn.
as of 2013.

38 Countries around the world ban the

growing of GMO crops inside their
borders.

Trivia are from facts.net

What can you say about the information you had read? Are they new to
you? Find out more as you go through the discussion of this lesson. Good
luck!

Explanation:

What kind of organisms or prod ucts are genetically modified organisms

(GMOs)? Why it becomes one of the major concerns of our society nowadays?

Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms whose genetic material/s have been
manipulated, modified or altered in a laboratory or test tube using the techniques of
genetic engineering. GMOs include genes from plants, animals, bacteria and virus
that were combined or crossbred to produce new kind of species that do not naturally
exists in the environment.

GMO is synonymous with the term “Genetic Engineering, Recombinant

DNA, and Gene Splicing”. Commonly, GMOs are being used in food and
medicines which give rise to different concerns about the danger they might
cause to the environment as well as to human’s health.

GMOs are known because of the following reasons:

• Genetically modified organisms are used for scientific research to
create new species
• GMOs are also used to research human diseases
• GMOs are used to produce industrial products such as fibers for
multiple uses.
 • Creating improved crops.
• Producing products intended for human’s therapeutic use; examples
are pharmaceutical products and tissue or organ for implantation.
• Enhancing the quality of food and its production like faster growing
chickens and fish that can digest food more efficiently.
• Improving animal health

History of GMO

Lifted from the figures

Anna
of
Maurer, 2015: from Corgis to Corn

Production of GMOs

GMOs are produced using genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is a

process of modifying or altering the genetic makeup of an organism using
recombinant DNA. It involves the following process:

a. Identifying the genetic information needed or gene that contain the

desired trait of an organism
b. Copying the information of the needed or desired trait
c. Inserting the copied, desired trait to another organism
d. Growing of the new organism

Consequently since GMOs are product of genetic engineering, its

production follows the same process. For you to better understand below is
the step by step process of making a genetically modified organism. (For your
better understanding, concrete example is used; in this case I used corn)

1. Identify
In producing genetically modified corn, the first thing that
scientists do is to identify what trait they want a GM corn to have
 such as resistance to insects and drought. Then they will look for
an organism such as plant, animal or bacteria that has the trait they
desire.

2. Copy
After finding the gene with the desired trait, scientist then copies
the said gene. In GM corn, scientist copied the Bt gene that
contains insect-resistant trait.

3. Insert
Then, the scientist will make use of a device to insert the copied
Bt gene into the corn that they want to have the insect-resistance
trait. Thus the inserted Bt gene will make the corn resistant to
insects. However, it would not affect the existing traits of the corn.

4. Grow
The final step is for the scientist to grow the new corn plant in
the laboratory. This is done to ensure that the corn has adopted the
desired trait. Continuous observation and series of test are being
employed to the new breed of corn before transferring it to
greenhouses then eventually into larger field.

GMOs undergo an in-depth observation, monitoring, review and safety

tests before sending or selling it to the farmers or markets. In addition, it takes
several years for a GMO to be seen or sold to the marketplace

Advantages and Disadvantages of GMOs

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

1. Reduce the use of pesticides and 1. Unacceptable to some groups of

other toxic chemicals individual to copy their genes or
other species genes.

2. Improves the nutritional value of 2. Production of GMOs interferes in

food food chain.

3. Desired characteristics of food 3. GM animals tend to suffer more

are acquired faster and in a short health problems.
period of time.

4. Sick people or people with medical 4. GMOs can provide allergic

conditions rely on GMO for reactions to both animals and
medicines humans.
5. Production of GMOs can lead to
5. Best solution to the problem of
genetic pollution.
the world which is hunger
because of its ability to produce
food in short period

6. Creation of species that is

resistant to pesticides.

7. Helps in the process of 7. GM crops slowly destroy our

remediation in cleaning up waste ecosystem as well as the species
and pollution with the help of within it.
living organisms.
 8. GMOs are used to treat genetic 8. GMOs disrupt the natural genetic
disorders and cancers. information of an organism

9. GM food is known to contaminate

the environment causing deformed
babies.

10. FDA has not approved

consuming of GM animals.

Issues on GMOs

Though there are advantages GMOs can provide, there are still a lot of
issues concerning human’s health and safety as well as environmental
sustainability. Below are some of the questions posed to GMOs.

1. Does manipulation or alteration of organism’s genes moral?

2. Is it ethical to produce an altered or artificial organism?

3. Is the food sold in the market safe? Should they be labeled?

4. Are there adverse effects on the environment?

5. Who will benefit on the production of GMOs?

6. Is there a risk of using GMOs?

Environmental Hazards

The impacts of GMOs to our environment are:

• Loss of insect biodiversity in agroecosystem

• It creates secondary pests
• Since GMOs can be produced quicker, its use in agriculture narrowed
the gene pool and caused a loss of biodiversity. In addition, agriculture
is the main reason of the change and degradation of environment.

In conclusion, knowing the different disadvantages of GMOs, it is our

responsibility to protect our health. It is important that we know what we eat,
thus, reading the labels of the food we buy at the marketplace is a must.

Let’s Elaborate:

To widen your knowledge about GMOs you need to:

1. Search the net/magazines for edible products that make use of

GMOs as ingredients. (include the photos or pictures of the product)
2. Make two pages compilation of pictures of GMOs product then
answer the question: “How does the use of GMO ingredient in the
product reduce the deficiency of the same product that uses
nonGMO ingredient?”
3. After, submit your work in our google classroom.
Expected Output:

For your output in this lesson you need to answer the 10-items quiz
next meeting.

Congratulations! You are now done with lesson 3 of unit 3.

REFERENCES:

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology and
Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E .F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

Rangel, G. 2015. From Corgis to Corn: A Brief Look at the Long History of
GMO Technology. Retrieved from:
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/from-corgis-to-corn-a-brief-
look-at-the-long-history-of-gmotechnology/#:~:text=An%20
enormous%20
breakthrough%20in%20GMO,and%20paste%20it%20into%20anoth
er.
URL

http://facts.net
 Lesson 4: Gene Therapy

A pleasant day to you!

Previously we talked about how new

species is formed through the use of genetic
engineering. Thus, modification or alteration of
genetic information can be both beneficial and
harmful not only to living organisms but to th e
environment as well.

In this lesson we will continue our discussion

regarding genetic engineering. Particularly, this will
focus on the application of genetic engineering to
human healthcare. In addition, we will also discuss the different types of
genetic diseases and how these diseases can be cured using the concept
and techniques of gene therapy.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this

lesson. After this lesson, you should be able to:

20. describe gene therapy and its various forms; and

21. assess the issue’s potential benefits and detriments to global health

Always remember to familiarize yourself with the given goals above for
you to scientifically understand and apply our lesson in your daily activities.

I know that you are already excited to start with our lesson. But before
you begin, kindly think of word or words that are associated with gene therapy
by completing the diagram below.

Be eficial Effects
n

Gene Therapy

Harmful Effects

Let’s Explore:

For you to have a glimpse of what is gene therapy and how it is

applied in human healthcare, you need to watch the following videos.

Video 1:
YouTube: Science Friction: Stem Cell Research
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPy7NFkJTQhttps://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=mPy7NFkJ-TQ
 Video 2:
TED Talk: Susan Lim on “Transplant Cell Not Organs”
https://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/Arti
cleID/6350/Fat-Cells-to-Stem-Cells--A-Moonshot-Idea.aspx

Video 3:
TED Talk: Juan Enriquez on “the Next Species of Human
https://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_the_next_species_of_human
?language=en

Explanation:

One of the major concerns of science and technology is to improve the

health care system of the society. This is the main reason science and
technology continuously finds ways on how to cure or prevent diseases
(inherited or acquired) and prolong the range of human’s lives. Consequently,
one way of curing and preventing diseases to occur is to make use of the
knowledge or concept of genetics known as gene therapy.

Gene therapy enables new fields and method of health care. Gene therapy
can be defined as:

❖ a method of inserting genes into cells as a form of medicine to

prevent or cure genetic diseases.
❖ a technique used for correcting defective genes that are
responsible for the development of the disease.
❖ a method that uses genetic engineering to alter or modify genes in
a cell to cure or stop the disease.

Do you know that, in 1972, Theodore Friedman and Richard Roblin

proposed that people with genetic disorders can be treated by replacing their
defective genes with good genes? Also, in 1985, Dr. W. French Anderson
and Dr. Michael Blasse collaborated to prove that patients with Adenosine
Deaminase (ADA) deficiency can be corrected in tissue culture. However, the
first approved experiment on gene therapy took place in September 14, 1990
at the United States, when Ashanti DeSilva with ADA-SCID was treated.

Types of Gene Therapy

Generally, there are two major types of gene therapy – the somatic cell gene
therapy and the germ line gene therapy.

Somatic cell gene therapy

• Somatic cells are also known as body cells. These are the cells
that do not produce reproductive cells such as eggs and sperms.
• Somatic cell gene therapy refers to the insertion of therapeutic
genes into the somatic cells.
• Its main aim is to cure the genetic disease found only in the patient
and can’t be transferred or inherited by the succeeding
generations.
• Examples include: insertion of genes into blood cells, skin cells and
bone marrow cells.

Germ line gene therapy

• Germ line cells are also known as reproductive cells (eggs and
sperms cells).
 • Germ line gene therapy pertains to the insertion of therapeutic
genes into the reproductive cells.
• This type of therapy enables the correction of the disease-causing
gene to be inherited by the succeeding generations
• Apparently, there is no recorded attempt on using this type of gene
therapy because of technical, safety and ethical reasons.

Approaches in Gene Therapy

There are many approaches to gene therapy, which includes the insertion of
a healthy copy of a mutated gene, deactivating mutated gene that is
malfunctioned or introducing new gene into a desired tissue. There 2 possible
ways of delivering the genetic material: it can be “in vivo” or “ex vivo”.
In Vivo Gene Therapy Ex Vivo Gene Therapy
✓ Directly delivers the gene into the ✓ Getting or collecting the genes from
cells of a particular tissue in the the patient, genetically modifies
body. them in the laboratory, and then
reintroduce them to the patient.

✓ Uses medium or carrier called ✓ Grow the cells in culture

vector
✓ Used by patients whose individual ✓ Used for patients whose genes can
cells cannot be be cultured and grow in vitro.
cultured in vitro in sufficient
number.
✓ Necessary when cultured cells ✓ Applied or used when cultured cells
cannot be effectively reimplanted can be effectively reimplanted or
or re-inserted in the patient’s re-inserted in the patient’s body.
body.
✓ Examples: Therapy for cystic ✓ Examples: Therapy for Severe
fibrosis combined immunodeficiency
✓ (SCID)
✓ Technique therapy for Adenosine
Deaminase (ADA)
✓ Therapy for Hemophilia

Methods of Gene Delivery

There are two methods modified or cultured genes can be delivered in

patient’s body, these includes:

Physical Methods

1. Gene gun – make use of high-pressured delivery system to

shoot the tissue with gold tungsten particles that are coated with
the desired genetic information.
2. Microinjection – a method that uses a glass micropipette in
inserting microscopic substances into single living cell. This is
commonly done under specialized optical microscope setup
called “micromanipulator”.

Chemical Methods

1. Using detergent mixtures – a technique that uses chemicals

such as Calcium phosphates and mixed with functional
cDNA of a desired function.
 2. Lipofection – a method used to inject genetic materials into
patient’s cell through liposomes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gene Therapy

Gene therapy presents an interesting, advantageous and useful way of

curing and eliminating inherited diseases such as cancers and viral infections.
However, this method also comes with significant set of disadvantages than
the conventional methods.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. Allows possibilities to eliminate 1. Cannot attain long lasting therapy
and prevent hereditary diseases because of the rapid division of
like Hemophilia and sickle cell cells. Thus, the benefit from gene
anemia therapy is short termed.
2. Has the potential to treat heart 2. The response of the immune
disease, AIDS and cancer. system to the inserted or
transferred gene stimulates
potential risk to gene therapy.
3. Gives hope and chance to people 3. Vectors like virus, used in inserting
born with genetic disease to live the genes may cause toxicity
leading to the inflammatory
reactions of the host.
4. Can be used to eliminate 4. Diseases or disorders caused
diseases from the future multiple genes defects cannot be
generations. treated effectively using gene
therapy.

Ethical Issues on Gene Therapy

Since gene therapy involves manipulation and alteration to the body’s set
of basic information, it raises many ethical concerns. The ethical questions
surrounding gene therapy include:

• How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished?

• Who decides which traits are normal and which constitute a disability
or disorder?
• Will the high costs of gene therapy make it available only to the
wealthy?
• Could the widespread use of gene therapy make society less
accepting of people who are different?
• Should people be allowed to use gene therapy to enhance basic
human traits such as height, intelligence, or athletic ability?
Lifted from Genetics Home Reference, 2020

In conclusion, Gene therapy is controversial because of its ability to

spare future generations in a family from having a particular genetic disorder,
however, it might affect the development of a fetus in unexpected ways or
have long-term side effects that are not yet known. This is because people
who would be affected by gene therapy are not yet born; they can’t choose
whether to have the treatment. Although gene therapy poses great
possibilities in eliminating genetic disorders, its effect might also cause harm
to society.

Let’s Elaborate:

To gain more knowledge and practical concepts on gene therapy, you must
reflect on what you have learned then share your meaningful idea/concept/
reflection on our group chat. Make sure to have a respectful but meaningful
exchange of ideas with your classmates.

Expected Output:

For your output you need to do the following:

1. Read the article entitled “Bubble Kid” success puts gene therapy
back on track which you find on
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg 22029413-200-bubble-
kidsuccess-puts-gene-therapy-back-on-track/.
2. Answer the following questions:
a. What are the relevant facts of this case?
b. What are the ethical concerns being raised in this case?
c. Who are affected by the decisions made?
d. What values influence the decision of each group?
e. What are the possible actions and their consequences?
f. What do you consider to be the best action and why?

Once done submit your answers in the google classroom or on our

next meeting.

Congratulations! You are now done with lesson 3 of unit 4.

REFERENCES:

McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology

and Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

URL

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/therapy/ethics#:~:text=The%20idea%20of%20g
ermline%20gene,that%20are%20not%20yet%20known.

Lesson 5: The Nano World

Good day to you!

In the previous units we talked about the

continuous quest of science and technology in
 improving society’s way of living that led to the
different discoveries and experiments. Thus,
science and technology introduced us beyond
what can be seen by our naked eyes, it led us to
the world where extremely small objects plays a
crucial role in the enhancement of our society.

This lesson will focus on how extremely small things such as

nanotechnology can impact our society. We will also discuss the
advantages and disadvantages as well as the ethical concerns of this
modernized technology.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this lesson.
After this lesson, you should be able to:

22. explain the major impacts (both potential and realized) of

nanotechnology on society;
23. analyze the issue through the conceptual STS lenses;
24. evaluate the issue on its costs and benefits to society of
nanotechnology; and
25. determine the moral and ethical concerns enclosing
nanotechnology.

Are the learning goals above clear to you? Remember that those are
the things that will keep you on the right track as you explore our topic.

Before you begin with our lesson, kindly list you thoughts regarding the
idea of using nanotechnology on manipulation of cells. Put your ideas on the
table below.
Manipulation of Cells
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Let’s Explore:

Watch the following videos for a preview of what nanotechnology is.

Video 1:
Nano World https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/nano-
world/

Video 2:
10 Awesome Facts about Nanotechnology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7BjkXFbxU&feature=share

Explanation:
 I know that you already have questions in mind about our lesson. You may
asked, what is nanotechnology, why nano, why very small, and what it can do
to us?

Actually, there are two important terminologies that we need to address in

our discussion; the nanoscience and nanotechnology. So, what is the
difference between these two?

We begin our lesson by defining nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology can be defined in several ways. These
include:

1. Nanoscience is a branch of science that deals with systems and

controls of matter on atomic, molecular, and super molecular scale or
nanometer scale (a unit of a spatial measurement that is 10-9 meter,
or one billionth meter).
2. Nanoscience is diverse and multidisciplinary course because it
integrates different areas of industry and science such as engineering,
material science, Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
3. Nanoscience defines particles as extremely small objects that behave
as a whole unit in terms of transport and properties.
4. Nanotechnology involves different technologies that have the ability to
control matter at extremely small scales to create new and improved
products that can be used in various ways.
5. Nanotechnology is an area of research and innovation focused on
building new materials or devices on a scale of atom and molecules.

So, how does a nano object looks like? How small is nano? Take time
to analyze the picture below.
 SMALL BIG

The prefix nano is a Greek word that means dwarf. Nanotechnology is

commonly used in creating extremely small machines.

Nanotechnology is envisioned to increase the efficiency consumption,

help in cleaning the enviro nment and solve major health problems s uch as
cancer. Thus, nanotechnology is said to revolutionize the medicine industry.

Like all other areas

or field of science,
nanotechnology was
already used in centuries
before it was formally
realized and defined.
Various scientists including
Einstein contributed in the
said field; however, it was
only in the year 1959 in a
speech given by Richard
Feynman, entitled:
“There’s Plenty of Room at
the Button”, the essence of
nanotechnology in
manipulating and
controlling objects on a
small scale was realized.

As time progresses, the recognition of the importance of nanotechnology in

the different areas of the society is also growing.

Since nanomaterials are extremely small, scientists use special types

of microscopes to view them.
 ELECTRON MICROSCOPE- this
type of microscope utilizes a particle beam of
electrons to light up a specimen an d develop a
well-magnified image. Electron microscopes
produce higher and better resolution than older
light microscope because th ey magnify objects up
to a million times while conventional light
microscope can magnify up to 1,500 times only.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and
transmission electron microscope (TEM) are the two types of electron
microscope.

ATOMIC FORCE MICROSC OPE (AFM) -it

makes use of a mechanical probe that gathers
information from the surface of a material.

SCANNING TUNNELING M ICROSCOPE- this

special type of microscope enables scientists to view
and manipulate nanoscale particles, atoms and small
molecules.

Applications of Nanotechnology

Initially, nanotechnology was already used in commercial products such

as:

• the use of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in sunscreen,

cosmetics and food products;
• the use of silver nanoparticles in food packaging, clothes,
disinfectants and households appliance;
• the use of carbon nanotubes for stain-resistant textiles; and
• the use of cerium oxide as a fuel catalyst.
Since nanotechnology is said to be the world fastest growing
technology of in the 21st century, scientists and other organizations such as
the Center for Bioethics of Canada, enumerated some of the possible
applications of nanoscience and nanotechnology. These are:

• Energy production, conservation and storage

• Enhancement of agricultural productivity
• Treatment and remediation of water
• Screening and diagnosing diseases
• Systems for drug delivery
• Processing and storing food
• Controlling air pollution
• Construction
• Monitoring health
 • Detecting and controlling pests
• Information and Communication Technologies and
semiconductors
• Education and public awareness
• Nano-metrology

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nanotechnology

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology helps

us make and choose the right decisions in pursuing the use of products
created by the said technology. Further, this will help us analyze or evaluate
the long term effects or impact of these nanotechnologies to our society.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Advances in disease treatments, • The potential dangers to humans
such as cancer and the environment
• Better imaging and diagnostic • Loss of manufacturing and
equipment agricultural jobs
• Energy-efficient products such as • Economic market crashes related
fuel and solar cells to a potential lower value of oil
• Improvements in manufacturing due to more efficient energy
that allow for durable, lightweight, sources and gold or diamonds,
efficient production tools materials that can be reproduced
• Improved electronic devices, with molecular manipulation
including transistors, LED and • Accessibility of weapons of mass
plasma displays and quantum destruction
computers • Improved atomic weaponry
• Nanorobots can be used to • The cost of research and
rebuild the ozone layer, clean products made from
polluted areas and lesson nanoparticles

dependence on non-renewable
energy sources
Lifted from:
https://www.microscopemaster.com/nanotechnology.html

Dangers of Nanotechnology

As time progresses, the detrimental effects of the rapid innovations

and developments in nanotechnology becomes more and more evident.
Various concerns with regard to its size led to different issues such as misuse
and the harmful effects on health and environment.

Proper and adequate knowledge of manipulating particles in a

molecular level is said to be a powerful skill. Thus, danger lies if the said
ability falls in wrong hands and misuses it. One main concern is that,
manipulating particle can pose danger to individuals as well as to the entire
society. An example is when nanoparticles were used to create small,
undetectable biological weapons or atomic weapons that could destroy lives
in one single event.

Nanoparticles can cause toxic effects in humans; because of their

sizes the possibility for them to cross the blood-brain barrier could cause
mass poisoning or unwanted neurological effects.

Nanoparticles found in commercial products such as paints and

cosmetics pose danger to the environment if they were flush into sewerage
untreated. They may affect water sources because they can be carried down
by both inorganic and organic pollutants through fine silts or microplastics
because of their extremely small sizes.
 Scientists speculate that too much exposure to the different products
of nanotechnology can cause short and long-term threats to the human body
and environment because of recent laboratory findings:

• Exposure to fullerenes killed water fleas

• Fullerenes caused extensive brain damage and changed the
physiological make-up of fish
• Earthworms absorbed fullerenes that easily traveled through soil
• Nanoparticles built-up in the bodies of lab animals subjected to
longterm exposure
• Qdots caused cadmium poisoning in humans
• Nanoparticles can travel through a mother’s placenta
• Nanoparticles can assist in the formation of free radicals

Ethical Concerns in Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is about manipulating, altering or controlling objects in

extremely small scales. One of the ethical dilemmas raised is the potential
misuse of manipulating the genetic make-up of humans through engineering
of specific traits. Such activity would create division on the society, in which
those who can afford the procedure can have all the desirable traits they
wanted and become super intelligent and strong human beings. The question
is; how about for the people who can’t afford the procedure? What will
happen to them?

Another ethical concern posed to nanotechnology is its interaction with

the human body and the environment and its regulation. Experts and
government must support themselves with adequate knowledge on how
nanotechnology works in order to clearly define or lay out appropriate policies
and regulation for the implementation and usage of nanotechnology for the
benefit of the society.

In conclusion, in the pursuit of science and technology to improve the

lives of humanity, they have explored even the tiniest objects that could help
solve critical problems of the society. Advantages brought by nanotechnology
are already felt around the world however, crucial questions such as its
harmful effects in human health and in the environment must be addressed.
Thus, the influence of nanotechnology will continue as the science and
technology continuously strive for society’s improvement and in order for us
to maximize its potential, the government together with the experts in the field
must systematically explore, characterize, organize and regulate the use and
implementation of both nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Let’s Elaborate:

To gain more knowledge and practical concepts on nanotechnology answer

this question, “In the course of studying nanotechnology, scientists identified
possible harmful effects of nanoparticles, should we disregard the potential
benefits nanotechnology can provide?” then post your answer in our group
chat.

Expected Output:

To completely finish this lesson you need to submit a brochure which

is due next meeting.

Guidelines in doing the brochure:

5. Form a group with three members
 6. Brainstorm on how you will present your brochure
7. Your work must contain enough pictures of nanotechnology,
importance, effects and ethical concerns about nanotechnology.
8. Take note that your work is a representation of yourself, do it creatively
with pleasing visual presentation and do not forget to follow the rubric
given.

RUBRIC FOR BROCHURE

5 4 3 2 COMMENT
S
Layout Brochure is Brochure is Brochure is Brochure is
in in in not in
landscape, landscape, landscape, landscape,
has 6 full has 5 full has 3 full doesn’t have
columns and columns and columns and 6 full columns
well generally somewhat and lacks
organized organized organized organized
information information information information
Content The The The The brochure
brochure brochure brochure does not
includes includes includes little include
detailed some information information
information information about the about the
about the descriptions topic and the topic and the
descriptions about the activities activities
of the topic topic and the
and the activities
activities
Creativity The The The brochure
brochure brochure contains few
contains an contains graphics and
adequate some enhancement
amount of graphics and s
graphics and enhancemen inappropriate
enhancemen ts that are for the
ts that adds less content
attraction appropriate
without for the
taking away content
from the
content
Presentatio Brochure Brochure Brochure Brochure
n looks has few looks okay looks like a
excellent minor with some puzzle fix
and all problems. problems in together.
spelling and Could have its looks. Parts do not
grammar are been neater. Some words fit together
are spelled
correct Most of the and spelling
correctly and
words and and grammar
some
grammar are errors are
grammar is
spelled frequent.
correct
correctly
Lifted from: http://konfirst.weebly.com/brochure-rubric.html Once done submit
your answers in the google classroom on our next meeting.

Congratulations! You are now done with all the lessons of Unit 3.
REFERENCES:
McNamara, D. J., Valverde, VM. & Beleno, R. 2018. Science, Technology and
Society. C& E Publishing Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

URL

http://konfirst.weebly.com/brochure-rubric.html

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/nano-world/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7BjkXFbxU&feature=sha
 A pleasant day to you!
Welcome to Unit 4 of our course Science,
Technology and Society. In this unit, we will
review important concepts about climate change
and energy crisis and their various impacts on us
as well as to the society.

Moreover, this unit will explain why climate

change is one of the fundamental challenges the
ever confront us. Also, this unit will help you
evaluate the different adverse effects of climate change using the
concepts that you have learned in our course. In addition, this will help you
realized that our societ y is already experiencing energy crisis; thus, as
responsible human beings we need to help in preventing it to happen.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this

lesson. After this lesson, you should be a ble to:

26. identify the causes of climate change;

27. assess the various impacts of climate change including economic,
geopolitical, biological, meteorological, etc;
28. apply STS concepts to the issue of climate change;
29. describe energy crisis and its causes; and
30. identify possible ways to prevent energy crisis.

After going through the learning goals, I know that you are now excited
to go through our lesson. So what are you waiting for? Start flipping the
pages.

To begin, kindly analyze the picture below; the said picture was taken after
the typhoon Yolanda.
 What can you say about the picture?

Is environmental destruction can be attributed to climate change?

How about you, did you already experience the effect of climate change?

Can you share your experience to the class?

If you can’t express yourself in class, can you just draw what you have
experience below?

Let’s Explore:

For you to have a glimpse of what climate change is, watch the
documentary film below.

Video 1:
BUHOS, A Climate Change Documentary by Sen. Loren Legarda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESW_S8ZHS80&feature=share

Explanation:

I know that you are very familiar with our topic because you already
discussed it previously with your high school teacher. Like what I have stated
at the beginning of this topic, we will review important concepts regarding
climate change. You may asked, why is it important for us to discuss what we
already know? Well, it is important for us to always be reminded with the
things that are continuously happening in our environment so that we can
critically decide and appropriately choose the right things to do.

To formally begin our discussion, let us first define climate change.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),
“climate change refers to the broad range of global phenomena created
predominantly by burning fossil fuels which add heat-trapping gases to the
Earth’s Atmosphere”. In simpler term, climate change pertains to the major
change in global patterns such as the amount of rainfall, increase in
temperature, snow and wind that could last for decades which largely
associated with the increase of carbon dioxide due to the massive use of
fossil fuels. In addition, climate change is used interchangeably with global
warming.

In your high school days, you were taught that greenhouse gases are the
contributory factors in climate change. Do you know that greenhouse gasses
play an important role to our planet?

Planets with small amount of greenhouse gases are either too cold or have
huge temperature swings from day to night, while planets with ample
greenhouse gases are too hot. This is the reason why Earth is the most
suitable planet for living organisms, because it contains the right amount of
greenhouse gases (well for a certain point in time).

The greenhouse gases that can be naturally found in the atmosphere of the
Earth are:

a.) Water Vapor (H2O) – the most abundant greenhouse gas that
acts as a feedback to the climate. It increases as the atmosphere
of the Earth heats up, but it helps in cloud formations and
precipitation which makes it the most important feedback
mechanisms to the greenhouse effect.
b.) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – a minor but very important component of
the atmosphere, it is released through natural processes such as
respiration and volcano eruptions. Carbon dioxide makes life
possible for it is the fundamental element in the food that sustains
living organisms and also provides a major source of energy to
fuel our economy.
c.) Methane (CH4) – a hydrocarbon gas which is a primary
component of natural gas. It can be produced both trough natural
sources and human activities. Methane is a potent greenhouse
gas and an absorber of radiation.
d.) Nitrous Oxide (N2O) – also known as the laughing gas, is a
powerful greenhouse gas produced by soil cultivation practices,
especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel
combustion, nitric acid production and biomass burning.

So what is/ are the reasons of climate change if greenhouse gases are
useful to us and to the environment as well?

Causes of Climate Change

Human activities altered the composition of the naturally occurring

greenhouse gases that resulted to climate change also known as global
warming. Human activities that caused the unusual increase of greenhouse
gases include the following:
 • Deforestation
• Land transformation (agriculture to subdivision)
• Burning and combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil for
heat and transportation
• Coal mining
• Agriculture
• Road constructions
• Decomposition of wastes in landfills
• Excessive use of chlorofluorocarbons
• Burning of biomass
• Excessive use of energy such as electricity
• Specific industrial process that release fluorinated gas
If you analyze the above activities, you can see that we all contribute
to the accelerated warming climate of our planet.

Effects of Climate Change

The effects of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change are

already felt around the world. Various evidences that signify that Earth is
increasingly warming includes: more frequent and severe droughts to
snowstorms; extreme winter weather in temperate regions and melting of
glaciers as a result of warming Arctic weather front.

Furthermore, warming ocean temperatures are increasing the

frequency of coral reef bleaching; warmer, drier weather means that forests in
some regions are no longer recovering from wildfires and wildlife habitats
around the world are becoming less hospitable to animals and plants.

How is Climate Change Affecting the Philippines?

Philippines is considered as one of the climate hotspot because of its

geographical features. As shown in the result of Global Climate Risk Index,
Philippines is the number one most affected country by climate change.
Philippines is located in the Western Pacific Ocean surrounded by naturally
warm waters are expected to get even warmer as average temperature of the
sea-surface continue to rise. This rise in sea-surface temperature will release
additional heat in the ocean and air that can lead to stronger and more
frequent storms. This is what has happened to the Philippines. Five of the
deadliest typhoons have occurred since 2006 affecting and displacing
thousands of citizens every time. The deadliest storm on record in the
Philippines is typhoon Yolanda which was responsible for more than 6300
lost lives, over 4 million displaced citizens and 2 billion peso damages in
2013.

Moreover, Philippines lacks natural barriers; as a collection of over

7,000 islands there is almost nothing standing between them and the sea. In
addition to their coral reefs, one of the best buffers against typhoons is the
mangrove ecosystems. These mangroves help mitigate the impact of storm
surge and stabilize soil but almost half of this disappeared since 1918 due to
deforestation.

Other natural factors, like regional wind patterns or currents also

increase the risk of tropical storms. Sea levels in the Philippines are rising at
about twice the global average and when it rises to 15-20 feet, as what
happened during typhoon Yolanda, millions of citizens in coastal communities
in the Philippines have been displaced.

The effects of climate change and global warming here in our country
cannot be denied. We used to have a clear delineation between the dry and
wet weather, or summer and rainy months. January to June has always been
known as the dry months while the rest were wet months. Summer in the
Philippines means hot, sunny days and temperatures are quite high. Wet
months on the other hand are characterized by typhoons, windy days, and
suspended classes. During wet months, sunny days are unusual, and in fact
unexpected. Nowadays, however, the wet and dry days occur anytime in the
year.

In addition, Ranada (2014) stated that there are six ways by which
climate change affects our country which includes:

1. More intense El Niño – the El Niño phenomenon occurs when the

surface of the ocean waters in the southern Pacific becomes
abnormally warm. The energy created by this is so great that it can
create an imbalance in the weather in the different parts of the world.
In Southeast Asia, it can lead to abnormally dry conditions. El Niño can
also make weather events like storms highly unpredictable. Weather
will have extreme highs and lows, making it “increasingly difficult to
predict weather patterns for purposes of planning and normal business
operations” says a WWF-Philippine study;

2. Sea Surface Temperatures to Rise – by the end of the century, sea

surface temperatures are expected to rise by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius.
This can lead to more powerful storms because storms get their
strength from heat rising from the sea. In the Philippines, 4 and 5
degrees Celsius spikes above the normal sea surface temperature
have been recorded. Warmer seas kill coral reefs and can thus lead to
a decline in fish catch, putting food security in danger;

3. Ocean Acidification – the shift in the Ph levels of our oceans can lead
to widespread coral reef death. Because of the imbalance, shrimps are
not able to develop skins, oysters cannot develop shells. Fish larvae
may not be able to develop bones. This further endangers food
security and livelihood;

4. Sea Levels to Rise by 4 to 6 Meters – current data show an increase in

sea surface heights. Scientists say this is due to the melting of ice
sheets in the southern and northern portions of the globe like
Antarctica and Greenland. Sea level rise by 4 to 6 meters can
submerge low-lying communities like Tacloban City which stands only
3 meters;

5. Tropical Cyclones to Intensify – the creation of tropical cyclones are

already being recorded in areas where the phenomenon had never
been observed. On November 8,2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan), said to be the strongest as recorded in the history which
devastated the cities in Visayas; and

6. Rainfall, River Flow and Flooding to Intensify – Monsoon rainfall in the

Philippines will reach new highs and lows. Some parts of the country will
make it more difficult for agriculture and aquaculture sectors which are
highly dependent on weather. Philippine cities are already
 experiencing unprecedented amounts of rainfall. In Tacloban City,
rainfall increased by 25% from 1998 to 2011. More rainfall will lead to
more flooding and can trigger landslides in upland communities.

Consequently, Bermejo (2017) claimed that climate change also

impacts Philippine’s ability to feed people because of the following reasons:

a. Climate change manipulates production systems of our country which

compromise the food security and nutrition for millions of people in the
Philippines. In addition, Bermejo (2017) emphasized what Jose
Manual Francisco (Representative of UN’s Food and Agriculture
Organization in the Philippines) said that because of climate change it
is expected that crop yields will decrease 25% and fish species will
also decline for about 40% in tropical countries like Philippines.

b. Climate change also affects farmers by ruining their crops because of

too much heat and too much rain. Prolonged heat or drought leads to
proliferation of pests that destroys their crops, if not; too much rain
destroys their crops through drowning.

c. Climate change impacts the food security of our country as shown by

The Global Food Security Index (GSFI) where Philippines’ rank
dropped from 74th to 79th among 113 countries based on the data
released by the Economist Intelligence unit (EIU). The global index
measures the core issues of food security which are: affordability,
availability and quality. However, in 2017 they included our country’s
natural resources and resiliency in coping with the challenges brought
by climate change.

d. Climate change increased malnutrition in the Philippines based on the

latest National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research
Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST). The Philippines malnutrition rate or stunting among children
under 5 years old has increased 33.4% from just 30.3% in 2013.

What can we do to Mitigate Climate Change?

The first thing that we should do is to accept the fact that climate change is a
worldwide problem, not only by industrialized countries. Thus, as one of the
contributors of this global issue, it is just right that we do our part in fixing it. In
addition, we should all bear in mind that we are currently facing this problem
because of our lifestyle. So, what can do?

Each of us can help by….

✓ Conserving hot water by:

• installing low flow shower heads;
• installing blanket on the hot water heater;
• insulate hot water pipes; • wash laundry in cold water; and
• fix leaky faucets.
 This is because, according to the survey, 17% of energy is used
to heat water in the average households.

✓ Conserving heat and coolants by:

• installing programmable thermostat;
• checking and repairing weather stripping on doors and windows;
• adjust your clothing instead of thermostat;
• keep AC filters clean; and
• plant more trees.

✓ Conserving fuels used in vehicles by:

• doing several errands in a single trip;
• walking or riding bicycle;
• carpool or ride public transportation

✓ Conserving electricity by:

• unplugging chargers of any kind of gadget and appliance when
not in use;
• developing the habit of always turning lights and appliance off;
• installing timers or motion sensors on outdoor lights; and
• changing to compact fluorescent bulbs.

✓ Reducing waste by:

• recycling and buying recycled products;
• choose products that contains less packaging;
• reuse, repair or donate;
• carry cloth bags when you do your shopping; and
• use refillable water bottle or travel mug.

Energy Crisis

Energy crisis refers to any great bottleneck or price rise in the supply
of energy resources to an economy. This happen when the supply of energy
is less than the demands of the society; thus, affecting human’s daily
activities as well as economic growth and development. In addition, energy
crisis can be represented by: oil crisis; petroleum crisis; energy shortage;
electricity shortage or electricity crisis.

Energy crisis is one of the major challenges humans all over the world
are facing. This is because environment’s natural resources are already
diminishing but the demands kept on increasing. Despite the efforts given by
environmental advocates as well as the government, energy crisis got worst
because information about it is not properly-communicated or disseminated
through and across the society. Public or societies proper information of the
cause of energy crises will help lessen or avoid activities that will worsen the
said crisis.
 For you to have a better view of what energy crisis is, analyze the
picture below.

Causes of Energy Crisis

Do you know that most of the energy crises were caused by localized
shortages? This is because there are companies and industries who
manipulate the distribution of different types of energy. Other causes of the
energy crisis were as follows:

a. Imbalance of supply and demands – this can cause energy crisis

because of the over-consumption of energy such as fossil fuels used
in supplying electricity. All of us use electricity everyday resulting to the
rapid depletion of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are regarded as
nonrenewable resources because it takes million years to replenish.

Furthermore, imbalance of supply and demand can also take place

when there is a choke point disruption in oil refineries and also when
there are port facilities that limit or restrict the fuel supply. Thus, huge
gap between supply and demand of energy can raise the price of
essential items which can give raise to inflation. In addition, when
supply doesn’t match demand, it results in load shedding and
breakdown.

b. Population Growth – the increase in the world’s population signify the

increase in the demands for more products. Thus, this will also mean
that more energy is needed to create the products needed by the
society.

c. Poor and Damaged Infrastructure – aging infrastructure of power

generating equipment and damaged infrastructure due to severe
weather were other reasons for energy shortage. Most of the energy
producing firms keeps on using outdated equipment that restricts the
production of energy. It is the responsibility of utilities to keep on
upgrading the infrastructure and set a high standard of performance.

d. Unexplored Renewable Energy Options - renewable energy still

remains unused in most countries. Most of the energy comes from
nonrenewable sources like coal. It still remains the top choice to
produce energy. Unless we give renewable energy a serious thought,
the problem of energy crisis cannot be solved. Renewable energy
sources can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and also help
reduce greenhouse emissions.

e. Delay in Commissioning of Power Plants – in few countries, there is a

significant delay in commissioning of new power plants that can fill the
gap between the demand and supply of energy. The result is that old
plants come under huge stress to meet the daily demand for power.
 f. Wastage of Energy – in the most parts of the world; people do not
realize the importance of conserving energy. It is only limited to books,
internet, newspaper ads, lip service and seminars. Unless we give it a
serious thought, things are not going to change. Simple things like
switching off fans and lights when not in use, using maximum daylight,
walking instead of driving for short distance, using CFL instead of
traditional bulbs, proper insulation for leakage of energy can go a long
way in saving energy.

g. Major accidents and Natural Disasters – major accidents like pipeline

failures or pipeline burst and natural disasters like eruption of
volcanoes, floods, earthquakes and typhoons can cause minor energy
supplies interruption only on the areas affected by major accidents and
natural disasters.

h. Wars and Terrorists Attacks – wars between countries can also disrupt
supply of energy especially if it happens in Middle East countries like
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE or Qatar, because they are the main sources of
oil and petroleum. Price of oil reached its peak causing global shortages and
created major problem for energy consumers.

i. Other Factors – Tax hikes, military coup, political events, severe hot
summers or cold winters can cause sudden increase in demand of
energy and can choke supply. A strike by unions in oil-producing firms
can definitely cause an energy crisis.

What Can We Do To Help?

There are a lot of things that we can do to help delayed if not totally
combat or eradicate energy crisis by employing the 3 R’s.

Energy consumption by:

• Switching off and unplugging electrical

appliance
• Improving water heating efficiency
• Installing attic insulation
• Using lids on pots and pans to reduce
cooking time
• Looking for the “energy star” logo.

Replace old light bulbs with energy saving

fluorescent bulb. I t may be costly but it could help
in saving the consumption of electricity in the long
run.

Compositing waste materials into new products to prevent waste of possible

useful products

In conclusion, we must all do our part in saving our planet. We are all facing
the challenges brought by climate change and energy crisis because of our
life styles therefore we should change the way we live by doing the 3 R’s-
Reduce, Replace and Recycle.

Together we can save our planet!

Let’s Elaborate:

For your activity, watch the documentary video entitled: “Global Warming the
Future” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOMRF7t5Vn0&feature=share.
Then share your insights on our GC to generate discussion from your
classmates.

Expected Output:
For your output in this lesson you need to answer the 10 -items quiz to
be posted on the google classroom at exactly 12:00 pm of August 4, 2020.Take
note that you can only answer it once in 10 minutes.

Congratulations! You are now done with Unit 4.

REFERENCES:

Bermejo, K. 2017. Climate Change will Impact Philippines’ ability to feed its
people. Retrieved from: https://www.eco-bussiness.com>news.

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

Ranada, P. 2014. 6 ways climate change will affect PH cities. Retrieved from:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/45899-six-ways-climate-change-
affects-phil/
 Good day to you!
Welcome to Unit 5 of our course Science,
Technology and Society. In this unit, we will deal
on the essence of understanding the fragility of
our environment and reasons why we need to
protect it.

Moreover, this unit will explain the important role of education

sector in cultivating and instilling the value of improving and sustaining
our planet’s biodiversity. In addition, this will also help each and every
one of us to realize the different consequences of our actions and
identify possible solutions to the impacts we have made to our
environment.

Learning Goals:
 Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this lesson.
After this lesson, you should be able to:

31. explain the importance of environmental awareness;

32. identify the role of education, particularly the school (both public
and private) in making people environmentally aware; and
33. demonstrate your level of environmental awareness.

Take time to familiarize yourself with the learning goals of this lesson.
This will help you to stay focus and also direct you in the right path.

Before we formally begin your journey, let us first measure what you know
about your community’s environment by doing the following:

1. Go outside (just in front of your door or gate) analyze your

community’s environment.
2. What have you observe?
3. Now, compare your community’s environment to the environment
of the other community in our country. What can you say about it?

Let’s Explore:

For you to have a preview and to better understand our lesson, kindly read
the articles below.

Reading 1:
“The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change” (Al Gore)
www.nytimes.com (environmental awareness)

Reading 2:
“The Tragedy of the Commons” by Garrett Hardin
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/162/3859/1243

Explanation:

In the previous unit we have discussed the different detrimental effects of

climate change and energy crisis which involves the Earth’s natural
resources. It had opened our eyes with the fact that we humans are the main
contributory element why we are experiencing the adverse effects of these
phenomena. Thus, the need for us to become environmentally aware is
deemed necessary. So what does it mean to become environmentally aware
or in other words how do we define environmental awareness?

Environmental awareness means being mindful with our environment and

making choices that benefits our planet. All of us can practice environment
awareness by: conserving water and energy; using organic and non-toxic
materials; and recycling.

Environmental awareness is important because it fosters a sense of

connection to the natural world; promotes sustainable development; and
encourages conservation of irreplaceable natural resources and vulnerable
plant and animal species. In addition, environmental awareness essentially
serves as an educational device for making people understand the economic,
aesthetic and biological importance of preserving and sustaining Earth’s
natural resources and reducing or eliminating the harmful impacts of
alternations caused by humans.

Promotion of Environmental Awareness

Environmentalism is an ideology that evokes the necessity and responsibility

of humans to respect, protect and preserve the natural world from the abusive
or wrong use of humans.

There is a need to keep our environment healthy for the younger

generation. They should not inherit the different environmental problems that
we currently have and in order to keep their future bright, spreading
awareness is imperative. While efforts are being exerted at the national and
international level to protect our environment, we should do our part as
individual citizens.
Each one becomes aware of the worth of good quality living.
Schools are said to be the major venues for developing environmental
awareness in students. Environmental issues often arise with a lack of
understanding of nature and the ecological environment and the inappropriate
use of natural resources.

Moreover, schools play an important role in the formation of children’s

positive attitudes towards the environment. Currently there are schools that
integrated environmental awareness in their curriculum and they called it
environmental education.

Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore

environmental issues, engage in problem solving and take action to improve
the environment as a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of
environmental issues and show the skills to make informed and responsible
decisions.

The components of environmental education are:

• Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental
challenges;
• Knowledge and understanding of the environment;
• Attitudes of concern for the environmental and motivation to
improve or maintain environmental quality;
• Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges; and
• Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental
problems.

There is no single path of solving problems. Rather, environmental

education teaches us how to weigh various options and use problem-solving
and decision making skills to arrive at the correct options.

Top 10 Benefits of Environmental Education

1. Imagination and enthusiasm are heightened

2. Learning transcends the classroom.
3. Critical and creative thinking are enhanced.
4. Develop tolerance and understanding.
5. State and national learning standards are met for multiple
subjects.
6. Biophobia and nature deficit disorder decline.
7. Healthy lifestyles are encouraged.
8. Communities are strengthened.
 9. Responsible action is taken to better the environment.
10. Students and teachers are empowered.

Given all the benefits of environmental education, teachers can teach

environmental awareness to the younger generation by:
• introducing the 3R’s: Reducing waste; reusing resources and
recycling materials;
• organizing tree planting activities and explaining to the students the
essence of having more trees in the environment;
• encouraging all student to develop the habit of unplugging and
switching off all gadgets and appliance when not in use; and
• Teaching by example. The teacher must walk the talk. If he or said
that it not good to litter, therefore if he/she sees a piece of litter,
he/she must pick it up.

Beliefs and Convictions on Environmental Awareness

Different religion organizations perform a vital role in enlightening

people to acquire values, traditions, beliefs, conduct and to become stewards
of the environment. Each of the religions professed by the Filipinos also
includes concern for the environment. Further, Pope Francis further
mentioned that true human advancement should have moral character. Thus,
change in human behavior is needed as a result more and more people are
switching to behavior that benefits the environment by choosing green.

Green marketing is a device used for protecting the environment for

future generations. In this regard, Environmental Science Education (ESD) is
being promoted as a way to assist people in cultivating attitudes, developing
skills and enhancing knowledge to make wise decisions for our benefit as well
as for the society.

Ramon, 2015 in Havenia, 2019 stated that, environmental education is

built on ecological belief and deference to all forms of organisms on earth.
Environmental stewardship is environmental education in action. Moreover,
she mentioned in her study that environmental stewardship can be seen in
terms of academic service learning which includes among others:

a. Help in forging linkages with the outside community for nature

preservation activities such as tree planting;
b. Educate people on proper waste segregations;
c. Reduce waste, reusing and recycling materials; and
d. Decrease energy cost in school campuses.

In conclusion, taking care for our environment is of high significance. If

we value nature and the ecosystems present in it, then natural calamities can
be prevented if not totally avoided and people can live in safe, healthy
surroundings. Environmental education in schools will help strengthen
everybody’s knowledge and concern.

Let’s Elaborate:

For your activity, illustrate what would your community looks like 10 -15 years
from now. Why did you think it would like what you have illustrated?

Submit your work together with your final output in this lesson.
Expected Output:

For you output in this lesson you need to submit a maximum of 2-pages
essay. Choose 1 among the given topics below.
Essay Topic 1: As a future educator, how or what can you do to
help enhance environmental education in our
country?

Essay Topic 2: Is environmental education neglected in Colleges

and Universities in our country?

Use the given rubric to ensure good remarks and submit it on our next
meeting.

RUBRIC FOR ESSAY

5 4 3 2 COMMENT
S
Focus and There is one There is one There is one The topic and
Details clear, clear, topic. Main the main idea
wellfocused wellfocused ideas are are not clear
topic. Main topic. Main somewhat
ideas are clear ideas are clear clear
and are well but are not
supported by well supported
detailed and by detailed
accurate information
information
Organizatio n The The The There is no
introduction is introduction introduction clear
inviting, states states the states the introduction,
the main topic, main topic and main topic and structure or
and provides provides an a conclusion is conclusion
an overview of overview of included
the essay.
the essay. It
Information
includes
is relevant and
conclusion
presented in

logical order.
The
conclusion is
strong
Voice The purpose The purpose The purpose The purpose
of the writer of the writer of the writer of the writer is
is clear and is somewhat is somewhat unclear
there is a clear and clear and
strong there is there is
evidence of some some
attention to evidence of evidence of
the readers. attention to attention to
The writer’s the readers. the readers.
extensive The writer’s The writer’s
knowledge knowledge knowledge
and/or and /or and /or
experience experience experience
with the topic with the topic with the topic
is evident is evident is limited
Word The writer The writer The writer
 Choice uses vivid uses words uses a limited
words and that vocabulary.
phrases. The communicat Jargon or
choice of e clearly but clichés may
words the writing be present
seems lacks variety and detract
accurate,
from the
natural
meaning
and not
forced
Sentence All Most Most Sentences
Structure, sentences sentences sentences sound
Grammar, are well are well are well awkward, are
Mechanics constructed constructed constructed distractingly
and Spelling and have and have but they repetitive, or
varied varied have the are difficult to
structure and
similar understand.
structure and
length. The structure and The writer
length. The
writer makeslength. The makes
writer makes few errors in
writer makes numerous
no errors in grammar, several errors in
grammar, mechanics errors in grammar,
mechanics and spellinggrammar, mechanics
and spelling but do not mechanics and spelling
interfere with
and spelling the interfere
understandinthat interfere with
g with
understandin
understandin
g
g
Lifted from: www.readwritethink.org>essay-rubric.pdf Congratulations! You
are now done with Unit 5.

REFERENCES:

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.

Ramon, E. 2015. Peace through Environmental Stewardship. World academy

of Science, Engineering and Technology Intl. Journal Vol. 9, no. 4.
Retrieved from: http://waset.org/publication/10001
061/peace_through_environmental_stewardship

URL
www.nytimes.com
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/162/3859/1243
www.readwritethink.org>essay-rubric.pdf

Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

 Hello there! A pleasant day to you!
Welcome to Unit 6, the last unit of our
course, Science, Technology and Society. In
this unit we will be focusing on the different
alternative energy resources.

Previously, we discussed how the natural resources of our planet

are diminishing as we continuously strive for an improved and better life.
In this unit we will identify possible alternative energy resources that can
be beneficial not only for us humans but also for our planet. In addition,
we will also differentiate alternative energy resources from renewable
energy resources; identify their potential uses and benefits; and lastly
we will analyze the alternative resources that we have here in the
Philippines.

Learning Goals:

Here is a list of what you need to remember as you go through this lesson.
After this lesson, you should be able to:

34. differentiate alternative energy from renewable energy;

35. identify the well-known alternative energy resources in our country;
36. analyze the benefits provided by the different sources of
energy; and
37. describe the alternative energy resources in the Philippines.
 After going through the learning goals, I know that you are now excited
to know what this lesson is all about. So what are you waiting for? Start
flipping the pages.

However, before we formally begin, let me asks you few questions. When
was the last time you experienced power interruption? What was the first
thing that you did? What alternative thing, tool or device that you used to help
yourself?

Let’s Explore:

To identify your initial knowledge about alternative and renewable energy

resources, kindly fill in the Venn diagram with the comparison of these two
concepts.

Alternative Renewable
Energy COMMON Energy

Resources Resources

Explanation:

For hundreds of years, fossil fuel has been the chief energy source of
countries all over the world. We have been so dependent on fossil fuels (coal,
oil and gas) and other natural resources due to its convenience and relatively
low price. However, the increase in energy demand leads to energy crisis.

Since fossil fuel is classified as polluting and non-renewable resource,

we need to find alternative energy resources before it totally runs out. We
need to find or identify energy resources that are cleaner, more economical,
ecofriendly and beneficial to the whole world.

What Is Alternative Energy?

When we talked about alternative energy, we are referring to all nonfossil-

fuel-based energy sources and processes, of which renewable energies are
only a part. It represents the clean energy source (does not pollute nor harm
the environment) that can be acquired from a natural and renewable source
of energy.

Alternative energy is any energy source that can be used as a

substitute or replacement to fossil fuel. The use of alternative energy
resource is intended to address concerns about fossil fuels, such as its high
carbon dioxide emissions, an important factor in climate change.

Furthermore, renewable energy sources are not exactly the same as

alternative energy sources. Although both alternative and renewable energy
work to cut down on carbon emissions, there is a clear difference between
the two. Alternative energy is not infinite in supply unlike renewable energy
which as the name suggests is always available in the environment.

Key Differences between Alternative Energy and Renewable Energy

Alternative Energy Renewable Energy
• cannot be replenished • naturally occurs in
naturally the environment
• emits lower cast emissions • replenishes naturally without the
and offers lower fuel prices interference of human
intervention
• Examples are: natural gas and • Examples are: biomass
fuel cells resources, solar energy, wind
energy, geothermal and hydro
resources

Sources of Alternative Energy

There are different sources of alternative energy. They are the following:

1. Nuclear Power- is one of the most abundant forms of alternative

energy. It is beneficial in terms of emissions and efficiency. In addition,
it also helps the economy to boost through creating jobs in plant
creation and operation.

2. Hydroelectric Energy – known as one of the earliest means of

generating energy, though their uses begin to decline with the use of
fossil fuels. Using hydroelectric energy is beneficial to us and to the
environment. Aside from being classified as renewable energy source;
it does not produce harmful elements that can pollute our environment;
and the dams used to generate hydroelectric power are helpful in
controlling floods and irrigation techniques.

3. Wave Energy – an alternative energy source that is more reliable and

advantageous than tidal energy source because this can be placed in
the ocean in different locations and situations. Since water is the main
substance used in wave energy, it does not generate or emit waste
products.

4. Biofuels – an alternative energy resource that make use of animal and

plant life to produce energy. In essence, they are fuels that can be
obtained from some form of organic matter. They are renewable in
cases where plants are used, as they can be regrown.

5. Natural Gas – the demand for this energy source has been universal
because of its application. Commonly, natural gas is used in cars and
 other vehicles to reduce the emission of carbon. However, unlike other
alternative energy sources, this energy source still emits greenhouse
gases though less than the amount emitted by fossil fuel; still it can
contribute to the increase of temperature of the Earth.

6. Geothermal Power – is type of energy source is acquired through

extracting energy from the ground up. This power source has massive
potential while doing little to disrupt the land. However, the upfront cost
of creating geothermal power plant has led to slower adoption than
may have been expected.

7. Wind Energy – since wind is permanently available, wind energy

becomes increasingly popular in recent years. In the United States,
roughly 20 million houses per year are installing wind energy and most
states have wind energy set-up.

Wind energy like other alternative energy sources, do not

generate waste products and is renewable. However, this type of
energy source is accompanied with challenges. Turbines used to
transform wind into useful energy restrict view and pose danger to
some forms of wildlife like bats and birds.

8. Biomass Energy – an alternative energy resource that comes in a

number of forms. Burning wood has been used for thousands of years
to produce heat, however, more recent advancements have also seen
waste such that in landfills and alcohol products used for similar
purpose.

Heat generated on burning wood is equivalent to that of a

central heating system. Furthermore, the costs involved tend to be
lower and the amount of carbon emission by this kind of fuel falls
below the amount emitted by fossil fuels.

9. Tidal Energy – uses the power of water to create energy much like
with the hydroelectric methods. In most cases, its common application
is in turbines.

Although tidal energy is fairly new, its potential is enormous.

The most common form of tidal energy production is the use of Tidal
Stream Generators. These generators make use of the kinetic energy
of the ocean to power turbines, without producing the waste like of
fossil fuels.

10. Hydrogen Gas –a completely clean burning fuel. When generated,

hydrogen gas cells emit only water vapor and warm air. Despite being
clean, concerns with how hydrogen gas is formed were raised. Since
hydrogen gas is derived from the use of natural gas and fossil fuels, its
benefits outweigh by its harmful emissions.
Renewable Sources of Energy

Biomass – a renewable but not clean energy resource. Although it is

significantly cleaner than most fossil fuels such as coal and oil, it still
produces sulphur dioxide during electricity production that creates air
pollution that causes harm to human’s health.

Hydro energy – commonly known as “hydro power”, is a very clean and

powerful method of producing electricity from a trapped wall of water.
However, this can pose danger to wildlife and living organisms in the rivers
because of the need to flood the upstream land and draining of the
downstream land during its construction.

Geothermal energy – depending on location, geothermal energy can be a

reliable renewable energy source. It is commonly used to provide a source of
heating or hot water for households using “ground source heat pumps”, and
also can be used as the energy source for power stations in appropriate
areas.

Solar energy – a renewable energy resource that largely depends on

weather. The most known technology that stores energy from the sun is the
solar panel where the efficiency and effectiveness lies on the proper
placement, location, and surrounding environment. The greater the solar
energy supply, the more effective the cells will be, however, the more heat a
solar panel receives, the more unreliable it can be because some of the
energy collected into the panel transforms into heat instead of electricity.

Tidal energy – can be used to generate electricity from the large energy
force behind the tides. The main disadvantage of tidal energy is the effect on
the surrounding environment, affecting sea life, and shore access.

Wave energy – is similar to tidal energy, but instead using the force behind
the waves to produce electricity. The cost to sea life is usually less of an
issue, as the construction tends to float on the water, and not in the sea. This
is a relatively new technology, and in many cases, is still in the research
phase.

Wind energy – can be a very reliable renewable energy source if the wind
turbines are placed in the right location. The main disadvantages of this form
of energy are: sight and noise pollution, and that most designs of wind
turbines can be harmful to birds.

Wood energy – ties in with biomass, as it is still renewable, but must be burnt
during electricity production, which makes it harmful for our environment.

Alternative and Renewable Energy Resources in the Philippines

In the pursuit of the Philippine government to improve the status of

renewable energy resources in our country, it enacted laws to strengthen the
implementation of renewable energy resources. These laws include: Electric
Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (RA 9136); the Biofuel Act of 2006 (RA
9367); the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513); and the Climate
Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729).

Philippines has an abundant supply of alternative, renewable energy

sources such as wind and the sun. We have sufficient resources that can be
harnessed to generate stable power needed to electrify homes and fuel
businesses. While we still have a long way to go, we are encouraged by the
fact that the renewable energy sector has seen tremendous growth in the
previous years.

In November 2014, The Burgos Wind Farm operated a 150-megawatt new

power plant. Proclaimed as one of the biggest wind farms in Southeast Asia,
it is projected to not just provide 370 gigawatt-hours of electricity, which would
power approximately two million households but could also displace an
estimated 200,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
 The San Carlos Energy Inc. (SaCaSol) successfully connected the first
22 MW of its solar plant in Negros in the Southern Philippines and another 30
MW under construction. SaCaSol plant stated that, they are expected to
provide approximately 31, 610, 473 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity annually
to the Visayas Grid, which is currently suffering from brownouts and low
voltage problems.

Then there are the solar panels being installed on the roof of the
country’s biggest malls.

The Philippines may have been slow in adopting renewable energy,

but it has been catching up. In fact, there is a goal to make renewable energy
account for 50% of the total energy mix by the year 2030, when demand for
energy is forecast to exceed 30,000 MW.

The question is, is it catching up fast enough? With the Philippine

Department of Energy approving a total of 616 renewable energy projects last
year, we can look forward to a cleaner energy infrastructure. Whether these
will be enough to fulfill the 50% by 2030 objective is not certain, but at the
very least, we know that progress is being made.

Let’s Elaborate:

For your last activity in this course, watch the short video entitled “Top
10 Energy Sources of the Future”, on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjthwBp9Rcg and then answer the
following questions:

a. On the energy sources given on the video, identify which are

alternative and which are renewable?
b. What are the potential benefits of the renewable energy sources
stated at the video?
c. What are the possible effects of the stated energy sources?

Submit your work together with your answers on the essay questions found
on the final output of this unit.

Expected Output:

For you output in this lesson you need to answer the following 5-items essay
type questions.

1. As a student, why is it important for you to know the different

alternative energy resources?
2. How can alternative energy resources help natural environment of the
developing countries like Philippines?
3. Do you think that employing or using alternative energy resources can
really address the issue of global warning in our country? Why or why
not?
4. Are alternative energy sources such as solar wind, tidal and
geothermal more practical than fossil fuels? Prove your answer.
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using alternative
energy resources?

Submit your answers next meeting.

 Congratulations! You are now done with all the units and lessons of
our STS course. Don’t forget to study for our final examination.

REFERENCES:

Manila Standard, 2016. Retrieved from:

https://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/200526

Prieto, N.G., Vega, V.A, Felipe, E.F. & Meneses, J. L. 2019. Science,
Technology and Society. Lorimar Publishing

Quinto, E. M. & Nieva A.D. 2019. Science, Technology and Society. C& E
Publishing Inc.
URL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjthwBp9Rcg