Urdaneta City University | College of Arts and Sciences

Scientific Method
LESSON 1: INTERSECTION IN SCIENCE,
• Ask a Question
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY • Do a Background Research
Science And Technology plays a major role in our everyday life. They • Construct a Hypothesis
make difficult and complicated tasks easier and allow people to do • Test your Hypothesis
more with so little effort and time. • Analyze your Data
• Conclusion
The developments in this field are not just products of people’s
• Communicate your Results
imagination, they are also brought about by gradual improvement to
earlier works from different time periods. The driving force behind this
continuous progress or development is the desire to raise the quality of TECHNOLOGY
life of the people.
• Material Product
However, let us take into consideration to the real situation of human’s • Application of Knowledge
health effects of these various development of technologies, their • Human Activity
relationship to others, and the global impact to the environment .

SOCIETY

• An organized group of persons associated together for religious,

SCIENCE benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes.
• A body of individuals living as members of a community
• Systematized body of knowledge • A highly structured system of human organization for large-scale
• Organized and Dynamic community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity,
• Human Activity security, and a national identity for its members
• Social Enterprise

DO NOT PHOTOCOPY
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide

LESSON 2: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND and orientations. Stronger nations invade weaker ones so they could take
much needed resources. As such, the development of weapons and armors
SOCIETY IN THE ANCIENT TIMES for security and protection was considered a major achievement.

TOPICS A primary challenge they faced was the conservation of life. Different illnesses
and diseases, both natural and man-made, hampered the full potential of a
o Ancient Times and Ancient Civilizations human being. Given this predicament, science and technology played a major
o Medieval Ages and Renaissance role in the discovery of cures to, if not the prevention of illnesses.

ANCIENT TIMES In order to integrate their needs for better transformation, establishment of
structures for protection from human attacks and natural disasters, and
In the ancient times, people were concerned with transportation and
construction of bigger and stronger infrastructure- people ventured into what
navigation, communication and record-keeping, mass production, security
is known as engineering.
and protection, as well as health, aesthetics and architecture.
The development would address their specific needs and wants. The
Transportation was significant because people were trying to go places and
development of engineering also ushered in the introduction of architecture.
discover new horizons. They travelled to search for food and find better
During the ancient times, elaborative architectural designs were signs of
location for their settlements. They also travelled to trade their surplus goods
technological advancement of a particular civilization. In generations,
in exchange for things that they lacked. Navigation assisted them in their
architecture would be considered a status symbol among nations of how
journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in the world. It allowed them to return
advanced their technology is. It may also establish the identity of a nation.
home after they discovered new places or completed an important trade with
another group of people Looking aesthetically pleasing plays also a major role during the ancient
times. People were not contented on beautifying only their infrastructures and
Communication was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy
surroundings. They discovered that people looked more visually presentable
new places. They needed a way to communicate with natives of the area they
and appealing by adding some features and decorations in their bodies.
visited so as to facilitate trade and prevent possible conflicts. Record-keeping
was also important since they needed to remember the places they had been
to and document the trades they made with each other, and the history and QUESTIONS?
culture so they could establish their identities as they tried to relate with other 1. Communication is very important during ancient times for various
culture and civilizations. reasons. Do you think communication is still relevant as it is before?
Explain.
Weapons and Armors were important in the discovery of new places or the
establishment of new alliances with other tribes, at that time, there was
always a risk of conflicts when people meet met others with different culture
Page 2 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide
2. Aside from communication, what other factor/s do you think modern The Great Ziggurat of Ur – it was built as a place of worship, dedicated to the
people such as us, rely on in our day-to-day life? moon god Nanna in the Sumerian city of Ur in ancient Mesopotamia. Today,
after more than 4,000 years, the ziggurat is still well preserved in large parts
ANCIENT CIVILIZATION: SUMERIAN as the only major remainder of Ur in present-day southern Iraq.
SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION - Sumer
was an ancient civilization founded in the
Mesopotamia region of the Fertile Irrigation and Dikes - The Sumerians
Crescent situated between the Tigris and were the first ones to establish
Euphrates rivers. Known for their irrigation on a large scale. They made
innovations in language, governance, canals, dikes, and ditches to ensure
architecture and more, Sumerians are that their crops have enough water.
considered the creators of civilization as When the flood season of the rivers is
modern humans understand it. over, the farmers drain excess water
through canals. Afterwards, they plow
They are not contented with the basic things’ life can offer. the fields and rake it repeatedly.
Their desire pushed them to develop many things connected with of Science This method was considered as one of the world’s most BENEFICIAL
and Technology ENGINEERING works.
Cuneiform - The first writing system developed by the Sailboats - at that time the wheel was not yet invented; the main mode of
Sumerian. It is a system that utilizes word pictures & transportation was through waterways such as rivers and seas.
triangular symbols which are carved on clay using
wedge instruments & then left to dry. These are Boats were used to carry large quantities of products and were able to cover
made to keep records of things with great historical large distances.
value or their everyday life.
Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as in fostering
Uruk City - Considered as a great wonder not only culture, information, and technology.
because it is considered to be the first city in the
Wheel - the first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work
world but also for the way it was erected. Sumerians able to build this city with
and food processes.
a big challenge because of using only mud or clay from the river, which they
mixed with reeds, producing sunbaked bricks. With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made easier and
Farmers were able to mill grains with less effort in less time.

Page 3 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide
invention of roads was very useful especially during the rainy season when
traveling in soft and muddy roads proved to be too difficult.

ANCIENT CIVILIZATION: BABYLONIAN

BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION - Babylonia was an ancient Akkadian-speaking
state and cultural area based in the city of Babylon in central-southern
Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq and parts of Syria).

The Babylonians used the innovations of the Sumerians, added to them, and
built an empire that gave the world, among other things, codified laws, a tower
that soared above the earth, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Plow - this enable them to dig the ground where seeds would be planted in a Geographically, the empire of Babylonia occupied the middle and southern
faster pace. As the plow breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop the part of Mesopotamia.
seeds and the farm work would be already done.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon - a
With this, farmers could cultivate larger parcel of lands colossal maze of terraced trees, shrubs,
flowers and manmade waterfalls, are
faster, enabling them to mass produce food without taking so much effort one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
and time. World.

Yet archaeologists have turned up scant

evidence of the gardens. It’s unclear
where they were located or whether they
ever existed at all.

Some researchers have uncovered

evidence that suggests the hanging
gardens existed, but not in Babylon—
they may have actually been located in
the city of Nineveh in upper Mesopotamia.
Roads - Sumerians paved roads using their bricks and bitumen to facilitate
faster and easier travel, the Sumerians developed the first roads. The

Page 4 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide
Other contribution of the Babylonian Civilization: Art and Architecture: The Babylonian kings were famous builders. They built
big palaces. They kept the gigantic images of bulls having the heads of man
Art of Writing and Education: Like the Sumerians, the people of Babylon
near the entrance gate of the palace.
used Cuneiform writing. They used more than 350 signs in their writing.
Administration: The Babylonians were very famous in the field of
Literature: The literature of Babylon was very rich. The Babylonians wrote
administration. Besides the code of Hammurabi, laws were also written on
around 2000 books. They composed books on religion, science, mathematics
clay tablets.
and astrology. In the domain of Babylonian literature, ‘Gilgamesh’ carved a
special position. This epic describes about king Gilgamesh, the legendary hero Agriculture, Trade and Commerce: The Babylonians were skilled agriculturists
of Babylon. Once, God sent flood to teach sinner Babylonians a lesson. A sage and traders. They liked to produce variety of crops. That is why they dug canals
knew about this and left Babylon with others. King Gilgamesh with the help of and irrigated the corn fields.
God Enlil defeated the flood. His heroic deeds have been described in
In summary. the contributions of the Babylonians to the human civilization
‘Gilgamesh’.
were immense. The Code of Hammurabi helped in building a healthy society.
Code of Hammurabi: Hammurabi was the First Law Giver of the world. He was Besides this, their contributions in the field of art, architecture, science, trade
the leader of the Amorites and a brave fighter. There were different sets of and commerce were worth noting.
laws in ancient Babylon concerning religion, agriculture, administration and
business. Hammurabi codified all these laws in a simple form which became ANCIENT CIVILIZATION: EGYPTIAN
famous as the ‘Code of Hammurabi’. EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION - Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River
Religion: the Babylonians were polytheists. Their chief god was ‘Marduk’ who in large part because the river's annual flooding ensured reliable, rich soil for
was regarded as the creator of the world. ‘Istar’ was regarded as Mother growing crops. Repeated struggles for political control of Egypt showed the
Goddess. They also worshipped ‘Samas’ as sun god and ‘Tamuj’ as the god of importance of the region's agricultural production and economic resources.
agriculture. The Babylonians believed that the gods and goddess take birth,
come under sorrows, sufferings and happiness and die.

Science: The Babylonians also excelled in the field of science. The priests
watched the sun, moon planet and star very carefully and forecast the future.

They also used sun dial and water clock to know time. They also knew the use
of numbers from 1 to 9. The priests also predicted future. They had acquired
knowledge in geography, life science and astrology. All these things prove the
love of the Babylonians for science.

Page 5 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide
Paper or Papyrus - although Egypt was not Cosmetics - function in ancient Egypt was for
the first to develop a system of writing, both health and aesthetic reasons. Egyptians
they were able to make writing easier for wore Kohl around the eyes to prevent and even
the world. Papyrus was a plant that grew cure eye diseases.
abundantly along the Nile river. They were
They also believed that a person wearing make-
able to process the plant in order to
up was protected from evil and that beauty was
produce thin sheets on which one could
a sign of holiness.
write down things.
At present, the cosmetic industry is a booming
Since papyrus was lighter and thinner than
multibillion industry.
clay tablets, it was easy to carry and store.
The sheets were also less breakable as Wigs - are used to enhance the appearance of people who
compared to clay tablets are balding or those who want to try new hair trends.
During the Egyptian times, wigs were worn for health and
Ink - Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals to
wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes.
produce inks of different colors. It was tamper-proof so that people could not
simply tinker with those written down. Wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the
wealthy Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun.
Hieroglyphics - a system of writing using symbols. They believed that this
Considered cleaner than natural hair because it
writing system was provided to them by their gods and can still be seen today
prevented the accumulation of head lice.
and remains to be as famous as the pyramids where they were found
Water Clock/ Clepsydra- A water clock or clepsydra is a
timepiece by which time is measured by the regulated
flow of liquid into or out from a vessel, and where the
amount is then measured. Water clocks are one of the
oldest time-measuring instruments

This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water

from one vessel to the other. In the process, time is
measured. Used as a timekeeping devise during ancient
times.

Page 6 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide

ANCIENT CIVILIZATION: GREEK ALARM CLOCK - one of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by
the ancient Greeks. The purpose was just the same with the alarm clock of
GREEK CIVILIZATION: ancient Greek civilization was a period of political,
the modern times - to tell an individual when to stop or when to start.
philosophical, artistic, and scientific achievements that formed a legacy with
unparalleled influence.
ANCIENT CIVILIZATION: ROMAN
The Greeks made important contributions to philosophy, mathematics, ROMAN CIVILIZATION: The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest
astronomy, and medicine. Literature and theatre were an important aspect of political and social entity in the west.
Greek culture and influenced modern drama. The Greeks were known for their
sophisticated sculpture and architecture. It was considered to be the CRADLE OF POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE during
that period.
Water mills - used in agricultural processes like milling of grains which was
necessary form of food processing during that time. Because the Roman Empire was so large, other civilizations looked up to it as
their model in terms of legislation and codified laws.
Watermills were considered better than mills powered by farm animals
because they required less effort and time to operate since farmer did not Newspaper – the first newspapers, known as GAZETTES, contained
have to raise animals. announcements of the Roman Empire to the people

They only required access to rivers or flowing water where a mechanism of a This way, the Romans enjoyed easy access to government information the
large wheel with small BUCKETS of water attached to it could be installed. same way we benefit from present day newspapers.

Bound Books or Codex - Record-keeping was much easier since paper did not
easily break, was lightweight, and did not occupy much space. The civilization
became fond of record- keeping, events and newly legislated laws.

Page 7 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide
Roman Architecture - One of the most visual contributions of the ancient Gunpowder - originally it was developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to
Roman Empire to the world. Roman architecture is known for concrete-domed achieve IMMORTALITY.
buildings, the innovative use of the arch, the amphitheater design, the
He mixed charcoal, sulfur and potassium nitrate. But instead of creating an
basilica, the triumphal arch, and residential apartment blocks.
elixir of life, they accidentally invented a black powder that could actually
A continuation of the Greek architecture, hence the resemblance generate a large amount of heat and gas in an instant

Roman Numerals - Romans devised their own number system specifically to Ironically, instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets
address the need for a standard counting method that would meet their from guns and cannons which cause countless deaths.
increasing communications and trade concerns
On the other hand, gunpowder is also used in fireworks during important
celebrations in China.
ANCIENT CIVILIZATION: CHINESE
CHINESE CIVILIZATION: is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia if QUESTIONS?
not the world.
1. Which among the discussed civilizations are you most impressed with?
Also known as the middle kingdom, China is located far east of Asia. Choose only 1 and support your choice.

Silk - Produced by silk worms, but Chinese were the ones who developed the 2. Which invention from this ancient civilization are you most impressed
technology to harvest the silk and process it to produce paper and clothing. with?

The silk trade opened China to the outside world, making way for cultural, 3. Why do you think the early human civilization originated near rivers or
economic and scientific exchanges. other bodies of water? Support your claim.

It bridged the gap between the western world and the middle kingdom.
MEDIEVAL AGES
Tea Production - a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over This refers to a thousand years between the fall of ancient civilization and the
crushed or shredded dried tea leaves. rise of the Italian Renaissance (476 – 1550 AD). It is sometimes referred to
as the "Dark Ages" because the ancient world's cultural and political traditions
China was also known for its tea production aside from its silk
were eclipsed with the collapse of Roman civilization and the conquest of
Great Wall of China - once considered the only man-made structure that could Europe by Germanic tribes. There is a shortage of currency; the industry,
be seen from the outer space. agriculture, commerce, and trade ceased to be active and productive; wars
caused many deaths among the nobles and military leaders
It was constructed to keep out foreign invaders and control the borders of
China.

Page 8 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide
There was very little progress in the Middle Ages as knowledge and resources Printing Press - Invented around 1439, Gutenberg's movable type printing
went backwards. The war caused destruction, ruining public health systems, press initiated nothing less than a revolution in print technology. His press
medical books and caused diseases such as the black death. So, because of allowed manuscripts to be mass-produced at relatively affordable costs. The
this, the government had to fund the war instead of the public health. 42-line 'Gutenberg Bible', printed around 1455, was Gutenberg's most well-
known printed item.
The Middle Ages are often said to be dark because of a supposed lack of
scientific and cultural advancement. During this time, feudalism was the This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical printing press which
dominant political system. was eventually used all over the world. The printing press was invented to
address the need for publishing books that would spread information to many
FALL OF ROME
people at a faster rate. This invention also made works accessible to
• Rome began to face many problems that together allowed the fall of individuals who could not even write
the Roman Empire. The three main problems that caused Rome to fall Microscope - a devise that could magnify things invisible to the eye. Guided by
were invasions by barbarians, an unstable government, and economic the principles used for the invention of the eyeglasses in earlier years,
and social problems ZACHARIAS JANSSEN was able to develop the first compound microscope.

• The Black Death is believed to have been the result of plague, an With the microscope, people were able to observe organisms that cannot be
infectious fever caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The disease seen by the naked eye. It was the key in discovering new means in preventing
was likely transmitted from rodents to humans by the bite of infected and curing various illnesses.
fleas.
Telescope - an optical instrument that helps in the observation of remote
objects, was a great help for navigators during this time. Together with the
• After the fall of Rome, no single state or government united the people
telescope, the invention of the compass, oars, and rudders made sea traveling
who lived on the European continent. Instead, the Catholic Church
easier and safer
became the most powerful institution of the medieval period. Kings,
queens and other leaders derived much of their power from their War Weapons - since wars were widespread during the Middle Ages, great
alliances with and protection of the Church. development in the weaponry technology also occurred. All sides must
develop weapons not only as offensive tools but also as defensive
The Church Had enormous influence over the people of medieval Europe and instruments. For open area battles – cross bows and long bows so that they
had the power to make laws and influence monarchs. The church had much
could attack enemies at long ranges, keeping themselves safe with the
wealth and power as it owned much land and had taxes called tithes. It made
protection of walls and fortresses.
separate laws and punishments to the monarch's laws and had the ability to
send people to war.

Page 9 of 10
Science, Technology and Society | Lecture Guide
In close-range hand –to-hand combat, soldiers should wear something to Jupiter and rings of Saturn. Placed under house arrest for his views of a
protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation of IRON BODY ARMORS. heliocentric universe.
However, the body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519): Italian painter, architect, inventor and
problem was eventually solved by the invention of the CHAINMAIL.
“Renaissance man” responsible for painting “The Mona Lisa” and “The Last
Supper.
RENAISSANCE
During this era, the technological developments and inventions increases due William Shakespeare (1564–1616): England’s “national poet” and the most
to the different scientists arise such as the revival of European culture, famous playwright of all time, celebrated for his sonnets and plays like
particularly in Italy, retranslation of Greek words into Latin, rediscovery of “Romeo and Juliet.”
Aristotle's works and other Greek writing, paper making, geographical
Raphael (1483–1520): Italian painter who learned from da Vinci and
discoveries and navigation, the establishment of modern universities,
Michelangelo. Best known for his paintings of the Madonna and “The School
economic growth, increased wealth and opportunities and population growth
of Athens.”
and the revival of culture and interest in scientific pursuit.
Michelangelo (1475–1564): Italian sculptor, painter and architect who carved
The name 'renaissance' is a French word translating to rebirth. It symbolized
“David” and painted The Sistine Chapel in Rome.
the beginning of a new era of art, rebirthing the classical models of Ancient
Greek and Rome periods while using the modern techniques. Art, architecture,
QUESTIONS?
and science were closely linked during the Renaissance. In fact, it was a
unique time when these fields of study fused together seamlessly. 1. What should we do in order to prevent another Dark Age in the future?
Explain.
For instance, artists like da Vinci incorporated scientific principles, such as
anatomy into their work, so they could recreate the human body with 2. Do you think art, architecture, and science can contribute into our
extraordinary precision. society? Cite an example.
Some Renaissance Geniuses:

René Descartes (1596-1650) has been heralded as the first modern

philosopher. He is famous for having made an important connection between
geometry and algebra, which allowed for the solving of geometrical problems
by way of algebraic equations

Galileo (1564-1642): Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer whose

pioneering work with telescopes enabled him to describes the moons of

Page 10 of 10