MATI DOCTORS COLLEGE

CITY OF MATI

GEC 7
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Chapter 1- General Concepts and Historical Events in Science, Technology,

and Society

Lesson 1: Intellectual Revolutions That Defined Society

Lesson 2: Science, Technology, and Nation-building

Lesson 3: Science Education in the Philippines

Lesson 4: Indigenous Science and Technology in the Philippines

Subject GEC 7 – Science Technology and Society

Chapter 1 General Concepts and Historical Events in Science,

Technology, and Society

Lesson 1 Intellectual Revolutions That Defined Society

Objectives At the end of the learning module you shall be able to:

1. Discuss how the ideas postulated by Copernicus,

Darwin, and Freud contributed to the spark of
scientific revolution; and

2. Analyze how scientific revolution is done in

various parts of the world like in Latin America,
East Asia, Middle East, and Africa.

Abstraction Scientific Revolution

- It is the period of enlightenment when the

developments in the fields of mathematics,
physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry
transformed the views of society about nature.

- The ideas generated during this period enabled

the people to reflect, rethink, and reexamine their
beliefs and their way of life;

- It led to the creation of new research fields in

science and prompted the establishment of a
strong foundation for modern science.

Some Intellectuals and their Revolutionary Ideas

- Nicolaus Copernicus

- His idea and model of the universe placed the

Sun to be the centerpiece of the universe.

- He outlined two kinds of planetary motion: (1)

the orbits of Venus and Mercury lay inside the
orbit of the Earth, thus, closer to the Sun; and
(2) the orbits of Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter lay
outside the Earth’s orbit, thus, farther from the
Sun. From this model, he would work on the
length of time it will take for each planet to orbit
 once around the Sun.

- Charles Darwin

- Famous for his theory of evolution

- He published his book The Origin of Species in

1589. His book presented evidence on how
species evolved over time and presented traits
and adaptation that differentiate species.

- In his book The Descent of Man, he introduced

the idea of all organic life, including human
beings, under the realm of evolutionary thinking.

- His unorthodox way of pursuing science gave

more value to evidence-based science. It is a
science marked by observation and experiment.

- Sigmund Freud

- Famous figure in the field of psychology

- Made a significant contribution through the

development of an important observational
method known as the method of psychoanalysis

- His method was unorthodox—focusing on human

sexuality and the evil nature of man.

- According to Weiner (2016), his method of

psychoanalysis was proven to be effective in
understanding some neurological conditions that
were not understood by medicine at that time.

Cradles of Early Science

Development of Science in Mesoamerica:

- The Maya civilization is one of the famous

civilizations that lasted for approximately 2,000
years.

- They incorporated their advanced understanding

of astronomy into their temples and other religious
structures.
- They are known for their knowledge of predicting
eclipse and using astrological cycles in planting
and harvesting.

- They are also known for measuring time using two

complicated calendar systems.

- They developed the technology for growing

different crops and building elaborate cities using
ordinary machineries and tools.

- They built looms for weaving cloth and devised a

rainbow of glittery paints made from a mineral
called mica.

- They are also believed to be one of the first people

to produce rubber products 3,000 years before
Goodyear received its patent in 1844.

- They are one of the world’s first civilizations to use

a writing system known as the Mayan
hieroglyphics;

- They were also skilled in mathematics and created

a number system based on the numeral 20.

- They independently developed the concept of zero

and positional value, even before the Romans did.

- The Inca civilization is also famous in

Mesoamerica. The following were scientific ideas
and tools that they developed to help them in
everyday life:

- roads paved with stones;

- stone buildings that surmounted earthquakes and

other disasters;

- irrigation system and technique for storing water

for their crops to grow in all types of land;

- calendar with 12 months to mark their religious

festivals and prepare them for planting season;

- the first suspension bridge; quipu, a system of

 knotted ropes to keep records that only experts
can interpret; and

- Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially

prized artistic achievements.

- The Aztec civilization has also made substantial

contributions to science and technology and to
the society as a whole. Some of their
contributions are the following:

- Mandatory education. Their children are

mandated to get education regardless of their
social class, gender, or age. It is an early form of
universal or inclusive education.

- Chocolates. The Aztec in Mexico developed

chocolate during their time. The Aztec valued the
cacao beans highly and made them as part of their
tribute to their gods.

- Antispasmodic medication. They used a type of

antispasmodic medication that could prevent
muscle spasms and relax muscles, which could
help during surgery.

- Chinampa. It is a form of Aztec technology for

agricultural farming in which the land was divided
into rectangular areas and surrounded by canals.

- Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their

activities, rituals, and planting season.

- Invention of the canoe. A light narrow boat

used for traveling in water systems.

Development of Science in Asia

- India. The Indians creatively developed various

ideas and technologies useful in their everyday
lives.

- Their iron steel is considered to be the best and

held with high regard in the whole of Roman
Empire.
- Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine that
originated in ancient India before 2500 BC, is still
practiced as a form of alternative medicine.

- They discovered some medicinal properties of

plants that led them to develop medicines to cure
various illnesses.

- The Susruta Samhita describes different surgical

and other medical procedures famous in Ancient
India.

- They developed theories on the configuration of

the universe, the spherical self-supporting Earth,
and the year of 360 days with 12 equal parts of 30
days each.

- The people of this civilization, according to Bisht

(1982), tried to standardize measurement of
length to a high degree of accuracy and designed
a ruler, the Mohenjodaro ruler.

- Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata

(476–550), in his Aryabhatiya, introduced a
number of trigonometric functions, tables, and
techniques, as well as algorithms of algebra.

- Another Indian, Brahmagupta, also suggested that

gravity was a force of attraction, and lucidly
explained the use of zero as both a placeholder
and a decimal digit.

- Another Indian named Madhava of

Sangamagrama is also considered as the founder
of mathematical analysis (Joseph, 1991).

- China. It is one of the ancient civilizations with

substantial contributions in many areas of life like
medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics, arts,
philosophy, and music, among others.

- Known for traditional medicines, a product of

centuries of experiences and discovery of the
Chinese people

- Discovered various medical properties and uses of

 different plants and animals to cure human illness;
an example is the practice of acupuncture

- Among the famous discoveries and inventions of

the Chinese civilizations were compass,
papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools.

- They also invented other tools like iron plough,

wheelbarrow, and propeller, among others.

- They developed a design of different models of

bridges (Zhongguo ke xue yuan, 1983), invented
the first seismological detector, and developed a
dry dock facility (Needham et al., 1971).

- Made significant records on supernovas, lunar and

solar eclipses, and comets, which were carefully
recorded and preserved to understand better the
heavenly bodies and their effects to our world
(Mayall, 1939)

- They observed the heavenly bodies to understand

weather changes and seasons that may affect
their daily activities. They used lunar calendars.

- The Middle East Countries. With the spread of

Islam in the 7th and 8th centuries, a period of
Muslim scholarship, or what is called the Golden
Age of Islam lasted until the 13th century.

- Muslim scientists placed greater value on science

experiments rather than plain-thought
experiments.

- A Muslim scientist named Ibn al-Haytham is also

regarded as the Father of Optics, especially for his
empirical proof of the intromission theory of light.

- Mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi

gave his name to the concept of the algorithm
while the term algebra is derived from al-jabr.

- Muslim mathematicians did make several

refinements to the number system, such as the
introduction of decimal point notation.
 - Some scholars considered Jābir ibn Hayyān to be
the “Father of Chemistry” (Derewenda, 2007;
Warren, 2005).

- Ibn Sina pioneered the science of experimental

medicine and was the first physician to conduct
clinical trials (Jacquart, 2008).

- Ibn Sina two most notable works in medicine, the

Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine, were
used as standard medicinal texts in both the
Muslim world and in Europe during the 17th
century.

Development of Science in Africa

Africa is blessed with natural and mineral resources.

Science also emerged in this part of the planet long
before the Europeans colonized it.

Astronomy was also famous in the African region.

Documents show that Africans used three types of
calendars: lunar, solar, and stellar, or a combination of
the three.

North Africa and the Nile Valley imported iron

technology from the Near East region that enabled
them to benefit from the developments during the
Bronze Age until the Iron Age.

Mathematics was also known to be prominent in the life

of early people in the African continent.

The Lebombo Bone, which may have been a tool for

multiplication, division, and simple mathematical
calculation or a six month lunar calendar, is considered
to be the oldest known mathematical artifact dated
from 35,000 BCE.

The Islamic regions in Africa during the medieval period

was also benefiting from mathematical learning, which
is considered advanced during those times, such as
algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

The ancient Egyptian civilization has contributed

immensely and made significant advances in the fields
 of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. For
example:

- They are good in the four fundamental

mathematical operations and other mathematical
skills. They have knowledge of the basic concepts
of algebra and geometry.

- The rules of geometry were developed and used to

build rectilinear structures, the post of lintel
architecture of Egypt.

- The great structures of the Egyptian pyramids and

the early dams built to divert water from the Nile
River are some proofs of their advanced
civilization.

- Egypt was known to be a center of alchemy, which

is known as the medieval forerunner of chemistry.

- They tried to study human anatomy and

pharmacology, and applied important components
such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, and
prognosis for the treatment of diseases.

DISCUSSION Activity 1.1 - Intellectual Revolutions That

POINTS Defined Society

How did society shape science and how did science

shape society?

How do social and human issues influence science?

Activity 1.2 – Timeline of Science

1. Form a group of 3-5 members.

2. Review the history of science and make a timeline

highlighting the major discoveries and
developments in science.
Subject GEC 7 – Science Technology and Society

Chapter 1 General Concepts and Historical Events in Science,

Technology, and Society

Lesson 2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING

Objectives At the end of the learning module you shall be able to:

3. Discuss the role of science and technology in

Philippine nation-building;

4. Evaluate government policies pertaining to

science and technology in terms of their
contributions to nation building; and

5. Identify actual science and technology policies of

the government and appraise their impact on the
development of the Filipino nation.

Abstraction Brief Historical Background of Science and

Technology in the Philippines

- Pre-Spanish Philippines:

- The early inhabitants of the archipelago had their

own belief system and indigenous knowledge
system.

- Science was observed in the way they interpreted

the movements of heavenly bodies to predict
seasons and climates, and in organizing days into
months and years.

- Scientific knowledge was observed in the way

they planted their crops, in taking care of
animals, and for food production.

- They used science in preparing the soil for

agricultural purposes and like any other ancient
cultures. They also discovered the medicinal uses
of plants.

- They developed tools for planting, hunting,

cooking, and fishing; for fighting their enemies
 during war or tribal conflicts.

- They also developed technologies in creating

musical instruments.

- The Metal Age had a significant influence on the

lives of early Filipinos.

- Sophisticated designs of gold and silver jewelry,

ceramics, and metal tools proved that their
technological ideas helped in the development of
different tools.

- Spanish Era:

- The Spaniards brought with them their own

culture and practices.

- They established schools for boys and girls and

introduced the concept of subjects and
disciplines.

- It was the beginning of formal science and

technology in the country, known now as school
of science and technology.

- The Filipinos developed ways to replicate the

technology brought by the Spaniards using
indigenous materials.

- Medicine and advanced science were introduced

in formal colleges and universities established by
the Catholic orders.

- The galleon trade had brought additional

technology and development in the Philippines.

- Filipino students who were able to study in

Europe also contributed to the advancement of
medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature
in the country.

- American Era:

- The Americans established the public

education system, and improved the
 engineering works and the health conditions
of the people.

- They reorganized the learning of science

and introduced it in public and private
schools.

- They established a modern research

university, the University of the Philippines.

- They created more public hospitals than the

former colonial master.

- The mineral resources of the country were

also explored and exploited during the
American time.

- Transportation and communication systems

were improved, though not accessible
throughout the country.

- The Protestant church missions in different

places in the country also brought hospitals
and schools to far-flung areas.

- However, World War II had destabilized the

development of the country in many ways.
Institutions and public facilities were turned
into ashes, houses were burned, and many
lives were destroyed.

- Since the establishment of the new

republic, the whole nation had been
focusing on using its limited resources in
improving its science and technological
capability.

Government Policies on Science and Technology

The Philippine government introduced and implemented

several programs, projects, and policies to boost the
area of science and technology.

The goal is to prepare the whole country and its people

to meet the demands of a technologically driven world
and capacitate the people to live in a world driven by
science.

The National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP)

clustered these policies into four, namely:

1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education,

International Policies and Governance

2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research,

Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics

3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry

There are also other existing programs supported by

the Philippine government through the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST).

Some of these projects are the following:

1. Providing funds for basic research and patents

related to science and technology

2. Providing scholarships for undergraduate and

graduate studies of students in the field of
science and technology

3. Establishing more branches of the Philippine

Science High School System

4. Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino

scientists abroad to come home and work in the
Philippines

5. Developing science and technology parks in

academic campuses to encourage academe and
industry partnerships

6. The establishment of the National Science

Complex and National Engineering Complex
within the University of the Philippines campus in
Diliman.

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and

Engineering (PAASE, 2008) identified several capacity-
building programs such as:

• Establishment of national centers of excellence;

• Manpower and institutional development

programs, such as the Engineering and Science
Education Program (ESEP) to produce more PhD
graduates in science and engineering

• Establishment of regional centers to support

specific industries;

• Establishment of science and technology business

centers to assist, advise, and incubate
technopreneurship ventures; and

• Strengthen science education at an early stage

through the Philippine Science High School
system.

The current K to 12 education program includes

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM)

The Commission on Higher Education has launched its

Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes
(PICARI) Project to strengthen the STEM
competitiveness of the country.

The Philippine Congress has also created various laws

related to science and technology. These laws vary
according to different themes such as: conservation,
health-related, technology-building, and supporting
basic research, among others.

Some laws and policies are in line with international

treaties such as:

• The United Nations (UN);

• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO); and

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science

1. Ramon Cabanos Barba – for his outstanding

research on tissue culture in Philippine mangoes

2. Josefino Cacas Comiso – for his works on

observing the characteristics of Antarctica by
using satellite images

3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. – known internationally in

the field of electrical engineering; was elected as
officer of the famous Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering

4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz – notable for her

research on sea snail venom

5. Fabian Millar Dayrit – for his research on

herbal medicine

6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III – for his research

on tilapia culture

7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. – for invention of

the meconium drugs testing

8. Lilian Formalejo Patena – for doing research

on plant biotechnology

9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz – for being an

outstanding educator and graph theorist

10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan – for his research in

the field of communications technology

There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who are

recognized here and abroad for their outstanding
contributions in science:

1. Caesar A. Saloma – an internationally renowned

physicist

2. Edgardo Gomez – famous scientist in marine

science

3. William Padolina – chemistry and president of

 National Academy of Science and Technology
(NAST)–Philippines

4. Angel Alcala – marine science

DISCUSSION Activity 1.3 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND

POINTS NATION-BUILDING

1. What are the significant contributions of the

Spaniards and Americans to the development of
science and technology in the Philippines?

2. How does school science shape science and

technology in the country?

3. What can you say about the implementation of

some science and technology policies and projects
in the country?

Activity 1.4 – SCIENCE AND THE FILIPINOS

1. Identify several Filipino scientists.

2. Research on their contributions in the field of

science

3. Present the result of your work in a power point

presentation.
Subject GEC 7 – Science Technology and Society

Chapter 1 General Concepts and Historical Events in Science,

Technology, and Society

Lesson 3 SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Objectives At the end of the learning module you shall be able to:

6. Discuss the concept of science education; and

7. Identify science schools established to promote

science education in the Philippines.

Abstraction The Concept of Science Education

• Science education focuses on teaching, learning,

and understanding science.

- Teaching science involves exploring

pedagogical theories and models in helping
teachers teach scientific concepts and
processes effectively.

- Learning science includes both pedagogy

and the most interesting aspect, which is
helping students understand and love
science.

- Understanding science implies developing

and applying science-process skills and
using science literacy in understanding the
natural world and activities in everyday life.

Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education

• In basic education, science education helps

students learn important concepts and facts that
are related to everyday life including important
skills such as process skills, critical thinking skills,
and life skills.

• In tertiary education, science education deals

with developing students’ understanding and
appreciation of science ideas and scientific works.
It also focuses on the preparation of science
 teachers, scientists, engineers, and other
professionals in various science-related fields.

Science Schools in the Philippines

• Philippine Science High School System

(PSHSS)

- A government program for gifted students

in the Philippines

- A service institute of the Department of

Science and Technology (DOST)

- Offers free scholarship basis for secondary

course with special emphasis on subjects
pertaining to the sciences

• Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES)

Project

- This project started in June 2007 with 57

(or 60 since its inception) identified
elementary schools that participated or
were identified as science elementary
schools in the country.

- The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino

children equipped with scientific and
technological knowledge, skills, and values.
Its mission is to:

• provide a learning environment to

science-inclined children through a
special curriculum that recognizes the
multiple intelligences of the learners;

• promote the development of lifelong

learning skills; and

• foster the holistic development of the

learners.

• Quezon City Regional Science High School

- The school envisions to serve as a venue in

 providing maximum opportunities for
science-gifted students to develop spirit of
inquiry and creativity.

- The focus of its curriculum is on science and

technology.

- It is well-supported by the local

government unit and by the Parents and
Teachers Association (PTA).

• Manila Science High School

- It is the first science high school in the

Philippines.

- It aims to produce scientists with souls.

- The organization and curriculum of the

school puts more emphasis on science and
mathematics.

- The school administers an entrance exam,

the Manila Science High School Admission
Test (MSAT), for students who wish to
enroll.

- MSAT has five parts: aptitude in science,

aptitude test in mathematics, problem-
solving test in science, problem solving test
in mathematics, and proficiency in English.

• Central Visayan Institute Foundation

- It is the home and pioneer of the prominent

school-based innovation known as the
Dynamic Learning Program (DLP).

- DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern

pedagogical theories adapted to foster the
highest level of learning, creativity, and
productivity.

- The school takes pride in its Research

Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP).
DISCUSSION Activity 1.5 - SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE
POINTS PHILIPPINES

1. What other government projects and programs

are available for science education in the
Philippines?

2. Are there private schools with outstanding science

education programs? Identify and compare their
science education programs with public science
schools.

Activity 1.6 - Science and its Issues

1. Discuss science-related issues and problems in

the country.

2. Identify science and technology policies that could

be adapted or implemented in the Philippines.
Subject GEC 7 – Science Technology and Society

Chapter 1 General Concepts and Historical Events in Science,

Technology, and Society

Lesson 4 INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE

PHILIPPINES

Objectives At the end of the learning module you shall be able to:

8. Discuss the concept of indigenous science; and

9. Discuss the contribution of indigenous science in

the development of science and technology in the
Philippines.

Abstraction Indigenous Knowledge System

Some examples of indigenous knowledge that are

taught and practiced by the indigenous people are:

• predicting weather conditions and seasons

using knowledge in observing animals’
behavior and celestial bodies;

• using herbal medicine;

• preserving foods;

• classifying plants and animals into families

and groups based on cultural properties;

• preserving and selecting good seeds for

planting;

• using indigenous technology in daily lives;

• building local irrigation systems;

• classifying different types of soil for planting

based on cultural properties;

• producing wines and juices from tropical

fruits; and

• keeping the custom of growing plants and

 vegetables in the yard.

Indigenous Science

Indigenous science is part of the indigenous knowledge

system practiced by different groups of people and
early civilizations.

It includes complex arrays of knowledge,

expertise, practices, and representations that guide
human societies in their enumerable interactions with
the natural milieu: agriculture, medicine, naming and
explaining natural phenomena, and strategies for
coping with changing environments.

Indigenous science helps the people in

understanding the natural environment and in coping
with everyday life.

2. Indigenous science uses science process skills

such as observing, comparing, classifying,
measuring, problem solving, inferring,
communicating, and predicting.

3. Indigenous science is guided by culture and

community values such as the following:

• The land is a source of life. It is a precious

gift from the creator;

• The Earth is revered as “Mother Earth.” It is

the origin of their identity as people;

• All living and nonliving things are

interconnected and interdependent with
each other;

• Human beings are stewards or trustee of

the land and other natural resources. They
have a responsibility to preserve it; and

• Nature is a friend to human beings—it

needs respect and proper care.

4. Indigenous science is composed of traditional

knowledge practiced and valued by people and
 communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-
medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk
astronomy.

DISCUSSION Activity 1.7 - Indigenous Science and Technology

POINTS In The Philippines

1. What is your understanding of indigenous

science?

2. How do society and culture influence the

development of science and technology?

Activity 1.8 – Indigenous Knowledge

1. Identify Filipino indigenous knowledge.

2. Research on the connection of indigenous

knowledge to science and technology.

3. Present the result of your work to the class.