HERCOR COLLEGE INC.

powered package; commonly called

Lawaan Main Campus, Lawaan, Roxas notebooks
City, Capiz 4. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) – have
no keyboards but rely on a touch screen for
College of Criminal Justice Education
user input
5. Server – improved computer to provide
MODULE IN GEC 107 (SCIENCE, network services to other computers;
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY) powerful processors, tons of memory, &
large hard drives
FINALS 6. Mainframes – huge computer systems
that can fill up an entire room; replaced
LESSON 1: The 7.
by the term enterprise server
Wearable Computers – cellphones, watches,
Information Age etc.
The World Wide Web
- “period starting in the last quarter of the 20 th
century when information became effortlessly Claude E. Shannon – Father of Information
accessible through publications & through Theory
management of information by computers &
Applications of Computers in Science &
computer networks”
Research
James R. Messenger – proposed the Theory
 Bioinformatics – application of
of Information Age in 1982
information technology to store, organize,
“The Information Age is a true new age based & analyze vast amount of biological data
upon the interconnection of computers via  Molecular modeling – has become
telecommunications, with theses information faster due to the advances in
systems operating on both a real-time a& as- computer processors & its
needed basis. The primary factors driving this architecture
new age forward are convenience & user- Plant biotechnology – bioinformatics is found to
friendliness which, in turn, will create user be useful in the areas of identifying diseases
dependence.” resistance genes & designing plants with high
nutrition values
Richard Wurman – “Information Anxiety”
How to Check the Reliability of Web
Robert Harris – Truths of the Information Age
Sources
1. Information must compete.
1. Who is the author of the article/site?
2. Newer is equated with truer.
 Does the author provide his/her credentials?
3. Selection is a viewpoint.
 What type of expertise/experience does
4. The media sells what the culture buys.
he/she have?
5. The early word gets the perm.
2. Who published the site?
6. You are what you eat & so is your brain.
3. What is the main purpose of the site?
7. Anything in great demand will be
4. Who is the intended audience?
counterfeited.
5. What is the quality of information
8. Ideas are seen as controversial.
provided on the website?
9. Undead information walks ever on.\
 Date published? Is it regularly
Types of Computer updated?
 Does the author cite sources?
1. Personal Computer (PC) – single-user
instrument; first known as LESSON 2: Biodiversity &
microcomputers.
2. Desktop Computer – not designed for the Healthy Society
portability; set up in a permanent spot; has - Vast variety of life forms in the entire Earth
a more powerful processor, additional - Source of essential goods and ecological
memory, & enhanced capabilities services
3. Laptops – portable computers in a battery-
Threats to Biodiversity the hybrid seeds (GMO seeds) ensures higher
yield
 Habitat loss & destruction  Increase in food processing – altered
 Alterations in ecosystem composition characteristics of GMO crops help ease food
 Over-exploitation processing
 Pollution & contamination  Improvement of desirable characteristics –
 Global climate change longer shelf life, enhanced color & taste, and
enhanced production/reduction of enzymes

LESSON 3: Genetically  Nutritional & pharmaceutical enhancements

– GMO crops like maize are fortified with lysine &
Modified Organisms Golden Rice fortified with vitamin A & iron. There
are now edible vaccines for viral & diarrheal
(GMO) 
diseases.
Reduce the use of fertilizers & pesticides
- an organism created through genetic engineering
*There are over 400 million acres of GMO farmlands
- which the DNA has been altered in a way that
in the world
does not occur naturally by mating
*Top 5 countries are: US, Brazil, Argentina, India, &
GMOs in Food & Agricultural Industries Canada
*GMO crops approved for public consumption:
1. Pest resistance – genetically modified plants alfalfa, corn, papaya, soya bean, sugar beets, &
to resist certain pests squash
2. Virus resistance – genetically modified plants to
resist certain viruses Potential Risks of GMOs
3. Herbicide tolerance – genetically modified  Opponents of GMO have the following major
plants to tolerate herbicide concerns:
4. Fortification – genetically modified plants 1. There are inadequate studies on the effects
fortified with certain minerals of GMOs to humans & the environment
5. Cosmetic preservation – genetically 2. Genetic engineering promoted mutation
modified plants resist natural discoloration in organisms which the long-term effect in
6. Increase growth rate – a GMO that has still unknown
higher yield in growth than normal species 3. Human consumption of GMOs might have
GMOs in Non-Food Crops & Microorganisms the following effects:
- More allergic reactions
- Gene mutation
- Antibiotic resistance
1. Flower production – seen in modified color &
- Change in Nutritional value
extended vase life of flowers
2. Paper production – modified Potential Environmental Risks Caused by GMOs
characteristics of trees for higher yield of
paper production 1. Risk in gene flow – potential risk of the
3. Pharmaceutical productions – modified modified gen to be transferred from the GMO
plants to produce pharmaceutical products crop to its wild relative or organism in the soil
4. Bioremediation – use of modified plants that and human intestine (when ingested)
can assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites 2. Emergence of new forms of resistance &
5. Enzyme & drug production – use of modified secondary pests & weed problems – GMO
microorganism that can produce enzymes for crops resistant to certain pesticides may trigger
food processing & medicines new form of new pest resistance; GMO
herbicide tolerant crops may lead to the
6. GMOs in the medical field – it helps in the
overuse of the herbicides which may trigger
production of drugs, gene therapy, &
new form of weed resistance
laboratory researches
3. Recombination of virus & bacteria to
Benefits of GMOs produce new pathogens – the modified
gene can be transferred & integrated in the
 Higher efficiency in farming – less use for viral or bacterial genes which may lead to
herbicides/pesticides & lower cost for labor viral or bacterial gene mutation and cause
& cultivation new disease that may affect living organisms
 Increase in harvest – GMO crops resistant to
pests & diseases means increase in potential Potential Human Health Risks caused by GMOs
growth & harvest
 Control in fertility – controlling the purity of - It may have adverse effects since it is not
naturally or organically produced
- It may alter the balance of existing  In 2012, Rep. Teddy Casino, with other
microorganisms in the human digestive congressmen, filed a bill pushing for the
system mandatory labeling of GM food & food products.
- Production of toxins may be detrimental to human  In December 2015, the Supreme court ordered to
health put an end to the field testing of GMO Bt
- Production of allergens may have adverse effects eggplant.
on humans
 Other potential risks that raise major
concern are:
 Human Genome Project (HGP) – mapping of
LESSON 4: The
human genes to provide framework for research
& studies in the field of medicine
Nano World
 Mutation of genetically engineered  Nanotechnology – refers to the science,
microorganisms – GM bacteria & viruses may engineering, & technology conducted at the
mutate and become more resistant or virulent nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100
that may cause more dreadful diseases for nanometers; coined by Professor Norio
humans Taniguchi
 Cloning – the asexual reproduction of an  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology employs
organism using parent cell through genetic the study & application of exceptionally small
engineering things in other areas of science
Biosafety on GMOs
 Started in Dec. 29, 1959; Richard
International organizations developed principles &
treaties that somehow ensure biosafety on GMOs: Feynman How small is a

 The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) nanoscale?

– responsible for the development of standards,
codes of practices, guidelines and  a billionth of a meter, or 10 raise to -9 of a meter.
recommendations on food safety; developed How to view nanomaterials?
principles for the human health risk analysis of
GM food products 2. Electron Microscope – built by Ernst Ruska &
 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety – regulates Max Knoll; utilizes a particle beam of electrons
the transboundary movements of Living to light up a specimen & develop a well-
Modified Organisms (LMO); requires exporters to magnified image; Scanning Electron Microscope
seek consent from the importers before its (SEM) & Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
shipment 3. Atomic Force Microscope – developed by
 International Trade Agreement on Gerd Binig, Calvin Quate, & Cristoph
labeling GM food & food products – Gerber; it makes use of a mechanical probe
requires exporters of GM food & food products that gathers information from the surface of a
to label their products & give rights to material
importing parties to reject or accept the GM 4. Scanning Tunneling Microscope – invented by
products. Gerd Binig & Heinrich Rohrer; won the Nobel
Prize; it enables scientists to view & manipulate
GMOs in Philippine Context nanoscale particles, atoms, & small molecules
 In 1998, National Committee on Biosafety of the Nanomanufacturing
Philippines developed the guidelines on the
planned release of GMOs and potentially harmful  Refers to scaled-up, reliable, & cost-effective
exotic species. manufacturing nanoscale materials, structures,
 In 2002, the Department of Agriculture released devices, & systems; it leads to the development
the guideline for the importation & release into of new products & improved materials
the environment of GM plants & plant products.
2 fundamental approaches:
 In 2004, the Philippines was classified by the
International Service for acquisition of agri- 1. Bottom-up fabrication – It manufactures
biotech applications as one of the 14 biotech products by building them up from atomic-
mega countries & molecular-scale components; time-
 In 2006, the Philippines became part of the consuming
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. 2. Top-down fabrication – It trims down large
 In 2010, the Organic Agriculture Act was issued, pieces of materials into nanoscale; needs larger
encouraging organic agriculture than GMO- amounts of materials & discards excess raw
related agriculture. materials
There are new approaches to the assembly of unless one has the specialist tools of
nanomaterials: nanotechnology.
 Dip-pen lithography – the tip of an atomic Example of Possible Concerns
force is “dipped” into a chemical fluid & then Areas Benefits
utilized to “write” on a surface Affected by
 Self-assembly – a set of components joined Nanotechnol
together to mold an organized structure in the ogy
absence of an outside direction Environment  Improved  High
 Chemical Vapor deposition – chemicals act detection reactivity &
in response to form very pure, high- & removal toxicity
performance films of  Pervasive
contamina distribution in
 Nanoimprint lithography – generating
nts the
nanoscale attributes  Development environment
by “stamping” or “printing” them onto a surface of benign  No nano-
 Molecular beam epitaxy – depositing industrial specific EPA
extremely controlled thin films processes & regulation
 Roll-to-roll processing – constructing materials
nanoscale devices on a roll of ultrathin plastic or Health  Improv  Ability to
metal ed cross cell
 Atomic layer epitaxy – laying down one-atom- medici membranes
thick layers on a surface ne translocate
in the body
Distinct Features of Nanoscale  No FDA
approval
1. Scale at which much biology occurs needed for
2. Scale at which quantum effects dominate cosmetics or
properties of materials supplements
3. Nanoscale materials have far larger surface Economy  Better  Redistributio
areas than similar masses of larger-scale products n of wealth
materials  New jobs  Potential
cost of
Possible Applications of Nanotechnology in the cleanups &
Philippines healthcare
 Accessibility
1. ICT & semiconductors to all income
2. Health & medicine levels
3. Energy
4.
5.
Food & agriculture
Environment
LESSON 5: The
Nanotech Roadmap for the Philippines Aspects of Gene
1.
2.
ICT & semiconductors
Health & biomedical
Therapy
3. Energy Gene therapy – insertion foreign DNA into patient’s
4. Environment tissue that hope to successfully eradicate the
5. Agriculture & food targeted disease; to most promising yet possibly
6. Health & environmental risk unfavorable medical field being studied
7. Nano-metrology
8. Education & public awareness The Basic Process

Benefits & Concerns of using Nanotechnology Several approaches to gene therapy:

 Replacement of mutated gene that causes
 Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it disease with a healthy copy of the gene
may become pervasive.  Inactivation of a mutated gene that is functioning
 Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials improperly
with specific properties.
 Nanotechnology may introduce new efficiencies  Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight
& paradigms which may make some natural a disease
resources & current practices uncompetitive or
obsolete. A gene cannot be directly inserted into a human gene
 It may be complicated to detect its presence or cell. It is inserted into another gene using a carrier
or vector. microorganism like bacteria & viruses.
- Can cause a cooling effect to the lithosphere
Two types of Gene Therapy because its emitted aerosol can block a certain
 Somatic Gene Therapy – involves the percentage of solar radiation
manipulation of genes in ells that will be helpful Volcanoes located near the equator are more
to the patient but not inherited to the next likely to cause global cooling because of the
generation. wind pattern
 Germ-line Gene Therapy – involves the Volcanoes located near to north or south poles
genetic modification of germ cells or the origin are less likely to cause cooling
cells that will pass the change on to the next Orbital Changes
generation. Earth’s orbit can also cause climate change,
propose by
Stem Cell Gene Milankovitch theory
Therapy Stem Cells

 are mother cells that have the potential to

become any type of cell in the body As the earth travels through space around the
 have the ability to self-renew or multiply while sun, cyclical variations in 3 elements of earth-
maintaining the potential to develop into sun geometry combine to produce geometry in
other types of cells the amount of solar energy that reaches earth
 can become cells of the blood, heart, bones, 3 elements that have cyclic variations:
skin, muscles, brain among others Eccentricity – term used to describe the shape
 are derived from different sources: of earth’s
 the embryonic stem cells, derived from a orbit around the sun
four- or five-day- old human embryo that is in Obliquity – variation of the tilt of earth’s axis
the blastocyst phase of development away from the
 the somatic stem cells, cells that exist
orbital plane
throughout the body after embryonic
Precession – change in orientation of earth’s
development & are found inside of different
rotational axis
types of tissue
The Carbon Dioxide Theory
The Bioethics of Gene Therapy
Carbon dioxide absorbs part of the infrared
5. How can “good” & “bad” uses of gene therapy be radiation in the air & returns it to the ground
distinguished? keeping the air near the surface warmer than it
6. Who decides which traits are normal & which would be if the carbon dioxide did not act like a
constitute a disability or disorder? blanket. Doubling the carbon dioxide raises the
7. Will the high costs of gene therapy make it temperature to 2C to 3C.
available only to the wealthy? Human Activities
8. Could the widespread use of gene therapy the largest known contribution comes from the
make society less accepting of people who are burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon
different? dioxide gas to the atmosphere
9. Should people be allowed to use gene therapy to human activities result in emissions of 4 principle
enhance basic human traits such as height, greenhouse gases:
intelligence, or athletic ability? Deforestation releases carbon dioxide &
10. reduces its uptake by plants

LESSON 6:
High methane emission is related to agriculture,
natural gas distribution, & landfills
Halocarbons released by human activities
Climate Change destroy the ozone in the stratosphere & have
caused the ozone hole over Antarctica
 Statistically significant changes in climate
for continuous period of time. Effects of Climate Change on Society
Causes of Climate Change  It directly affects the basic elements of people’s
lives like water,
 Natural Causes
food, health, use of land and the environment.
 Volcanic Eruptions
Declining crop yields due to drought, especially
- When volcanoes erupt, it emits different natural
in Africa, are likely to leave hundreds of
aerosols like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxides, salt
millions without the ability to produce or
crystals, volcanic ashes or dust, & even
 purchase sufficient food.
It will increase worldwide deaths from
malnutrition & heat stress.
Ecosystems will be particularly vulnerable to
climate change.
Ocean edification will have major effects on
marine ecosystems, with possible adverse
consequences on fish stocks.
Melting or collapse of ice sheets would raise sea
levels.
It will increase flood risks during the wet season
and it will strongly reduce dry-season water
supplies
 ACITIVTY: LESSON 1 AND LESSON 2

Individual Activity: Exploring the Impact of the Information Age on

Biodiversity and a Healthy Society
Objective:
To understand the relationship between the Information Age, biodiversity, and a
healthy society, and how advancements in science and technology influence
these areas.

Activity Overview:
This activity involves researching and reflecting on how the Information Age has
affected biodiversity and public health, using science and technology as the lens.
You will compile your findings into a short essay or presentation.

Materials Needed:
 Access to the internet
 Notebook or digital document for notes
 Presentation software (optional)
Instructions:

1. Research Phase (2 hours)

 Information Age: Start by researching what the Information Age is and its
key characteristics. Look into the technological advancements that define
this era, such as the internet, mobile technology, and big data.
 Biodiversity: Investigate how these technological advancements impact
biodiversity. Consider both positive and negative effects. For example, how
does data collection and analysis help in conservation efforts? Conversely,
how does increased technology use contribute to habitat destruction?
 Healthy Society: Explore the influence of the Information Age on public
health. Look at how technology improves healthcare access and information
dissemination but also consider the potential downsides, such as
misinformation or reduced physical activity due to increased screen time.

2. Reflection and Analysis (1 hour)

 Reflect on your findings and think critically about the interplay between
technology, biodiversity, and societal health.
 Consider the following questions:
 How has the Information Age enabled advancements in scientific
research related to biodiversity?
  In what ways has technology both positively and negatively impacted
biodiversity?
 How does access to information and technology contribute to a
healthier society?
 What are some potential risks associated with the Information Age in
terms of public health and biodiversity?

3. Essay or Presentation Creation (1 hour)

 Compile your research and reflections into a concise essay (500-700 words)
or a 5-minute presentation.
 Your essay/presentation should include:
 An introduction defining the Information Age and its significance.
 A section on the impact of the Information Age on biodiversity, with
specific examples.
 A section on the impact of the Information Age on public health, with
specific examples.
 A conclusion summarizing your thoughts on how science and
technology can be leveraged to promote biodiversity and a healthy
society while mitigating negative impacts.

4. Submission and Sharing

 If this activity is for a class, submit your essay or presentation as instructed
by your teacher.
 Optionally, share your findings with classmates or in a discussion forum to
foster a broader discussion on the topic.
Evaluation Criteria:
 Research Depth: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the Information
Age, biodiversity, and public health.
 Critical Analysis: Shows the ability to critically analyze the positive and negative
impacts of technological advancements.
 Clarity and Organization: Presents ideas in a clear, organized manner with
logical flow.
 Use of Examples: Incorporates specific, relevant examples to support points.
 Engagement: Engages the audience through an interesting and informative
presentation or essay.

By completing this activity, you will gain a deeper understanding of the

interconnectedness of technology, biodiversity, and public health, and appreciate
the role of science and technology in shaping a healthy society.
 ACTIVITY: LESSON 3 AND 4
Individual Activity: Exploring Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
and the Nano World in Science, Technology, and Society
Objective:
To understand the implications of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and
nanotechnology on science, health, and politics, and how these technologies influence
society.

Activity Overview:
This activity involves researching GMOs and nanotechnology, reflecting on their
scientific, health, and political impacts, and compiling findings into a short essay or
presentation.

Materials Needed:
 Access to the internet
 Notebook or digital document for notes
 Presentation software (optional)
Instructions:
Part 1: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

1. Research Phase (1 hour)

 Science of GMOs: Research what GMOs are and how they are created. Look into
the science behind genetic modification and the common applications of GMOs in
agriculture and medicine.
 Health Impacts: Investigate the health implications of GMOs. Consider both the
potential benefits (e.g., improved nutrition, disease resistance) and the concerns
(e.g., allergies, long-term health effects).
 Political and Social Issues: Explore the political and social debates surrounding
GMOs. Consider regulatory policies, public perception, and ethical concerns.

2. Reflection and Analysis (30 minutes)

 Reflect on your findings and consider the following questions:
 How do GMOs benefit agricultural productivity and medical research?
 What are the primary health concerns associated with GMOs?
 How do political and social factors influence the acceptance and regulation of
GMOs?

Part 2: The Nano World

1. Research Phase (1 hour)

  Science of Nanotechnology: Research what nanotechnology is and its key
principles. Look into the different fields where nanotechnology is applied, such as
medicine, electronics, and materials science.
 Health Impacts: Investigate the health implications of nanotechnology. Consider
both the benefits (e.g., targeted drug delivery, improved medical diagnostics) and
potential risks (e.g., toxicity, environmental impact).
 Political and Social Issues: Explore the political and social aspects of
nanotechnology. Consider regulation, ethical issues, and public perception.

2. Reflection and Analysis (30 minutes)

 Reflect on your findings and consider the following questions:
 How is nanotechnology revolutionizing various fields such as medicine and
electronics?
 What are the primary health and environmental concerns associated with
nanotechnology?
 How do political and social factors influence the development and regulation
of nanotechnology?

Part 3: Essay or Presentation Creation (1 hour)

1. Compilation
 Combine your research and reflections into a concise essay (500-700 words) or a 5-
minute presentation.
 Your essay/presentation should include:
 An introduction defining GMOs and nanotechnology and their significance.
 A section on the scientific principles, health impacts, and political issues of
GMOs.
 A section on the scientific principles, health impacts, and political issues of
nanotechnology.
 A conclusion summarizing your thoughts on the role of science and
technology in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by
GMOs and nanotechnology.

Part 4: Submission and Sharing

1. Submission
 If this activity is for a class, submit your essay or presentation as instructed by your
teacher.
2. Sharing
 Optionally, share your findings with classmates or in a discussion forum to foster a
broader discussion on the topics.
Evaluation Criteria:
 Research Depth: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of GMOs and nanotechnology.
 Critical Analysis: Shows the ability to critically analyze the impacts of these technologies
on health, politics, and society.
  Clarity and Organization: Presents ideas in a clear, organized manner with logical flow.
 Use of Examples: Incorporates specific, relevant examples to support points.
 Engagement: Engages the audience through an interesting and informative presentation
or essay.

By completing this activity, you will gain a deeper understanding of GMOs and
nanotechnology, and appreciate their complex roles in science, health, and society.

ACTIVITY: LESSON 6
Simple Activity and Assessment: Understanding Climate Change in
Science, Technology, and Society
Objective:
To introduce the basic concepts of climate change, its scientific basis, technological
impacts, and societal implications.

Activity Overview:
This activity involves a short research task followed by reflection questions to help
understand the role of science and technology in addressing climate change and its
effects on society.

Materials Needed:
 Access to the internet
 Notebook or digital document for notes
Instructions:

1. Research Phase (30 minutes)

 Climate Change Basics: Research what climate change is, including its causes
and effects. Focus on the greenhouse effect, fossil fuels, and global warming.
 Technological Solutions: Look into technological solutions to combat climate
change, such as renewable energy sources (solar, wind), electric vehicles, and
carbon capture technologies.
 Societal Impacts: Investigate how climate change affects society. Consider health
impacts, economic challenges, and environmental changes (e.g., extreme weather,
sea level rise).

2. Reflection and Analysis (30 minutes)

 Reflect on your findings and write brief answers (2-3 sentences) to the following
questions:
1. What are the primary causes of climate change?
2. How do technological advancements help in mitigating climate change?
 3. In what ways does climate change impact human health and society?

3. Assessment: Short Essay (20 minutes)

 Write a short essay (200-300 words) summarizing your understanding of climate
change. Ensure your essay includes:
 A brief explanation of what climate change is.
 Examples of technological solutions to climate change.
 The societal impacts of climate change.
Submission and Sharing
 If this activity is for a class, submit your essay as instructed by your teacher.
 Optionally, share your findings in a class discussion or with peers to broaden the
conversation about climate change.
Evaluation Criteria:
 Understanding: Demonstrates a basic understanding of climate change and its causes.
 Application: Shows awareness of technological solutions and their role in mitigating
climate change.
 Impact Analysis: Recognizes the societal impacts of climate change.
 Clarity and Conciseness: Presents ideas clearly and concisely within the short essay
format.

By completing this activity, you will gain a foundational understanding of climate

change, the role of technology in addressing it, and its impacts on society.

Prepared by:

MS. RODJHEN ANNE P. BARQUILLA

Science Instructor