Module 1 Lesson 1 STS
Module 1 Lesson 1 STS
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OVERVIEW
Science and technology indeed play major roles in the everyday life. They make
difficult and complicated tasks easier and allow people to do more with so little effort and time.
The developments, in this field are not just products of people’s imagination or one-time
thought process; they are also brought by gradual improvements to earlier works from different
time periods. The driving force behind this continuous progress is the desire to raise the quality
of life of the people.
Learning Outcomes:
Indicative Content:
• Ancient Times
• Medieval/Middle Ages
• Modern Times
• Philippine Inventions
DISCUSSION
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ANCIENT TIMES
In the ancient time, people were concerned with transportation and navigations,
communication and record-keeping, mass production, security and protection, as well as
health, aesthetics, and architecture.
A primary challenge they faced was the conservation of life. The early people might
have been successful in harnessing the rich resources that the world could provide, but their
survival posed a great problem. Different illnesses and diseases, human being. Given this
predicament, science and technology played a major role in the discovery of cures to, if not the
prevention of illnesses.
Moreover, in order to integrate their needs---for better transportation, establishment of
structures for protection from human attacks and natural disasters, and construction of bigger
and stronger infrastructures—people ventured into what is now known as the field of
engineering. The development in this field allowed humans to build structures that would
address their specific needs and wants. Some of the structures built during the ancient times
still exist today and continually awe people.
The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction of architecture.
Others might see architecture as a mere style, but during the ancient times, elaborate
architectural designs were signs of technological advancement of a particular civilization. In
the generations to come, architecture would be considered a status symbol among nations of
how advanced their technology is. It may also establish the identity of a nation.
The people were not contented on beautifying only their infrastructures and
surroundings. Being able to prolong life with the mass production of food and advancement of
medical technology, as well as raise the quality of life by making complicated the technology
to improve how they look. They discovered that people looked more visually presentable and
appealing by adding some features and decorations in their body.
With all these in mind, one can conclude that the developments in science and
technology, aside from affecting the lives of the people, were the results of many prior
antecedents. Out of invent things that would impact the lives of the modern people.
THE DIFFERENT MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
SUMERIAN CIVIZATION
Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians are
known for their high degree of cooperation with one another and their desire for great things.
They are not contented with the basic things that life can offer. This desire pushed them to
develop many things connected with science and technology.
Cuneiform
One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development of the first writing
system known as cuneiform. It is a system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols
which are carved on clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry. Cuneiform allowed the
Sumerians to keep records of things with great historical value or their everyday life.
Cuneiform or Sumero-Akkadian cuneiform, one of the earliest systems of writing, was
invented by the Sumerians.
It is distinguished by its wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, made by means of a
blunt reed for a stylus. The name cuneiform itself simply means "wedge shaped".
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Uruk City
Another important contribution of the Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a great wonder
not only because it is considered to be first true city in the world but also for the way it was
erected. There were no building stones in the location of this city and lumber was limited,
making the construction a big challenge. The Sumerians were able to build the city using only
mud or clay from the river, which they mixed with reeds, producing sun-baked bricks-a true
engineering feat.
They used the bricks to make houses that protected them from the harsh weather and to
build a wall around the city that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering.
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The Great Ziggurat of Ur
Another engineering and architecture feat of the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
The Ziggurat, also called the mountain of god, was built in the same manner that they
constructed the City of Uruk. Without much building materials, the structure was constructed
using sun-baked brick. The ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only
the elaborate and intricate Sumerian architecture but also the remarkable technology used to
build it.
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Sailboats
Another challenge to the Sumerians was transportation. At that time, the wheel was not
yet invented; the main mode of transportation was through waterways such as rivers and seas.
Boats were used to carry large quantities of products and were able to cover large distances.
However, they wanted to discover faraway lands to settle since the population was getting
larger, and boats were not enough to accommodate more people and products.
Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as in fostering culture,
information, and technology.
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Wheel
The wheel was invented by the ancient Sumerians. They lived in the land between the
Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers in the Middle East. ... The concept of the wheel actually grew
out of a mechanical device that the Sumerians had invented shortly after 3500 B.C.—the
potter's wheel.
The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work and food
processes. With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made easier. Farmers
were able to mill grains with less effort in less time.
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The Plow
Another farm technology invented by the Mesopotamians is the plow. Humans evolved
from being food gatherers to farm cultivators. However, farmers needed a technology which
would enable them to dig the ground where seeds would be planted. The plow was invented to
dig the earth in a faster pace.
As the plow breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop the seeds and farm work
already be done. With this tool, farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land faster, enabling
them to mass produce food without taking so much effort and time.
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Roads
In order to facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians developed the first roads. With
this work, the flow of traffic became faster and more organized. They made the roads with the
same technology they used in making the sun-baked bricks that they laid down on the ground.
They later poured bitumen, a black sticky substances similar to asphalt, to smoothen the roads.
The inventions of roads were very useful especially during the rainy season when
traveling in soft and muddy roads proved to be too difficult.
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BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Babylonians
were great builders, engineers, and architects. One of their major contributions is the hanging
gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
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EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Another early civilization famous for its legacy is the Egyptian civilization located in North
Africa. Many stories tell about the engineering feats of the Egyptians especially regarding the
infrastructures established by the pharaohs. Aside from engineering technology, the Egyptians
have contributed other practical things that the world now considers as essential. It is thus safe
to say that the pyramids are not the only contribution of the Egyptian civilization to the modern
world.
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Paper or Papyrus
One of the earlier contributions of Egyptian civilization was the paper or papyrus.
Although Egypt was not the first to develop a system of writing, they were able to make writing
easier for the world. Before the Egyptian innovation, clay tablets were used. However, safe-
keeping and transporting them were a major problem. Clay tablets were very fragile, heavy,
and delicate to handle. So, bringing them to places was a major challenge.
Papyrus is a material similar to thick paper that was used in ancient times as a writing
surface. It was made from the pith of the papyrus plant, Cyperus papyrus, a wetland sedge.
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Ink
The Egyptians invented paper in the form of papyrus sheets, split nib reed pens and
ink. They mixed soot with vegetable gum and beeswax to make crude inks. They also
substituted soot with other organic material to make ink of different colours, such as red ochre
to make red ink.
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Hieroglyphics
Egyptians also developed a system of writing using symbols, known as hieroglyphics.
Hieroglyphics was the language that tells the modern world of the history and culture of the
ancient Egyptians. Their records were well-preserved since they were carved at the walls of
pyramids and other important Egyptian structures.
This writing can still be seen today and remains to be as famous as the pyramids where
they were found.
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Cosmetics
The Egyptians also invented the use of cosmetics. Although cosmetics in the modern
times are used to improve and highlight the facial features of a person, their function in ancient
Egypt was for both health and aesthetic reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl was created by mixing
soot or malachite with mineral galena. Egyptians also believed that a person wearing make-up
was protected from evil and that beauty was a sign of holiness.
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Wig
During the ancient Egyptian times, wigs were worn for health and wellness rather than for
aesthetic purposes. The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy Egyptians from the
harmful rays of the sun.
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Water Clock/Clepsydra
Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water clock. This device utilizes
gravity that affects the flow of water from one vessel to the other. The amount of water (or is
height, depending on the method used) remaining in the device determines how much time has
elapsed since it is full. In the process, time is measured. The water clock was widely used as a
time keeping device during the ancient times.
The water clock of ancient egyptian was a dual-use instrument. it has been used to indicate the
time and also keep track of how long a person speaks at a courtroom in speeches.
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GREEK CIVILIZATION
Greece is an archipelago in the Southeastern part of Europe. Known as the birthplace of
western philosophy, some of the major achievements of the Greeks include in-depth works
philosophy and mathematics. More than coliseums and the Olympics, the Greek civilization
has contributed much to the world especially in the fields of science and technology.
Alarm Clock
One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient Greeks is the
alarm clock. Although the alarm clock during that time did not resemble the present-day alarm
clock, the purpose was just the same- to tell an individual when to stop or when to start.
The first alarm clock was created in ancient Greece, by Ctesibus, a Hellenistic engineer
and inventor. He developed an elaborate system of dropping pebbles on to a gong in order to
make a sound. ... The invention of the odometer helped the ancient Greek civilization by
boosting its economy.
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Water Mill
Watermills were also considered as one of the most important contributions of the
Greeks civilization to the world. They were commonly used in agricultural processes like
milling of grains which was a necessary form of food processing during that time.
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ROMAN CIVILIZATION
The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the
west. It was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance during that period.
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Newspaper
One of the major contributions of the Romans is the newspaper. The first newspapers,
known as gazettes, contained announcements of the Roman Empire to the people. Made before
the invention of paper, these gazettes were engraved in metal or stone tablets and then publicly
displayed. When paper was invented, it became easier for the Roman to “publish” matters that
needed the attention of the Roman citizens.
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Roman Architecture
Roman architecture is one of the most visual contributions of the ancient Roman
Empire to the world. This development in the field of engineering and architecture was fully
supported and funded by the Roman government so they were able to implement major
projects such as large churches (cathedrals and basilicas), aqueducts, coliseums, amphi
theaters, and even residential seen by the way they withstood time and the harsh elements
of the environment. Today, people of the world still enjoy these marvels. These structures are
proofs of ancient Roman technology.
Proofs of Roman Technology
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Roman Numerals
Since the Roman Empire was expanding, it had to deal with many nations to maintain its power.
For this reason, the Romans devised their own number system specifically to address the need
for a standard counting method that would meet their increasing communication and trade
concerns.
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CHINESE CIVILIZATION
The Chinese civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia, also known
as the Middle kingdom.
Silk
One of the things that connected Far East China to the world is silk. The silk trade
opened China to the outside world, making way for cultural, economic, and scientific
exchanges. It bridged the gap between the western world and the middle kingdom.
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Tea Production
Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over crushed or shredded
dried tea leaves. It was believed that first tea was drunk by a China emperor. China may have
resulted in making tea as one of the most popular beverages in the world today.
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Gunpowder
The gunpowder is one of the most interesting inventions in China. Originally, it was
developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve immortality. They mixed charcoal,
sulphur, and potassium nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir of life, they accidentally
invented a black powder that could actually generate large amounts of heat and gas in an
instant. Ironically, instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets from
guns and cannons which cause countless deaths. On the other hand, gunpowder is also used in
fireworks during important celebrations in China.
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MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars
were prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the fields of
weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. The wars have resulted in
population decline, but during the latter part of the period, there was a significant rise in
population. Trade and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater demands
for transportation technology. Some of the most innovative minds came from this period.
Printing Press
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Johann Gutenberg was able to invent the printing press, a more reliable way of printing
using a cast type. He utilized wooden machines that extracted juices from fruits, attached to
them a metal impression of the letters, and pressed firmly the cast metal into a piece of paper,
which then made an exact impression on paper.
This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical printing press which was eventually
used all over the world.
Microscope
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Another invention in the Middle Ages is the microscope. To develop the proper
medicines for illnesses, experts must understand the sickness through an investigation. Thus,
they needed a device that could magnify things invisible to the eye. Guided by the principles
used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias Janssen was able to develop the
first compound microscope. With this device, people were to observe organisms that were
normally unseen by the naked eye. The microscope was key in discovering new means in
preventing and curing various illnesses.
Telescope
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Since the Middle Ages was also known as the Age of Exploration, the need for nautical
inventions was high. Considering the vast and empty oceans that separated lands, ship captains
needed to see far and wide for them to navigate or to avoid dangers at sea. The invention of the
telescope, an optical instrument that helps in the observation of remote objects, was a great
help for navigators during this time. Together with the telescope, the invention of the compass,
oars, and rudders made sea travelling easier and safer (Helden, 1989).
War Weapons
Since wars widespread during the Middle Ages, great development in the weaponry
technology also occurred. All sides must develop weaponries not only as offensive tools but
also as defensive instruments. For open-area battles, people developed cross bows and long
bows so that they could attack the enemies at long ranges, keeping themselves safe with the
protection of walls and fortresses. Additionally, in close- range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers
should wear something to protect themselves, a need addresses by the creation of iron body
armors. However, body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The problem was
eventually solved by the invention of the chainmail.
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However, body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The problem was
eventually solved by the invention of the chainmail.
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MODERN TIMES
The blooming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded that
more goods be produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient means of transportation to
trade more goods and cover a larger distance. Machines that required animals to operate must
thus be upgraded. Faster and easier means to communicate and compute should be developed
to establish connections between and among nations. All these needs resulted in the
development of industries. However, due to massive industrialization, the modern times again
faced more complicated problems. Food processing and medicine posed some of the bigger
challenges since health was of great.
Pasteurization
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Telephone
The more people got connected by trade and exploration, the more they needed a way
to easily maintain these connections and communicate with each other in real time.
Governments likewise needed some kind of communication system which would allow them
to administer their states well. Important day-to-day decisions must be discussed and addressed
at the fastest time possible. Thus, the development of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell
was one of the most important inventions at the time.
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Calculator
Willhelm Schickard invented the "Calculating Clock", the first mechanical calculator.
It used a version of Napier's bones for multiplication with a mechanical adding/subtracting
calculator based on gears, with mutilated gears for carry. Blaise Pascal started to develop a
mechanical calculator - the Pascaline.
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PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS
Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes to
global advancement of science and technology. It is quite remarkable to note the ingenuity of
the Filipinos despite the lack in resources.
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Salt Lamp
Filipino have resorted to using candles and kerosene lamps but they carry certain risks
as they are fire hazards. Solar power is also a welcome development but like rechargeable
batteries, solar panels are too expensive for ordinary Filipinos. Fortunately, young Filipina
inventor named Aisa Mijeno was able to invent a lighting system that utilizes a material
abundant in the Philippines-saltwater.
She invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, environment-friendly
light source that runs on saltwater. The SALt lamp is safer as it poses no risk of fire and emits
no toxic gases. Aside from people who live in coastal areas, it may also benefit those from far-
flung barrios because they can make their own saltwater by mixing two tablespoons of salt and
glass of tap water.
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Medical Incubator
A common problem in the Philippines is the high mortality rate of new born babies.
One reason for this problem in the 20th century was the lack of available incubators especially
in far-flung rural areas due to lack of resources and electricity. Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino
pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted into Harvard Medical School, devised a
medical incubator made from indigenous and cheap materials which did not run on electricity.
Dr. del Mundo’s incubator was made by placing a native laundry between the baskets to
provide warmth and a makeshift hood to allow oxygen circulation.
Its main purpose was to maintain conditions suitable for a newborn, usually a pre-term
baby. Other breakthroughs in Philippine medicine attributed to Dr. del Mundo include her
works on the immunization and treatment of jaundice and the BRAT diet for curing diarrhea.
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EJeepney
A major innovation that changed the transportation industry in the Philippines was the
development of the jeepney. This iconic public utility vehicle was built using the military jeeps
left by the Americans after World War II. The chassis and the body of the military jeeps were
extended to accommodate more load and passengers. Because of its usefulness, the jeepney
dominated Philippine streets and is considered as the primary mode of transportation of most
Filipinos. However, the diesel-powered jeepney produces large quantities of black smoke, and
is usually a major contributor of noise pollution due to its primitive system. To counter these
disadvantages, the electric jeepney (eJeepney) was developed. This modern type of
transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive diesel. It is environment-
friendly since it does not emit any smoke and noise.
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EVALUATION
SCORE