Lesson 1: Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society

Science is systematic knowledge about how the natural world works, based on observation and experiment. Technology is the practical application of science and human ingenuity to solve problems (tools, machines, processes). Society refers to communities of people and their shared cultures, institutions, and values. In Science, Technology, and Society (STS) we study how these three domains influence each other. For example, scientific research can lead to new technologies (like medicine from biology), and technology (like social media) can transform society. Conversely, societal needs and values also drive scientific priorities and technological design (e.g. creating affordable renewable energy to address climate change).

Science advances through the scientific method: asking questions, forming hypotheses, testing by experiment, and building theories. It values evidence and critical thinking. Technology often begins with a human need or idea and is developed through design, engineering, and iteration. A simple example: curiosity about light (science) led to developing the light bulb (technology) that now changes how society lives and works after dark. Unlike pure science, technology focuses on practical solutions. Still, the two are deeply linked: better technology (like powerful microscopes) can open new scientific discoveries, and scientific breakthroughs (like understanding electricity) lead to innovative technologies (like computers).

Imagine STS as a triangle: each corner (science, technology, society) affects the others.

• Science ➔ Technology: Scientific discoveries create new possibilities (e.g. discovery of electricity enabled electric power grids).
• Technology ➔ Science: New tech tools let scientists explore further (e.g. satellites in space exploring climate).
• Society ➔ Science/Tech: Social challenges and goals motivate research (e.g. a need for clean water drives research in water purification).
• Science/Tech ➔ Society: Advances can greatly change daily life (the internet connected communities worldwide; genetic research affects healthcare).

A local example: the advent of mobile money apps (a technology) was enabled by software development and internet science, and it revolutionized how Filipinos pay bills and transfer money. At the end of this lesson, students should see how science and technology are not separate from society – they shape our culture and vice versa, which is the core idea of STS.

Ready to apply this? The practice set below includes example questions and reflections on how science and tech influence society.