The Question:
What are Science, Technology, and Society?
Background Information.
The terms science and technology are often used interchangeably. Many students' and adults' concept of technology is limited to high tech items such as computers and electronic equipment. This lesson helps learners refine these definitions. The following definitions formed the basis for the definitions provided on the STS DEFINITIONS transparency.Commonly used definitions of science consider:1. Science as an investigative process (i.e., observation of phenomena). It is a way of finding new information in a systematic way.2. Science as a product (i.e., explanations, discoveries). It is information gained through a systematic investigative process.
Commonly used definitions of technology consider:
1. Hardware, man-made objects of all kinds (i.e., computer, bicycle, pen).2. Ways of making hardware: the things needed to make a particular kind of "hardware." This includes people, machines, processes, etc.
3. The knowledge and skills needed to operate a piece of hardware (i.e., know-how).
4. Systems of use: all the people and hardware needed to do a task.
Review the definitions of science, technology, and society provided on the transparency STS DEFINITIONS. Examples of science might include investigation and exploration of atomic structure, speed of sound, rainbows, etc. Technology examples might include the pencil, spoon, bicycle, computer, telephone, car, and the knowledge and skills needed to make and use them. Interactions between all components of STS operate in both directions because a change in one impacts the others. These relationships will be explored in future lessons. Write the 3 words on the board (science, technology, and society) with arrows connecting all 3, as an illustration symbolizing the relationships as they exist within the environment
Before beginning this activity.
Assessment 1.Make this homework assignment the day before the lesson.Ask students to write down all the things that they do from the end of the school day (3:00) until they go to bed. They should list the activities on a piece of paper.Example: 3:00 rode bus home, listened to Walkman on bus, 3:30 took dog for a walk, and so forth
Make definition transparencies.
Make copies of student worksheet #1.
Make copies of student worksheet #2.
Procedures.
Follow the Instructional Procedures for the Foundation/Awareness Lesson 1, in the Global Atmospheric Change curriculum
Assessment 2.
Completion of Student worksheet #1 & Student worksheet #2.