Science, Technology, & Society: Learning Module
Science, Technology, & Society: Learning Module
Science, Technology, & Society: Learning Module
GE 7
Science, Technology, and Science
2nd Semester S.Y. 2021-2022
VISION STATEMENT:
An institution committed to quality Christian Education responsive to the needs of the nation and the
world.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of SBC is the total development of the person through relevant programs Instruction,
Research, and Community Extension based on the tenets of TRUTH, FAITH and SERVICE.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a 3-unit course which deals with the general concepts and principles pertaining to complex
pattern of interaction between the physical environment and biological communities on earth.
Emphasis is also given on the current environment issues and concerns as well as disaster risk
management techniques.
You may be like many students who Science, Technology and Society an empowering field. I
hope that you will find this subject interesting. It provides the knowledge needed to use your efforts
more effectively. Science, Technology and Society applies to our everyday lives and the places where
we live, and we can apply ideas learned in this discipline to any place or occupation in which we find
ourselves. And Science, Technology and Society can connect to any set of interests or skills you might
bring to it: Progress in the field involves biology, chemistry, technology, and society. May all your
learning become helpful to you as you embark your best in your future career.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
& SOCIETY
Instructor: Clint Erven H. Mosqueda, LPT Instructor: Clint
GE 7/ Science, Erven H. Mosqueda,
Technology, & Society LPT
2|P a g e
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of this topic, you should be able to:
• Define nanotechnology;
• Characterize nanoscale;
• Describe the various use of nanotechnology;
• Discuss concerns on the uses of nanotechnology; and
• Explain the status on the use of nanotechnology in the Philippines.
Before we begin your journey to the smallest possible scale in the realm of science, try answering
these questions:
1.) Can you think of fields where size or weight of materials or products is important?
3.) Can you think of situations were scientist have to make assumptions because they couldn’t
see what they were studying?
4.) Do you think we are capable in unlocking the key to how natural elements are designed and
created?
Presentation of Contents
Nanotechnology is defined as the study and use of structures between 1 nanometer and 100
nanometers in size. These include the design, characterization, production and application of
structures, devices and controlling shape and size on a nanometer scale. (Royal Society, 2004).
It is just like studying eight hundred 100 nanometer particles side by side to match the width of
a human hair. Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic,
molecular and macromolecular scales. This includes the study of materials 100nm own to the
size of atoms which is approximately 0.2nm. For comparison, a red blood cell is approximately 7,
000nm wide and a water molecule is almost 0.3 nm across. (K. Ban et.al, 2011.)
Studying nanoparticles has been an interest of scientist for centuries and the field flourished
with the development of microscopes capable of displaying particles called nanomaterial. A
nanomaterial is an object that has at least one dimension on the nanometer scale (app. 1-
100nm); material can be in one dimension (very thin surface coatings, films, layers), in two
dimensions (nanowires, nanotubes and fibers) or in all three dimensions (nanoparticles,
quantum dots, nanoshells, nanorings, micro). (Nanoyou, 2011). Nanomaterials are of two types.
Inorganic nanomaterial which includes gold nano clusters, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes.
Organic nanomaterials on the other hand are made up of carbon compounds. To build such,
nanotechnologists employ selforganization using the molecules that can be assembled house in
an environment suitable for physical and chemical assembly. This type of nanomaterial results
in the growth of artificial layers of skin, liver tissues and other organs. (Lohith, 2014).
As shown on Figure 10.5, the term “nano” is equivalent to one billionth of a meter (10 -9) hence
it expresses a very tiny amount or size. In nanotechnology, you will be able to manipulate
matter in atomic or subatomic scale. Some of the uses of nanotechnology include the
production of microprocessors and strain-resistant fabrics.
The study of nanomaterial becomes interesting with the use of different equipment like electron
microscope, atomic force microscope, and scanning tunneling microscope. Electron microscope
was built by Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll during 1930s. There are two general types of electron
microscopes namely scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The
former directs a high voltage electron beam towards the specimen to illuminate it and create a
magnified image of the sample while the latter directs a focused electron beam across the
rectangular area of the specimen, which loses energy as it passes through. The resolution of
scanning electron microscopes tends to be poorer than that achieved from the transmission
electron microscope. Atomic force microscope was developed BY Gerd Binig, Calvin Quate and
Chrisoph Gerber in 1986. It makes use of mechanical probe that gathers information from the
surface of a material. Scanning Tunneling microscope enables scientists to view and manipulate
nanoscale particles, atoms, and small molecules. This invention gave a Nobel Prize Awards in
Physics to their inventors, Gerd Binigand Rohrer. (Javier.et.al, 2018).
Numerous innovations in development as well as those under investigations are now the focus of
nanotechnology. Nanotechnology impacts many industries like transportation, environment,
energy, electronics, manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. In the field of health care,
nanotechnologists work on chemical and biological sensors, drugs and delivery devices,
prosthetics and biosensors. They have created the quantum dots that glow in UV light to locate
as few as 10 to 100 cancer cells. They are also trying to grow laboratory tissues to repair heart
tissue or even replace them. In technology, they are looking for solutions for a better data
storage and computation (e.g. a DVD that could hold a million movies) while in environment,
nanotechnology plays a big role in the quest for clean energy and clean air (Nano Solar Cells).
(Bennewitz, 2000).
In the Philippines, PCAS TRD-DOST ha funded most of the nanotech projects which includes ICT
and semiconductors, Health and biomedical, energy, environment, agriculture and food, health
and environmental risk nanometrology and education and public awareness. (Serafica, 2018).
Nanotechnologist faced a lot of issues since nanoscale-sized objects are very delicate. Radiation
particles can cause fatal defects during manufacturing thus development requires very clean
environments making only a few, out of many produced, are perfect. Aside from manufacturing
issues, there are also potential risks of nanotechnology in health and environment.
Nanoparticles can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or deliberately injected. If
this happens, inflammation can be triggered and weaken the immune system. Nanoparticles can
also accumulate in soil, water and plants (www.trnmage, 2004).
Application
Be Informed!
4. In the world of medicine, nanotechnology can play a big role in the repair of cells,
cure diseases and even delay aging, if this happens, what would this mean to our
society?
Feedback
From those innovations presented in class, think of a product or output that is made up of
nanomaterial that has an impact in various aspects (health, environment, economy etc.) that you
want to create. Compile at least 7 example with description.
Learning Objectives
Directions: Using the grid below, find words related to gene therapy. You may use the
statements that follow as your clues to identify the words. Write your answer on the space
provided after each statement.
E Q Z X L E L L Q S T Y C W M
C G V C H T S I P K I K I U E
G O E B K H U N T I N G T O N
V L C R H O R U F H R A A N I
V W T Y M P I H C E T U M R O
J Q O K A L V F L I T E O R T
B L R L U L I R D W E T S E A
O E S M T T A N Q N T Y U O I
L S I C K L E C E L L A N E M
P S V E O U Q G A A E I O Z P
1. A disorder of the nervous system that usually occurs after the age of
45. ________________
6. Gene therapy that targets the reproductive cells meaning any changes made to the DNA
will be passed on to the next generation. _________________
7. It is when the DNA is transferred into body tissues. It specifically targets cells in the body
which are not passed on to the person’s children. ___________________
Presentation of Contents
Gene therapy has become an increasingly important topic in science-related news. The aim of
gene therapy is the successful integration of corrected, therapeutic DNA into the genomes of
cells to alter gene expression and, in turn, protein synthesis to correct genetic diseases.
Somatic gene therapy, which involves introducing a "good" gene into targeted cells to treat the
patient — but not the patient's future children because these genes do not get passed along to
offspring.
Germline gene therapy, involves the introduction of corrective genes into reproductive cells
(sperm and eggs) or zygotes, with the objective of creating a beneficial genetic change that is
transmitted to the offspring.
Appropriate methods to deliver DNA used in gene therapy are vital, as the targeted tissues must
properly receive the appropriate genes. Gene therapy can be carried out using naked DNA
delivered directly Vectors for Gene Delivery.
(Source: www.biologydiscussion.com)
Fig: 11.1 Structure of Adenovirus
Adenoviruses - are a group of common viruses that infect the lining of your eyes, airways and
lungs, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system. They're common causes of fever, coughs,
sore throats, diarrhea, and pink eye.
Source: www.andrew.cmu.edu
Fig: 11.2 Structure of Retrovirus
Retrovirus is a type of RNA virus that inserts a copy of its genome into the DNA of a host cell
that it invades, thus changing the genome of that cell.
Source: http://m.wikipedia.org
Fig. 11.3 Structure of Adeno-associated virus
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) - is a non-enveloped virus that can be engineered to deliver DNA
to target cells, and has attracted a significant amount of attention in the field, especially in
clinical-stage experimental therapeutic strategies.
Herpes simplex type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters
or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by
herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum.
Source: library.open.oregonstate.edu
Fig. 11.5 Structure of Naked DNA
Naked DNA refers to DNA that is not associated with proteins, lipids, or any other molecule to
help protect it. Naked DNA is the result of release of genetic information into the surrounding
environment, such as from bursting cells.
The first death associated with gene therapy occurred on September 18, 1999, at the University
of Pennsylvania. Jesse Gelsinger was participating in a clinical trial, a biomedical experiment for
evaluation of safety and efficiency of a therapy for a disease. Gelsinger, who was 18 years old at
the time of the treatment, had a deficiency of ornithine transcarboamylase, an important enzyme
in the metabolism of ammonia. Patients with this rare metabolic disorder must maintain a low-
protein diet and take a series of medicines to avoid ammonia poisoning in the blood stream. The
gene therapy Gelsinger took triggered a chain reaction in his immune system, resulting in
hepatic and respiratory failure, and consequently, his death four days after being treated.
Although the positive impacts of gene therapy could be enormous, there are many questions
raised that needs to be answered. New organisms created by genetic engineering could present
an ecological problem. One cannot predict the changes that a genetically engineered species
would make on the environment. The release of a new genetically engineered species would also
have the possibility of causing an imbalance in the ecology of a region just exotic species would
do. An accident or an unknown result could cause several problems. An accident in engineering
the genetics of a virus or bacteria for example could result in a stronger type, which could cause
a serious epidemic when released. This could be fatal in human genetic engineering creating
problems ranging from minor medical problems, to death.
Effects on Human
Looking at the fact that genetic engineering employs viral vector that carries functional gene
inside the human body; the repercussion are still unknown. There are no clues as to where
functional genes are being placed. They may even replace the important genes, instead of
mutated genes. Thus, this may lead to another health condition or disease to human. Also, as
defective genes are replaced with functional gene, then it is expected that there will be a
reduction in genetic diversity and if human beings will have identical genomes, the population as
a whole will be susceptible to virus or any form of diseases.
Antibiotic Resistance
Genetic engineering often uses genes for antibiotic resistance as "selectable markers." Early in
the engineering process, these markers help identify cells that have taken up foreign genes.
Although they have no further use, the genes continue to be expressed in plant tissues. Most
genetically engineered plant foods carry fully functioning antibiotic-resistance genes.
The presence of antibiotic-resistance genes in foods could have lethal effects. Therefore, eating
these foods could reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics to fight disease when these antibiotics
are taken with meals. More so, the resistance genes could be transferred to human or animal
pathogens, making them impervious to antibiotics. If transfer were to occur, it could aggravate
the
already serious health problem of antibiotic resistant disease organisms
"Playing God" has become a strong argument against genetic engineering. Several issues have
also been raised as regards the acceptance of this technology. These concerns range from ethical
issues to lack of knowledge on the effects genetic engineering may have. One major concern is
that once an altered gene is placed in an organism, the process cannot be reversed. The
production of medicines through the use of genetically altered organisms might develop
extremely infectious forms that could cause worldwide epidemics.
Application
Maximum
length of
DNA that can be
inserted in the
vector
Advantages
Disadvantages
Guide Questions:
2. Do you think the Food and Drug Administration should or should not approve gene
therapy treatments for use in the Philippines?
3. Do you think the government should or should not fund scientific researches on
changing the genes of unborn babies that aims to improve their characteristics such
as intelligence or physical traits such as athletic ability or appearance?
Feedback
Source: www.tutorialspoint.com
Learning Objectives
You might have already heard of “Climate Change” in some social platforms as a hot issue and
advocacy that calls for biological, economical, sociological and political concerns. Below is a
concept map, with the word climate change at the center, write something out of what you know
and understand about this issue.
Climate
Change
Presentation of Contents
- David
Attenborough
Climate Change
Climate change is a change in the statistical properties of the climate system that persists for
several decades or longer. Climate change may be due to natural processes, such as changes in
the Sun’s radiation, volcanoes or internal variability in the climate system, or due to human
influences such as changes in the composition of the atmosphere or land use.
Many lines of evidence demonstrate that human activities, especially emissions of heat-trapping
greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and land-use change, are primarily
responsible for the climate changes observed in the industrial era, especially over the last six
decades. The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, the largest contributor to
humancaused warming, has increased by about 40% over the industrial era. This change has
intensified the natural greenhouse effect, driving an increase in global surface temperatures and
other widespread changes in Earth’s climate that are unprecedented in the history.
Let’s take a look at how interrelated and interconnected the following phenomena that ultimately
leads to climate change.
Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and
some artificial chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Carbon dioxide and methane in
particular, trap the heat radiated by the sun.
The problem we now face is that human activities are increasing the concentrations of
greenhouse gases. From NASA’s observation, the increase and too much concentration of these
greenhouse gases can cause Earth's atmosphere to trap more and more heat that warms up the
planet leading to a phenomenon called global warming.
Global Warming
The increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of
fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other human activities, are believed to be the primary
sources of the global warming that has occurred over the past 50 years. Scientists from the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate carrying out global warming research have recently
predicted that average global temperatures could increase between 1.4 and 5.8 °C by the year
2100.
Changes resulting from global warming may include rising sea levels due to the melting of the
polar ice caps, as well as an increase in occurrence and severity of storms and other severe
weather events – all of which are signs of a changing climactic patterns.
According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the aspects of climate change are having
increasingly complex and important impacts on all the nations’ economy and quality of life.
Impacts related to climate change are evident across regions and in many sectors important to
society—such as human health, agriculture and food security, water supply, transportation,
energy, ecosystems, and others—and are expected to become increasingly disruptive throughout
this century and beyond.
Climate change affects human health and wellbeing through more extreme weather events and
wildfires, decreased air quality, and diseases transmitted by insects, food, and water. Climate
disruptions to agriculture have been increasing and are projected to become more severe over
this century, a trend that would diminish the security of the world’s food supply. Surface and
groundwater supplies in some regions are already stressed, and water quality is diminishing in
many areas, in part due to increasing sediment and contaminant concentrations after heavy
downpours.
In some regions, prolonged periods of high temperatures associated with droughts contribute to
conditions that lead to larger wildfires and longer fire seasons. For coastal communities, sea
level rise, combined with coastal storms, has increased the risk of erosion, storm surge damage,
and flooding. Extreme heat, sea level rise, and heavy downpours are affecting infrastructure like
roads, rail lines, airports, and all other infrastructures.
The capacity of ecosystems like forests, barrier beaches, and wetlands to buffer the impacts of
extreme events like fires, floods, and severe storms is being overwhelmed. The rising temperature
and changing chemistry of ocean water is combining with other stresses, such as overfishing
and pollution, alter marine-based food production and harm fishing communities.
Some climate changes currently have beneficial effects for specific sectors or regions. For
example, current benefits of warming include longer growing seasons and longer ice – free period
for agriculture.
Application
After learning about climate change, what natural processes and human activities causes it and
the possible consequences brought about this phenomenon, the question that comes next is, as
a concerned citizen and a student, what can you do about it? What ways can you think of to
mitigate the hazards caused by climate change?
And so here are some amazing activities prepared for you. Have fun!
A. Form groups of 4,5,or 6 and create an infomercial showing how community can help
mitigate the hazards caused by climate change. Each group must choose one from the
given areas below that are affected by climate change. A rubric is prepared below to rate
your performance. Upload your work in YOUTUBE and provide a link in the google
classroom.
B. Retaining your group in activity A, create an advocacy campaign by making a poster and a
slogan that tells how community will help mitigate the effects of climate change. Upload
your work in social media, and try to elicit comments from the viewers, and then share
them with the class next meeting.
Feedback
Congratulations for making this far. Now, let’s test your understanding of our topic on climate
change.
Answer the following questions and follow the procedure on each item.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the last letter of your answer and put in it box # 1)
2. It is a change in global climate, and patterns, attributed largely to the increased levels of
atmospheric carbon dioxide.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 3rd letter of your answer and put in it box # 10)
3. It is a critical solution to climate change, by renewing the forest cover that will absorb
and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 8th letter of your answer and put in it box # 4)
4. The burning of natural fuel by humans is the largest source of emission of carbon
dioxide. These natural fuels were formed from the remains of living organisms million
years ago. The name given to natural fuel is ___.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 2nd letter of your answer and put in it box # 11)
5. This is a process that occurs when gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap the Sun’s heat
making the Earth much warmer.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 6th letter of your answer and put in it box # 5)
6. This is a long – term rise in the overall temperature of the Earth’s climate system,
generally attributed to greenhouse effect.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 7th letter of your answer and put in it box # 6)
7. It is a permanent destruction of forest in order to make the land available for other uses,
which consequently add more atmospheric carbon dioxide as a result of large – scale
removal of trees that will absorb this harmful gas.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 5th letter of your answer and put in it box # 8 and 12)
8. It is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought or
deforestation, and leading to shortage of food supply.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 11th letter of your answer and put in it box # 7)
__ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 5th letter of your answer and put in it box # 2)
__ __ __ __ __ __ __
(copy the 2nd letter of your answer and put in it box # 3 and 9)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Summary
The last module of Science, Technology and Society discussed the special topics that would allow
you to reflect on the role of science and technology not only in the community where you are
living but to the whole world.
The advent of information age has played a big role in cascading vital information to the society.
With the advance technological devices like computers, laptops, cellular phones, personal digital
assistants, servers, mainframes and internet that lets us access social media and online
resources, and even microchips and other high technologies, the life that we are living today is
easy. Information age has affected and transformed the lives we have. From communicating
through simple ways like papyrus, letter writing etc., we have shifted to calling through mobile
phones, sending files through email, chatting with our love ones through video calls, etc. Highly
modernized, automated, data-driven and technologically advanced-these is how we describe our
society nowadays. This era of our life offers us a lot for the development of noble researchers but
it also entails responsible use. You must learn how to check the reliability of the sources you are
accessing before dissemination for those information poses both positive and negative impacts.
You must always consider that the information you share could be of great help to our lives and
others.
Advances in science and technology have also affected our biodiversity. Some efforts have been
made by the government to conserve all species. Threats like habitat loss and destruction,
alterations in ecosystem composition, overexploitation, pollution, contamination, and global
climate change has cause drastic decrease in the population of species all over the world. The
decrease has led to environment-related illnesses, nutritional, health and biological problems.
Together we must be all biodiversity savers to have a better environment.
Scientist has made advances in technology through the field of nanotechnology. Through this,
products can be manufactures to help improve health, environment, food, water, and
agriculture. Though this field promises a lot, you must take into account the social, ethical, and
environmental concerns of using such.
Another breakthrough in science is gene therapy. Gene therapy is a method that may treat or
cure genetic related human illness. As this science flourish, many ethical issues were raised.
Thus, as a future researcher, you must be able to distinguish what is vital if you wished to
venture in the field of nanotechnology.
Climate change is a worldwide issue that each of us must face. Several factors like natural
processes and persistent human activities have statistically increased the percentage of climate
change for a period of time. The continuous climate change has affected the biotic and abiotic
aspects of the earth.
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