Tuesday, October 4, 2011

HOW TECHNOLOGY BEGINS AND GROWS ?

If science begins with the systematic study for the understanding of nature and how things in the nature behave, then technology as a body of knowledge begins with the application of science to satisfy or to solve practical human needs and to improve the quality of life.

Both ie science and technology does not grow spontaneously, but is very much associated with the development or the evolution of advanced industrial societies. The relationship between science, technology and society is therefore very clearly intertwined.

For examples:

1. In agriculture, technology has increased productivity in crop yields and reduced the need for intensive labour with the advent of farm machinery.

2. In manufacturing, technology has made available goods in large numbers and industrial labour
has become less strenuous and hazardous and work hours have been reduced.

3. In automobile, technology through the invention of internal combustion engine and the harnessing of electricity for light, heat and power have improved tremendously the quality of transportation.

4. In communication, technology with the invention of telephone, radio, TV, computer, internet, etc have created profound changes in many aspects of life.

5. In medical and health care, technology has improved the quality of medical care and may increase life expectancy.

This list can go on...and on..

The extremely rapid changes in science and technology have also created serious social and moral or ethical problems.

For examples

1. Depletion of natural resources (eg oil, natural gas and coal ) due to the heavy industrial use of raw materials - the problem of overconsumption. The earth does not have infinite resources!

2. Unemployment due to mechanization and automation

3. Environmental problems - air pollution, toxic industrial, chemical and radioactive wastes, destruction of ecosystems etc.

Discuss in what ways science education in our schools can promote the interactions between science, technology and society?












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