Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment

• Science and technology are different but related and interdependent

fields.

• Advancements in one will often lead to advancements in the other.

• Scientific discoveries and technological developments affect society.

• For example, new cancer research and medication and clean energy

sources affect society in positive ways.

• Society influences the direction of scientific and technological research.

• Science and technology have both a negative and positive effect on the

environment.

1CHAPTER

Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment

• Quick Activity: Break up into groups and discuss one of the

following topics (I’ll assign them). Give the class an explanation of

what each statement means (in your own words), and give a few

examples (at least 2)

1. Science and technology are different but related and interdependent

fields.

2. Scientific discoveries and technological developments affect society.

3. Society influences the direction of scientific and technological research.

4. Science and technology have both a negative and positive effect on the

environment.

1CHAPTER

Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment

Activity

Working in small groups, decide which branch of science you would need

to research to create new technology in the following areas:

• cellular phone communication

• global warming prevention

• cancer medicines

Review textbook page 5 for information on the different branches of

science.

1CHAPTER

• Science is a way of learning about the natural world

by making observations, asking questions, proposing

answers, and then testing those answers.

• Technology is the process by which humans develop

ways to satisfy some of their needs and wants.

• Science and technology are intimately related.

Advancements made in one can help further or

improve the other.

Science and Technology1.1

VOCABULARY

empirical knowledge

Traditional Ecological

Knowledge and

Wisdom (TEKW)

discovery

technology

invention

innovation

serendipity

Science and Technology in Society1.2

VOCABULARY

basic research

applied research

• Science and technology have both had an immense

impact on society.

• The cars we drive, the medicines we take, and the

communication devices we use are constantly changing.

• Society can influence the direction of scientific and

technological advancements.

Science and Technology and the Environment1.3

VOCABULARY

scientific and

technological literacy

• Improvements in science and technology can have

negative environmental impacts.

• Industrial pollution can harm our air, water, and land.

• Science and technology can have a positive

environmental impact as well.

• The positive impacts include new, clean, and

renewable energy sources.