Science, Technology,
Society and the
Environment.
Science
 The goal of science is
often to describe, explain,
and predict relationships
that occur naturally.
 In other words, science
tries to explain objects
and events.
 E.g., How do changes in
the kind of soil affect how
abundantly mushrooms
grow?
Technology
 The goal of technology is
to try and change the
relationship that exists to
achieve desirable results.
 In other words,
technology tries to
change objects and
events.
 E.g., how can we stop
mushrooms from growing
on lawns?
Science VS Technology
 A scientist would attempt to explain how
the changes in soil affect how
abundantly mushrooms grow.
 A technologist would attempt to develop
ways to stop mushroom growth on
lawns.
 These fields have much in common.
Often the information gathered by the
scientist is used by the technologist to
make a useful product.
Distinguishing Between
Science and Technology
 The next slide contains a
list of 18 ideas about this
crop duster.
 Some of the ideas relate
to science and other
ideas relate to
technology.
 Consider each idea
carefully and place it in
the appropriate column
on the handout given to
you by your teacher.
Science and Technology Ideas
 Design of airplane
 Velocity
 Chemistry
 Acceleration
 Use of pesticides on
 Financial resources







crops to increase yields
Propulsion
Motion
Type of tires used
Design of runway
Lift
Possible risk involved
Flight





available
Type of fuel used in
airplane
Materials used in
construction of plane
Gravity
Time
Patent of design
Ideas That Relate to Science
 Motion
 Flight
 Acceleration
 Lift
 Velocity
 Propulsion
 Time
 Gravity
 Chemistry
Ideas That Relate to Technology
 Design of aircraft
 Materials used in construction of airplane
 Type of tires used
 Design of runways
 Type of fuel used in airplane
 Patent of design
 Possible risk involved
 Financial resources available
 Use of pesticides on crops to increase yield
Society
 Society can be defined as a group, large
or small, of people in a particular place
and time who are linked by common
goals and interests.
 Society is affected greatly by both
science and technology.
 How will society be affected by the
scientific and technological ideas of
airplanes we just discussed?
Affects on Society
 People can travel long distances in a
short period of time.
 Society will want to know the airplane is
safe before they use it. Laws and
standards will help ensure people’s
safety.
Environment
 Science and technology have many
impacts, both positive and negative, on
the environment.
 How will the environment be affected by
the scientific and technological ideas of
airplanes we just discussed?
Affects on the Environment
 Increased pollution
 Increased use of fuel
 As humans travel globally they carry and
spread disease from one area of the
world to another.
 Ecosystems destroyed to build runways.
 Affects of pesticides on organisms other
than the crops sprayed.
Concluding Activity
 Write down 10 technologies you use
daily that you feel you could not live
without.
 Consider the impact each technology
has on society and the environment.
 Write down an impact for both society
and the environment for each of your
technologies. They can be either
positive or negative impacts.
For example………..
 I love bathroom cleaners
that are “scrub-free”
chemical based cleaners.
 Society: it takes me less
time to clean my
bathroom.
 Environment: these
cleaners are made of
chemicals that are
harmful to the
environment.