Science Notes
Science Notes
Science is a way of exploring the world systematically. It involves gathering and organizing
information, creating testable explanations, and making predictions about how things work in the
universe. It's like a step-by-step process that helps us understand and explain the amazing things
around us
OBSERVATIONS
Observations are the starting point of scientific inquiry. It's about paying close attention to
the world around you. Whether you're looking at the stars, studying a chemical reaction, or
watching plants grow, careful observations provide the raw data needed for scientific exploration.
EXPERIMENTATION
Experiments are like organized and controlled tests. They help scientists investigate and
answer specific questions. By changing one thing (variable) at a time and observing the results,
scientists can figure out how different factors affect outcomes. This systematic approach allows
for a better understanding of cause and effect.
SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
The Scientific Revolution refers to a historical period, primarily occurring during the 16th
and 17th centuries, marked by a significant transformation in the way people approached the
understanding of the natural world. It represents a departure from traditional views and
methodologies, giving rise to a more systematic and empirical approach to scientific inquiry.
EVIDENCE-BASED REASONING
Science relies on evidence, which is the information gathered through observations and
experiments. Evidence-based reasoning means drawing conclusions and making claims based on
solid evidence rather than personal opinions or beliefs. It's about using the data collected to
support or refute hypotheses.
COPERNICAN REVOLUTION
Key Figure: Nicolaus Copernicus
Time Period: 16th century
Key Idea: The Copernican Revolution challenged the geocentric (Earth-centered) view of
the universe that had been dominant in medieval thought. Copernicus proposed a
heliocentric (sun-centered) model, suggesting that Earth and other planets orbited the sun.
FREUDIAN REVOLUTION
Key Figure: Sigmund Freud
Time Period: Late 19th to early 20th century
Key Idea: The Freudian Revolution is associated with Sigmund Freud's development of
psychoanalysis, a theory of the mind that emphasized the role of the unconscious and the
influence of early childhood experiences on mental health. Freud introduced concepts such
as the id, ego, and superego.
DARWINIAN REVOLUTION
Key Figure: Charles Darwin
Time Period: 19th century
Key Idea: The Darwinian Revolution, associated with Charles Darwin's theory of evolution
by natural selection, challenged prevailing views on the origin of species. Darwin proposed
that species evolve over time through the process of natural selection, where individuals
with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Historical Antecedent in ANCIENT, MIDDLE and MODERN ages and in
the Philippines
ANTECEDENTS
• It is defined as a precursor to the unfolding or existence of something.
• Antecedents of science and technology are factors that paved way for the presence of
advanced and sophisticated scientific and technological innovations today.
We can use the historical developments of science and technology to come up with proper
decisions and applications of science and technology to daily life.
Ancients Period
- Ancient civilization paved the way for advances in science and technology.
-These advances during the ancient period allowed civilizations to flourish by finding
better ways of communication, transportation, self-organization and ways of living.
Ancient Wheel
• People from ancient civilization used animals as means of transportation.
•The invention of ancient wheel is credited to the هاSumerians.
Paper
• Around 3000 B.C., the ancient Egyptians began writing on a papyrus.
•It is made up from a pith of plant called Cyperus papyrus.
• Before the invention of papyrus, writing and record-keeping is done on stones and
tablets.
Shadoof
• A tool invented and used by ancient Egyptians to irrigate land.
• It is a hand-operated device used for lifting water.
•Its invention introduced the idea of lifting things using counterweights.
Antikythera Mechanism
• Discovered in 1902 and retrieved from the waters of Antikythera, Greece.
•The world's oldest known Mechanical Computer created by Greek.
•It is a mechanism similar to a clock for it has a circular face and rotating hands.
•It is believed that this mechanism is used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses
Aeolipile
• It is also known as the Heron's engine.
•It is the world's first steam engine which twins as the water container at its center is
heated.
•At first, it doesn't serve any practical purpose. It is believed to be one of the temples wond
that time.
Middle Age
Between the collapse of the Roman Empire in 5th century AD and the colonial expansion
of Western Europe in late 15th century AD, major advances in scientific and technological
development took place. These include steady increase of new inventions, introduction of
innovations in traditional production, and emergency of scientific thinking and method.
Heavy Plough
This is one of the most important technological innovations during the Middle Ages.
According to Professor Thomas Bernebeck Andersen of the University of Southern
Denmark, "the heavy plough turned European agriculture and economy on its head".
Gunpowder
- Around 850 A.D., Chinese civilizations alchemists accidentally invented black powder or
gunpowder. Multiple accounts suggest that the gunpowder might have been an unintended
byproduct of attempts made by the Chinese to invent the elixir of life, which is why the
Chinese called it huoyao or translated as "fire potion."
-Gunpowder makers in the 14th and 15th centuries used black powder brought to Europe
from China, then mixed its three ingredients together one by one: saltpeter (also known as
potassium nitrate), charcoal, and sulfur. But they also made some chef-like improvisations,
including a splash of brandy, vinegar, or varnish.
Eyeglasses
-It was only in the last decade of the 13th century that the earliest eyeglasses were invented.
While the early models of the eyeglasses were more basic and needed to be held by hand in
place, subsequent models towards the end of the medieval period made eyeglasses more
widely available and easier to use
-Roger Bacon in 1268 penned down how the appropriate use of different kinds of lenses
could be used to enlarge letters.
-The earliest known eyeglasses used in medieval Europe were invented in Italy in 1286.
Spinning wheels
-are believed to have originated in India between 500 and 1000 A.D. By the 13th century,
they were seen in Europe.
-Spinning Wheel A machine used for transforming fiber into thread or yarn and eventually
woven into cloth on a loom. The Spinning Wheel encouraged the development of the
industry of fabrics, clothes, and related products.
Printing Press
-Medieval presses used a handle to turn a wooden screw that moved the platen on which
the paper was mounted; the platen squeezed the paper against the type, which was locked
in place in a frame, or form. Metal presses, developed late in the 18th century, used steam
to drive a cylinder press.
-After the Chinese developed the woodblock printing, Johann Guttenberg was able to
invent the printing press, a more reliable way of printing using a cast type.
Modern Age
•The Modern Ages witnessed a global realization of the need to enhance efficiency in
transportation, communication, and production due to a growing population.
•Industrialization brought rapid scientific and technological progress but also introduced
challenges like risks to health, food safety, and the environment.
Television (1924):
Invention: John Logie Baird's invention of the modern television in 1924.
Use: Enabled visual communication over long distances, becoming a primary source of
news, entertainment, and information.
Philippines
The Philippines boasts of its own history and tradition of scientific and technological
innovations. Filipinos have long been known for their ingenuity. As with all other
inventions, necessity has always been the mother of Philippine inventions. Most of these
inventions appealed to the unique social and cultural context of the archipelagic nation.
Throughout Philippine history, Filipinos are responsible for developing many scientific
and technological innovations focused on navigation, traditional shipbuilding, textiles, food
processing, indigenous arts and techniques, and even cultural inventions.
Videophone
• Invented by Gregorio Y. Zara
• Two-way television telephone (videophone) in 1955.
Medical Incubator
•Invented by Fe Del Mundo
•First Asian to have entered Harvard University.
Super Kalan
Narciso Mosuela Invention: Super Kalan
• The Super Kalan is a stove that can be powered by any substance that burns. Narciso
Mosuela of the Filipino province of La Union invented it and received the Best Design
award from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1987. Among the substances
that can power the Super Kalan are wood, paper, dried dung and leaves, comcobs and coco
shells. Mosuela has also invented a functional rice thresher.
Fluorescent Lamp
Agapito Flores Invention: Fluorescent Lamp
• He is the inventor of the fluorescent lamp, which is the most widely used source of
lighting in the world today. The fluorescent lamp reportedly got its name from Flores. The
fluorescent lamp, however, was not invented in a particular year. It was the product of 79
years of the development of the lighting method that began with the invention of the
electric light bulb by Thomas Edison.
s
Water powered car
Daniel Dingel Invention: Water-powered car
•Daniel Dingelstarted working on a water-powered car and prototype in 1969. His
hydrogen reactor uses electricity from a 12-volt car battery to transform ordinary tap
water with salt into deuterium oxide or heavy water. Dingel's car has never been patented
and commercialized because of what he suspects as an anti- Dingel car conspiracy by
multinational oil companies.
In human history, there were three intellectuals who significantly changed the views about the world and
humanity. They were Nicolaus Copernicus, Charles Darwin, and Sigmund Freud
Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection where organisms change overtime
as a result of changes in heritable physical or behavioral traits. The changes that allow an
organism to better adapt to its environment can help it survive and have more offspring
Information Revolution
refers to the change in the social, economic and political role of information.
The Information Revolution also known as Computer Age started from the Sumerian pictographs, which
is the earliest writing system. Then comes the invention of Gutenberg’s printing press 1455. There
emerged the use of typewriter and telegraph. Today, technologies are used widely which became easier
with the help of internet to communicate and disseminate and store information.
The Four Cradles of Early Science
Development of Science in Meso-America
Development of Science in Asia
Development of Science in Middle East
Development of Science in Africa
Meso-America
It is the term form Greek that means Middle America that extends from central Mexico down through
Central America, including the territory which is now made up of the countries of Guatemala, Belize,
Honduras, and El Salvador, it is therefore seen as partly in North America and encompassing a large part
of Central America.
Mesoamerican Civilizations
Mayan
Inca
Aztec
Civilizations and their Contributions
Mayan Civilization is one of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately 2,000 years
Contributions
1. Astronomy
They incorporated their advance understanding of astronomy into their temples and other religious
structures allowing them to use their temples for astronomical observations.
2. Celestial Bodies
Their advance knowledge of predicting eclipse and using astrological cycles in planting and harvesting.
3. Calendar system
They are known for their two complicated calendar systems that they most especially in planning
activities and observing their religious rituals and cultural celebrations.
Haab
The Haab cycle is 365 days, and approximates the solar year. The Haab is a nineteen-month calendar.
The Haab is composed of 18 months made of 20 days, and one month, made of 5 days. This 5-day
month is called "Wayeb." Thus, 18 x 20 + 5 = 365 days.
Tzolk'in
The Tzolkin, meaning “the distribution of the days,” is also called the Divine Calendar and the Sacred
Round. It is a 260-day calendar with 20 periods of 13 days, and it is used to determine the time of
religious and ceremonial events. The days in each period are numbered from 1 to 13.
4. Hydraulic systems
They built hydraulics system with sophisticated waterways to supply water to different communities
5. Cocoa Beans as their currency
Believed to be the first people to produce rubber products 3,000 years before Goodyear received
its patent in 1844
They are also famous as one of the world’s first civilizations to use a writing system known as
the Mayan hieroglyphics.
Inca Civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica. The Incas made advanced scientific ideas considering
their limitations as an old civilization. The following were scientific ideas and tools that they developed
to help them in everyday life.
Contributions
1. Roads paved with stones
2. Stone buildings that surmounted earthquakes and other disasters;
3. Irrigation System and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all types of land;
4. Calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for planting season;
Aztec Civilization has also made substantial contributions to science and technology and to the society
as a whole.
Contributions
1. Mandatory Education.
The Aztec put value on education; that is why their children are mandated to get education
regardless of their social class, gender, or age. It is an early form of universal or inclusive
education.
2. Chocolates
The Aztec valued the cacao beans highly and made it as part of their tribute to their Gods.
3. Antispasmodic medication
They used a type of antispasmodic medication that could prevent muscle spasms and relax
muscles, which could help during surgery.
4. Chinampa
It is a form as Aztec technology for agricultural farming in which the land was divided into
rectangular areas and surrounded by canals.
5. Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their activities, rituals, and planting season
Asian
The biggest continent in the world
Considered as the home of many ancient civilization
The host of many cultural. Economic, scientific and political activities of all ages
In the field of science, technology, and mathematics, great civilizations have stood out in India, China,
and the Middle East civilizations. These civilizations were incomparable in terms of their contributions
to the development of knowledge during their time.
India is a huge peninsula surrounded by vast bodies of water and fortified by huge mountains in its
northern boarders. They have creatively developed various ideas and technologies useful in their
everyday lives.
Contributions
1. Metal works
They are known for manufacturing iron and in metallurgical works. Their iron steel is
considered to be the best and held with high regard in the whole of Roman Empire.
2. Medicine
Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine that originated in ancient India before 2500 BC, is
still practiced as a form of alternative medicine
Susruta Samhita- describes different surgical and other medical procedures famous in Ancient
India
3. Astronomy
They developed theories on the configuration of the universe, the spherical self-supporting
Earth, and the year of 360 days with 12 equal parts of 30 days each.
4. Mathematics
Indus Valley Civilization
- The people in this civilization tried to standardize measurement of length to a high degree of
accuracy and a designed ruler (Mohenjodaro Ruler)
Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata (476-550), in his Aryabhatiya introduced a number
of trigonometric functions, tables and techniques, as well as algorithms of algebra.
China is one of the ancient civilizations with substantial contributions in many areas of life like
medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics, arts, philosophy, and music, among others. Chinese
civilizations have greatly influenced many of its neighbor countries like Korea, Japan, Philippines,
Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and other countries that belong to the old Silk Road
Contributions
1. Chinese are known for traditional medicines. They discovered various medical properties and
uses of different plants and animals to cure human illness. An example is the practice of
acupuncture.
2. The Chinese Civilizations famous discoveries and inventions were compass, papermaking,
gunpowder, and printing tools that became known in the West only by the end of the Middle
Ages.
3. They also invented tools like wheelbarrow and propeller and developed the design of different
models of bridges.
4. Invented the first seismological detector
5. Developed a dry dock facility
6. Paper Making
The widespread use of paper and printing were distinctive features of ancient Chinese culture.
Paper was traditionally invented in China, setting it apart from other ancient civilizations. The
invention and use of paper in China had a significant impact on the spread of knowledge and
information in ancient times.
7. Chinese also made significant records on supernovas, lunar and solar eclipses, and comets,
which were carefully recorded and preserved to understand better the heavenly bodies and their
effects to our world
8. Chinese are also known in seismology. This made them more prepared in times of natural
calamities
Chinese Inventions that Changed the World
Ancient Chinese inventions, such as papermaking, printing, and the compass, have had a profound
impact on global technological advancements. The Chinese invention of paper, in particular,
revolutionized information dissemination and communication around the world.
In conclusion, the contributions of Chinese science and inventions have played a crucial role in the
development of science and technology worldwide. From traditional Chinese medicine to
groundbreaking inventions, China has made lasting contributions to global scientific progress
throughout history.
Middle East
The term "Middle East" originated from the same European perspective that described Eastern Asia as
"the Far East." The Middle East denotes the transcontinental area between Western Asia and Egypt.
Dominantly occupied by Muslims
Greater value of science experiments
Contributions of famous Muslim Scientists
1. Ibn al-Haytham is regarded as the Father of Optics, especially for his empirical proof of the
intromission theory of light.
2. Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi gave his name to concept the algorithm while the term
algebra is derived from al-jabr, the beginning of the title of one of his publications. What is now
known as the Arabic Numeral System originally came from India, but Muslim mathematicians did
make several refinements to the number system, such as the introduction of decimal point notation
3. Jabir ibn Hayyan- considered to be the “Father of Chemistry”
4. Ibn Sina- pioneered the science of experimental medicine and was the first physician to conduct
clinical trials. His most notable works in medicine, the Book of Healing and The Canon of
Medicine, were used as standard medicinal texts in both the Muslim world and in Europe during the
17th century. Among his many contributions are the discovery of the contagious nature of
infectious diseases and the introduction of clinical pharmacology
Contributions in the Middle East:
The Arab applied the romans principles and improve the watermill known as noria.
The middle East is known for their machine designed for the improvement of irrigation,
industrial work and for war. The windmill and watermill are used for crushing sugarcanes,
grinding grain, and pumping water.
The book of Badic al-Zaman ibn al-Razaz al-Jazari described candle and water
clocks, water vessels, fountains, automata, and water raising devices.
The book written by Taqi al-Din ibn Maruf al-Rashid al-Dimashqi explained steam power and a
blueprint of a six-piston pump
Africa
The oldest civilization on this earth is considered to have originated in Africa.
The African intellectual revolution is known as the first societal intellectual revolution.
African enlargement as massively contributed to the early data used by humankind.
Contributions
1. Development of Geometry
2. Center of Alchemy
Egypt was known to be a center of alchemy, which is known as the medieval forerunner of
chemistry.
3. Studied human anatomy and pharma logy
They tried to study human anatomy and pharmacology, and applied important components such
as examination, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for the treatment of diseases.
4. Astronomy was also famous in the African region. For instance, documents show that Africans
used three types of calendars: lunar, solar, and stellar, or a combination of the three.
5. Metallurgy was also known in the African regions during the ancient times. They invented metal
tools used in their homes, in agriculture, and in building their magnificent architectures.
6. Mathematics
Mathematics was also known to be prominent in the life of early people in the African continent.
The Lebombo Bone from the mountains between Swaziland and South Africa, which may have
been a tool for multiplication, division, and simple mathematical calculation or a six- month
lunar calendar, is considered to be the oldest known mathematical artefact dated from 35,000
BCE.
Science and Technology in the Philippines:
The Philippine Government Science and Technology Agenda
Pre-Colonial Period:
Colonial Period:
Post-Colonial Period:
Cluster 2: Physics, Engineering, Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and
Mathematics:
Overall, the Philippines recognizes the critical role of science and technology in national
development and has implemented various policies and programs to foster innovation,
research, and technological advancement across different sectors.
Additional:
The Balik Scientist Program (BSP) is a government program in the Philippines that aims to
encourage Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts to return to the country and share
their expertise. It's essentially a brain gain initiative, aiming to tap into the skills and knowledge
of Filipinos abroad to benefit the Philippines' science and technology (S&T) sector.
The program was first established in 1975 through Presidential Decree 819. It was later
reinstated in 1993 under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Science and Technology in Nation Building: Philippines
Science and technology in nation building are enablers for creating resilient, wealthy, and
sustainable country. They increase access to healthcare, education, and skill development
while promoting innovation and the creation of jobs. Defense capabilities, public safety,
and innovation all contribute to national security by promoting economic diversity and
international competitiveness.
As the Philippines endeavors to fully leverage the potential of science and technology in nation
building, several challenges and opportunities lie ahead:
Funding and Investment: Ensuring adequate funding for research and development initiatives
to sustain scientific progress and innovation.