1.

1 Science and Technology

What Is Science?
Science is a way of learning about the natural world by making observations, STUDY TIP
asking questions, proposing answers, and then testing those answers. Study smarter, not harder. As you read
each section, look for the study tips in
Scientists describe nature by using the knowledge they gain through
the margins of your student book.
experience. This knowledge, known as empirical knowledge, can be thought They will offer you practical tips on
of as knowledge gained by the five senses (touch, smell, taste, vision, and effective study and exam techniques.
hearing), and by tools and devices that extend the senses (e.g., microscopes,
telescopes, sensors). Empirical knowledge (Figure 1) includes the knowledge
gained by scientists in the process of scientific inquiry, as well as the
knowledge gained by Aboriginal peoples, often referred to as Traditional
Ecological Knowledge and Wisdom. Traditional Ecological Knowledge and
Wisdom (TEKW) is the knowledge, experiences, and wisdom gained over
many generations of close interaction with the living and non-living
components of the environment.
Empirical knowledge is generally incomplete. It could be argued that
complete knowledge is not achievable. We seldom know everything there is
to know about a natural phenomenon, but we continue to learn as scientific
inquiry progresses. Sometimes what we think we know is incorrect, so
empirical knowledge is continuously being updated as new information
becomes available.

(a) (b)

Figure 1 Empirical knowledge that helps us understand the natural world comes from different
sources. (a) A botanist uses scientific inquiry to learn more about plant life. (b) A Lillooet band member
lands a sockeye salmon from the Fraser River using traditional Lillooet fishing techniques.

NEL 1.1 Science and Technology 3

 Science is often thought of as facts, laws, and theories. While this is
partially true, science is much more than that. The main goal of science
STUDY TIP is to understand the natural world, and the result of this understanding is
You’ll notice that Chapter 1 includes knowledge in the form of facts, laws, and theories. For example, we know
many new terms. To get a head start that Earth revolves around the Sun. This is accepted as a scientific fact. It
on your studying, make vocabulary came from repeated observation and analysis of the Sun and the night sky.
cards. On one side of the card, write
Science also refers to the processes that are used to gather knowledge about
the word (e.g., discovery). On the
other side, write a brief definition the natural world and organize it. Science, then, is both our present
(e.g., an observation no one has made understanding of the natural world and the processes that lead to this
before). understanding.
An observation of nature that no one has made before, or that no one
has made in the same way before, is called a discovery. Scientists make
discoveries by looking for patterns and regularities in nature (natural
phenomena). These regularities are sometimes called laws of nature and, in
some cases, laws are described mathematically. For example, Isaac Newton
discovered a mathematical relationship between the force, F, and the
acceleration, a, of an object whose mass is m. In general, if the force used to
push (or pull) an object increases, its acceleration increases as well. This law
is commonly known as Newton’s Second Law of Motion, and it can be
expressed mathematically as F = ma. The scientific community accepts
Newton’s Second Law of Motion because it is simple, understandable, and
supported by empirical evidence.
Unlike a scientific law (which is determined by careful observation), a
scientific theory, or scientific explanation, is the product of creativity and
inventiveness. Scientists use scientific theories to try and explain natural
phenomena whose root causes are not easily identifiable. To develop a
theory, a scientist may first suggest an untested explanation, or hypothesis.
For example, many years ago people noticed that certain diseases are
LEARNING TIP contagious, but there was no satisfactory explanation for this observation.
Set a purpose for your reading. As you With the invention of the compound microscope in the seventeenth century,
read this section, read to answer the scientists discovered micro-organisms and hypothesized that some of these
question posed in the heading. Share
micro-organisms (called germs) might be the cause of infectious diseases.
your answer with a partner.
After conducting many experiments and gathering evidence to support this
hypothesis, the transfer of germs was accepted as an explanation for the
spread of infections, and the germ theory was developed.
Scientific theories, such as the germ theory, are tentative explanations.
This means that they are subject to change when new scientific evidence
indicates that a change is required. For example, the germ theory was
changed once viruses were discovered. Viruses are non-living entities that are
much smaller than bacteria and other micro-organisms, so that they cannot
be seen under a typical light microscope. When viruses were discovered,
many scientists hypothesized that they too could cause infectious diseases.
After obtaining experimental evidence to support this hypothesis, the germ
theory was revised to include viruses as potential causes of infections.

4 Chapter 1 Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment NEL

Classification of Science
There are many ways of classifying the activities that we refer to as science.
Science tries to understand nature, which really means the whole universe.
Science is usually divided into three main branches—life science, physical
science, and Earth and space science (Figure 2).

Science

Life Science Physical Science Earth and Space Science

Botany Zoology Chemistry Physics Astronomy Meteorology

Other Other
Ecology Medicine Oceanography Geology
sciences sciences

Other Other
Biochemistry Astrophysics
sciences sciences

Figure 2 There are many separate branches of science, but there are also many interactions among the various branches.

Life science is the study of living things and is often referred to as biology.
It has many branches, including botany, the study of plants; zoology, the
study of animals; and ecology, the study of the natural environment.
Medicine and agricultural science are also branches of life science because
they deal with the study of living things.
Physical science has two main branches—chemistry and physics.
Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes, and physics is the study of
forces and energy.
The branches of Earth and space science include geology, the study of the
physical nature and history of Earth; meteorology, the study of the
atmosphere and weather; astronomy, the study of celestial objects (galaxies,
stars, planets, comets, etc.); and oceanography, the study of oceans and
ocean life.
This classification of the branches of science appears very simple and LEARNING TIP
neat, like the drawers in which nuts and bolts are arranged in a hardware Check in with your learning. Discuss
with a partner how “what science is”
store. In reality, science is not quite so simple. As science progresses over
has evolved dramatically over the last
time, the branches of science expand and collaborate so that they no longer hundred years.
fit into the neat categories. For example, chemists began to study chemicals
(such as DNA) that make up living things. This resulted in the science of
biochemistry, the study of the matter of living things. It is both a life science
and a physical science. In the same way, geophysics, the study of forces that
affect Earth, is both an Earth science and a physical science.

NEL 1.1 Science and Technology 5

TRY THIS: Identifying Sciences
Skills Focus: analyzing, classifying, inferring, communicating

The branches of science and their interactions are too numerous to B. Compare your definitions with those of your classmates, and
identify in this text. However, you can get an idea of the nature of then, using a dictionary or the Internet, find a formal
a branch of science from its name. definition for each of the sciences. Compare your definitions
with the formal definition.
1. Examine the following list of science branches and classify
them as either a life, physical, and/or Earth and space science. aerobiology genetics
(Some branches can fit into more than one category.) analytical chemistry geochemistry
astrobiology marine biology
A. For each of the sciences, analyze the name and write a one-
astrochemistry materials science
sentence description that you think matches the science.
biophysics microbiology
electrostatics mineralogy
environmental science optics
fluid dynamics sedimentology

What Is Technology?
Technology is the process by which humans develop ways to satisfy some of
their needs and wants. People use skills and resources to develop processes
and equipment that help them solve problems in everyday life. Professionals
such as technologists, technicians, and engineers develop technologies
through invention and innovation.

?
The term invention describes the creative development of a new device or
Did You
KNOW process that helps people meet their needs or satisfy their wants. For
example, people have invented beds to satisfy their need for comfortable
Technology at Home rest. They have invented microwave ovens, refrigerators, freezers, and the
Liquid Paper was invented by Bette canning process to meet their needs for cooking and preserving food. They
Nesmith-Graham in 1951, while have invented radios, televisions, telephones, computers, and the Internet to
working as a typist. Using her kitchen help them satisfy their desire for efficient communication. In general,
and garage as a laboratory, she
developed a paint-turpentine mixture
inventions can be described as newly found solutions to problems in
she called “Mistakes Out” to hide her everyday life.
typing mistakes at the office. She later Some technological devices combine existing inventions in new ways to
changed the name of her product to solve new problems. The modification of an existing technology to serve a
Liquid Paper and sold it out of her new purpose is known as innovation. For example, the use of circular
home for 17 years. In 1979, the
Gillette Company purchased Liquid
devices to facilitate movement originated in prehistoric times, and over
Paper for US$47.5 million. many years has developed into the wheel. The invention of the wheel has led
to its use in many innovative ways. It is now used in gears and pulleys; on
trains, bicycles, carts, and automobiles; and as the rotating base of dials on a
radio. You have probably innovated many times in your everyday life. If you
have ever used a piece of chewing gum to stick a note on a wall, you’ve
innovated!

6 Chapter 1 Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment NEL

 TRY THIS: New Uses for Old Technology
Skills Focus: observing, analyzing, communicating

Many everyday devices are used for purposes other than those 2. After 10 min of brainstorming, refine your list of possible uses
they were designed for. For example, a butter knife can be used as by eliminating duplication or combining ideas.
a screwdriver, a plaster knife, a scraper, or as an artist’s knife. 3. As a group, share the list of alternative uses for your object
1. In a small group, select one of the items from the following with the class.
list and think “outside the box” to come up with at least A. Explain what “thinking outside the box” means to you.
15 alternative uses for the object. Follow the brainstorming B. Did you learn new ideas from other groups? What does this
guidelines provided by your teacher. tell you about the nature of invention and innovation?
cardboard box bath towel nail C. Suggest things you can do to improve your skill of looking at
spoon sheet of paper spoon old ideas in new ways.
candle craft stick toothpick
fan marble old newspaper
pencil drinking straw 2 L pop bottle
paper clip rubber band roll of cash register paper

In 1959, Canadian inventor Joseph-Armand Bombardier combined a

number of existing technologies to produce the world’s first recreational
snowmobile, called the Ski-Doo (Figure 3). While unique in its overall
design, the snowmobile used a number of existing technologies in
innovative ways. A pair of modified skies allowed the front end of the
machine to slide over the snow, while handlebars (like those on a
motorcycle) were used for steering. A rubber track, like that used for farm
and military equipment, gripped the snow and allowed the vehicle to move
forward. These features have been modified and improved over the years;
notice the features of modern snowmobiles, shown in Figure 4. Figure 3 Early models of the Ski-Doo
snowmobile incorporated several
innovations to produce a unique vehicle.
Science and Technology Work Together
Science and technology are very different activities, but we often hear about
them together. This is because they are highly interrelated and often go hand
in hand. Scientists rely on technologies to further their research and gain an
understanding of natural phenomena. Technologists and engineers look for
ways to use this knowledge for practical applications. For example, scientists
want to know how certain kinds of materials, called superconductors,
conduct electricity with almost no loss in energy. Technologists and
engineers focus on how that knowledge can be applied in the design and
construction of high-speed computers.
In some cases, technological inventions and innovations occur before the
scientific principles are known. Alessandro Volta invented the battery in
Figure 4 While the basic design is the
1800, well before theories about current electricity were developed. same as the original vehicle, new
Sometimes scientific discoveries are made because of technological features and materials have vastly
inventions. For example, the invention of glass lenses led to the development improved the modern snowmobile.

NEL 1.1 Science and Technology 7

 of telescopes, which allowed astronomers to observe and learn more about
Did You
KNOW
?
The First Telescope
Contrary to popular belief, the first
our solar system and the universe. The telescope, in turn, led to more
accurate astronomical observations and measurements. This contributed to
the change from an Earth-centred scientific model of the universe to a Sun-
centred model. You can see how science and technology often support each
telescope was not invented by other.
Galileo. A spectacle maker, Hans Sometimes, technological inventions follow scientific discoveries. For
Lipperhey, invented the telescope
when he put a convex and a concave
example, the television was invented after scientists had created theories
lens together to produce threefold to explain the structure of the atom, and understood electrons, current
(3×) magnification. In 1609, Galileo electricity, and electromagnetism. The relationship between science and
learned of the invention and technology is mutually beneficial; scientific discoveries lead to technological
immediately saw its potential. He advances, which lead to further scientific discoveries, and so on (Table 1).
began experimenting with different
lens curvatures and arrangements,
Table 1 Examples of the Science–Technology Relationship
and achieved a magnification of
9×—an invaluable asset to scientific Science Technology Example
and military endeavours.
Physicists explain how Structural engineers suspension bridge
forces act on an object and technologists
under a load. design buildings,
bridges, roads, and
tunnels that can
support specific loads.

To learn more about the early

development of the telescope, visit
www.science.nelson.com GO
Physiologists discover Technologists design astronaut suit
the biochemical life-support systems
reactions that keep for astronauts and
organisms alive and space stations.
healthy.

Plant biologists learn Engineers and hydroponic system

how roots absorb technologists design
nutrients from water hydroponic systems for
and soil. efficient crop
production in areas
with poor soil.

8 Chapter 1 Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment NEL

 In most cases, scientists do not foresee or predict how their discoveries
Step 1
will be used in the development of technologies. For example, in 1831,
Michael Faraday found that if you push a magnet toward a wire, a current
is generated (or induced) in the wire. When Faraday demonstrated this
phenomenon to his peers, someone asked, “All this is very well, but of what
use is this discovery?” He replied, “It is a newborn child. Of what use is a Step 2
newborn child?” He had discovered electromagnetic induction. This
discovery led to the development of electric motors and generators, and
made possible all of the devices that use or produce electricity. But that was
not the reason Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction; he was simply
trying to better understand nature. He could never have imagined how
dependent on electricity society would eventually become.
The development of plastics is a good example showing the relationship
between science and technology. In 1928, X-ray technology enabled
confirmation of the theory that polymers are long chains of chemical units
(molecules). This theory had been proposed by German chemist Herman
Staudinger in 1920, but was not accepted until the technology to observe Figure 5 Drugs are embedded in
and confirm his idea was available. With this new understanding of biodegradable polymer particles (step 1).
polymers and their molecular structure, technologists began producing a As the particles biodegrade, or break
new class of polymers called “plastics.” This included materials such as down, the drugs are released (step 2).
nylon, Teflon, polystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam), and acrylic—all of which are
widely used in science and society today.
Medical researchers use biodegradable polymers to deliver drugs in
situations where the drugs cannot be administered orally or by injection.
To achieve this, the drugs are embedded within a polymer structure, and are
gradually released as the polymer breaks down (Figure 5).
Many scientific discoveries and technological inventions occur by chance,
or serendipity. Serendipity is the act of discovering or inventing something
useful by accident. One famous example of serendipity in science is the (a)
discovery of background radiation. While tuning a powerful antenna used
for astronomy experiments, American physicists Arno Penzias and Robert
Wilson noticed a constant, low-level noise coming from the antenna. The
noise was being formed by an invisible type of light energy (radiation),
which was detected regardless of what direction the antenna was facing.
Soon Penzias and Wilson realized that the radiation was present everywhere.
They also discovered that they had stumbled on the best evidence to date
supporting the Big Bang theory—a theory that explains how the entire
universe was created in a huge explosion of matter and energy.
Serendipity can also occur in technology, as shown by the invention of
(b)
Velcro (Figure 6). In 1948, George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer, returned
from a walk in the woods and noticed that some burs were stuck to his cloth Figure 6 Technologies are often
jacket and pants. He examined a bur under his microscope and noticed that modelled after structures in nature.
it contained little green hooks that clung to fabric and fur. De Mestral (a) The hooks on a bur were the model
for the design of Velcro. (b) The
immediately recognized the potential for a practical new fastener. After magnified view of Velcro shows how the
eight years of experimentation and development, he created Velcro, the first hooks get caught in the loops when the
synthetic hook-and-loop fastener. two strips are pressed together.

NEL 1.1 Science and Technology 9