AN INTRODUCTION TO

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY &

SOCIETY:
Significance of STS in the context of
global citizenship
Intended Learning Outcomes
● Recognize the importance of the STS movement in
promoting science literacy and environmental literacy
towards sustainability;
● Analyze the relationships of science & technology
with the local and global societies;
● Apply the scientific process in the learners’ everyday
lives as global citizens
STS Described
● “Interactions between science and
technology and social, cultural, political,
and economic contexts which shape and are
shaped by them; specific examples
throughout human history of scientific, and
technological developments.” CHEd CMO
20 s. 2013
STS Education
(Aikenhead, 1994)

Reference: Aikenhead, G. (1994). What is STS science teaching. In J. Solomon, & G. Aikenhead, STS Education:
International Perspectives on Reform. New york: Teachers College Press.
STS educational viewpoints
● Its prominence in the school science
curriculum (Aikenhead, 2003).

● Ensure the development of a broad – based

science curriculum, embedded in the
cultural, socio-political contexts in which it
was formulated (Fensham, 1985).
STS educational viewpoints
● Students’ engagement with different
perspectives on societal issues
concerning the impact of science and
technology on everyday life (Fensham,
1988).
Paradigm of STS Teaching & Learning
(Aikenhead, 1992)

Reference: Aikenhead, G. (1994). What is STS science teaching. In J. Solomon, & G. Aikenhead, STS Education:
International Perspectives on Reform. New york: Teachers College Press.
Paradigm of STS Teaching & Learning
(Aikenhead, 1994)
Society’s
response

Technology 2 Technology 1
(+) (-)

Science skills- Science

Inquiry based concepts

Reference: Aikenhead, G. (1994). What is STS science teaching. In J. Solomon, & G. Aikenhead, STS Education:
International Perspectives on Reform. New york: Teachers College Press.
Example
Global warming
(GW)
Societal response

Technologies to Technologies
address GW leading to GW

Science concepts
Science skills
about GW
Global Citizenship (GC) & Global
Citizenship Education (GCED).
● GC described: “a sense of belonging to a broader
community, beyond national boundaries, that
emphasizes our common humanity and draws on
the interconnectedness between the local and the
global, the national and the international.”
(UNESCO, 2014)
● GCED’s 4 pillars: “learning to know”, “learning to
do”, “learning to be”, “learning to live together”
(UNESCO, 1996).
GCED & Education for Sustainable
Development (ESD) (UNESCO, 2013)
Key conceptual dimensions of GCED and ESD

Cognitive Learners acquire knowledge, understanding and critical thinking

skills about global issues and the interconnectedness/interdependency
of countries and different populations.

Learners have a sense of belonging to a common humanity,

sharing values and responsibilities and holding rights.
Socio-
emotional
skills Learners show empathy, solidarity and respect for differences
and diversity

Behavioural Learners act effectively and responsibly at local, national and

skills global contexts for a more peaceful and sustainable world
Importance of STS
Examples of Societal Cases
to be Resolved by STS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd8V2Vs2ioo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r_m-hKQz7Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-VylrZyKms
Outcomes -Based Assessment
● Points to ponder: Answer the following questions.
1. Discuss what you understand about the 3 cases. What UN sustainability
goal/s is/are being addressed for each case?
2. Before arriving at a certain decision on each issue, was there any
consideration about the application of the scientific method? Explain.
3. What is the science/technology behind each case? Explain the science
concept/s involved.
4. What is/are the societal issue/s behind each case?
5. How would you judge/evaluate regarding each case? Are the decisions
valid? Give your own opinion.
6. Provide your reference/s.
● Use times new Roman, font 12, 1.5 spacing.
● Submit on-line
Note to student:
● UST is very strict about intellectual property rights.
● Avoid plagiarism.
● Your answers will be subjected to an application that
can detect such academic offense, e.g. turnitin.
● An offense as such will be penalized stipulated in the
student handbook.