1B1 Science, Engineering, Technology, Society, and the Environment Flashcards
Understand how science, engineering, and technology advance together, with engineering design helping to define, solve, and optimize solutions through a cycle of discovery and innovation.
Define:
Technology
The application of scientific knowledge to develop tools, systems, and devices that solve practical, technical, and societal problems, improving human life and efficiency.
## Footnote
Technology encompasses a wide range of innovations, from simple tools like the wheel to complex systems like the internet.
Fill in the blank:
Engineering applies ______ and ______ to develop solutions for real-world problems.
math; science
Engineers build on the work of scientists by taking knowledge discovered by scientists and creating practical applications.
How are science and engineering related?
Science provides knowledge about the natural world, while engineering applies this knowledge to design and build solutions to real-world problems.
Science focuses on understanding principles, and engineering applies them.
Fill in the blank:
Science provides knowledge, engineering applies it, and ________ advances both by developing new tools and innovations for discovery.
technology
For example, advances in physics (science) led to the development of lasers (technology), which are then optimized through engineering for various applications like medicine and communication.
Define:
Engineering design
A set of structured steps engineers use when developing a product.
This iterative process combines creativity and technical knowledge to develop effective solutions.
What is the significance of engineers in society?
Engineers design, build, and improve technologies and systems that address societal needs, enhance quality of life, and solve complex problems.
They play a critical role in infrastructure, healthcare and communication.
Define:
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Integration of knowledge and methods from different disciplines to solve problems.
The development of technologies such as medical imaging or renewable energy often involves the collaboration of experts from fields such as physics, biology and computer science working together.
What are the key methods shared by science and engineering?
- Observation
- Experimentation
- Modeling
- Analysis
These methods ensure reliability, whether in scientific research or in developing technological innovations.
Fill in the blank:
Advancements in engineering often lead to breakthroughs in _______.
science
Tools like telescopes developed by engineers enable new scientific discoveries.
True or false:
The invention of the telescope by engineers contributed to major discoveries in astronomy.
True
The telescope allowed scientists like Galileo to observe celestial bodies, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
Explain why the development of lasers is considered a significant example of engineering advancing science.
Lasers enabled new scientific exploration and innovation in fields like physics, medicine, and communication.
## Footnote
For instance, lasers are essential in spectroscopy and precision surgeries.
Explain how the creation of the electron microscope advanced our understanding of materials at the atomic level.
It allowed scientists to visualize and analyze atomic structures with unprecedented precision.
This technology is essential in fields like nanotechnology and materials science.
True or false:
The development of satellites by engineers has played a pivotal role in advancing climate science and revolutionizing global communication.
True
Satellites provide critical data for monitoring Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns, and global connectivity.
Fill in the blank:
The invention of the X-ray machine allowed scientists to study the internal structure of the ______ _____ without invasive surgery.
human body
X-ray imaging, developed by engineers, revolutionized medical diagnostics by enabling non-invasive internal examinations.
True or false:
The invention of the CT scanner helped advance the study of internal organs through detailed imaging.
True
The CT scanner, developed by engineers, uses X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body.
Fill in the blank:
The development of sonar allowed scientists to explore and map ________ ecosystems.
deep-sea
Sonar technology uses sound waves to detect and map underwater structures, enabling discoveries in marine biology and oceanography.
Define:
Magnetic Levitation
(maglev)
A technology that uses magnetic fields to lift and propel objects, like trains, by eliminating physical contact with the surface
## Footnote
Maglev trains reduce friction, allowing for higher speeds and more efficient energy use compared to traditional rail systems.
True or false:
The discovery of electromagnetic waves had little impact on modern communication technologies.
False
Electromagnetic waves are the foundation of wireless communication, including radio, television, and mobile networks.
What role do superconductors play in modern medical imaging?
They are used in MRI machines to create powerful magnetic fields.
Superconducting magnets improve the accuracy and resolution of MRI images, aiding in precise diagnostics.
Which scientific discovery by Heinrich Hertz made wireless communication possible?
Radio waves
This discovery led to the development of technologies like radios, cell phones, and Wi-Fi.
How did the Hubble Space Telescope impact our understanding of the universe?
It provided unprecedented images of space, leading to discoveries about the universe’s age and expansion.
The telescope’s technology was based on scientific principles and, in turn, contributed to major astronomical findings.
Fill in the blank:
The theory of ________ ________ was necessary to correct errors in GPS.
general relativity
This theory confirmed fundamental results of atomic physics.
What technological advancement enabled the first detection of gravitational waves?
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
(LIGO)
This provided a novel confirmation of the general theory of relativity.
True or false:
Scientific advances are universally applied in the same way across all cultures.
False
Different cultures and societies may prioritize or restrict technologies based on their values, ethics, and social norms.
What significant technological advances resulted from the scientific revolution and the enlightenment?
The steam engine and improved navigation tools.
The steam engine drove the Industrial Revolution, and enhanced navigation tools facilitated global exploration, both outcomes of the era’s scientific inquiries and technological innovations.
True or false:
The Renaissance in Europe prioritized scientific inquiry due to cultural shifts towards humanism and the rediscovery of classical knowledge.
True
The Renaissance emphasized observation and experimentation, leading to advancements in physics, anatomy, and astronomy by figures like Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Explain why ethical considerations are important in the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Ethical considerations ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that respect human rights, privacy, and fairness.
AI systems can perpetuate biases or make decisions that impact society, making ethical oversight essential.
Fill in the blank:
The ethical use of genetic engineering is often influenced by societal concerns about _______ and the preservation of biodiversity.
safety
Ethical debates around genetic engineering focus on its potential risks to human health and ecosystems.
Define:
Bioethics
The study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine.
It addresses topics like genetic engineering, cloning, and human experimentation.
List some ways science is essential for society’s development.
- Providing equal access to resources.
- Supporting commerce and industry.
- Transforming economies.
- Advancing healthcare.
- Development of public policy.
Examples include the industrial revolution and advancements in biotechnology.
Explain how Cold War-era cultural competition influenced the development of space exploration.
The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union led to rapid advancements in space technology, such as the launch of Sputnik and the Apollo missions.
This period, known as the Space Race, was driven by political and cultural competition rather than purely scientific goals.
What role can citizens play in scientific research?
Citizens can participate in citizen science projects, helping collect, analyze, and interpret data.
This involvement aids scientists in addressing real-world problems and fulfilling societal needs.
How has technology revolutionized daily life?
- Made cleaning easier with machines.
- Simplified cooking with gas and electricity.
- Provided diverse appliances for cooking.
- Enhanced communication and transport.
Innovations like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and mobile phones have transformed daily tasks.
True or false:
Science has helped to increase food availability and reduce child mortality.
True
Innovations in agriculture and healthcare have played crucial roles in these improvements.
Define:
Large Hadron Collider
The world’s most powerful particle accelerator.
This tool designed by engineers is responsible for many scientific discoveries, most notably the Higgs Boson.
