STS Chapter 4 Exercises

I. Concept Map

Objective:

Create a concept map to visualize your understanding of the the human person flourishing in science and technology. This activity evaluates your ability to integrate ideas from the provided reading and external knowledge, as well as your critical thinking.

Instructions:

Use black ink to include information directly from the provided reading.
Use red ink to write any questions or uncertainties you have about the topic.
Use blue ink to answer your question and/or add related information from other sources, experiences, or your own research.
Ensure all connections are clearly labeled, logical, and reflect thoughtful analysis.
Submit the concept map at the beginning of the the face-to-face class.

Evaluation Criteria:

10 points: All three colors used correctly and appropriately.
8 points: Two colors used correctly.
6 points: One color used correctly.
5 points: One color used incorrectly.
4 points: Two colors used incorrectly and/or the concept map is lacking.
3 points: All colors used incorrectly.
0 point: The concept map is not based on the reading selection.

II. Oral Discussion

Objective:

This exercise aims to develop your ability to analyze and evaluate real-world agricultural challenges using Science, Technology, and Society (STS) concepts. You will assess the role of technologies and practices in agriculture, focusing on their social, ethical, and environmental impacts. This activity encourages critical thinking, practical problem-solving, and understanding how science and technology influence human flourishing, particularly in the Philippine agricultural context.

Instructions:

Read the assigned case study carefully to grasp its context, challenges, and the role of technology in addressing those challenges.
Use the discussion questions provided to explore the case study’s social, ethical, and environmental dimensions.
Identify both the positive and negative impacts of the technology or practice presented.
Apply key STS concepts such as sociotechnical systems, the ethical implications of technology, and the interaction between science, technology, and society.
Discuss how these concepts connect to human flourishing and address societal and environmental concerns.
Collaboratively develop your group’s insights. Three members will be randomly chosen to present your group's findings, so ensure everyone is prepared to contribute.

Evaluation Criteria:

Application of STS Concepts (5 points):
- Are key STS concepts (e.g., sociotechnical systems, ethical considerations, and social construction of knowledge) clearly identified and explained?
- Does the group demonstrate a strong understanding of how these concepts apply to the case study and its context?
Contextual Relevance and Practicality (5 points):
- Does the analysis address the real-world challenges and opportunities highlighted in the case study?
- Are the proposed solutions innovative and practical, considering the Philippines' social, economic, and environmental conditions?
Critical and Ethical Analysis (5 points):
- Does the response thoughtfully integrate ethical, social, and environmental considerations into the evaluation of the case study?
- Is there a balanced critique of the potential benefits, risks, and trade-offs associated with the technologies or practices discussed?

Agriculture Students

Case Study 1: Precision Agriculture

Overview:

Precision agriculture uses GPS, sensors, and drones to monitor crop health, optimize planting, and improve resource management. Farmers can reduce water and fertilizer use while increasing crop yields. This technology has significantly improved efficiency and sustainability in farming.

Discussion Questions:

How does precision agriculture align with ethical principles of sustainability and resource efficiency?
Does this technology widen the gap between wealthy and small-scale farmers? How can this gap be addressed?
What future innovations could further enhance its positive impact on farming communities?

Case Study 2: Telemedicine in Rural Areas

Overview:

Telemedicine enables rural farmers to access healthcare services via video calls and mobile apps. In remote areas where hospitals are scarce, this technology has saved lives and improved health outcomes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion Questions:

How does telemedicine contribute to human flourishing in rural communities?
What are the limitations of telemedicine in areas with poor internet connectivity?
How can the government ensure equitable access to telemedicine services?

Case Study 3: Solar-Powered Irrigation

Overview:

Solar-powered irrigation systems have transformed farming in areas with limited access to electricity. By using renewable energy, farmers can irrigate their crops more efficiently, reducing dependency on diesel pumps and lowering costs.

Discussion Questions:

How does solar-powered irrigation promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact?
What challenges might farmers face when adopting this technology?
How can this technology be made affordable for small-scale farmers?

Case Study 4: Overuse of Pesticides with Modern Sprayers

Overview:

Advanced sprayers have made pesticide application more efficient but have also led to overuse, harming soil health, pollinators, and human health. In some cases, this has reduced biodiversity and long-term agricultural productivity.

Discussion Questions:

How does the overuse of pesticides reflect a misalignment between technology and ethical agricultural practices?
What alternative technologies or methods can address this issue?
How can farmers be educated about the long-term effects of pesticide overuse?

Case Study 5: Digital Divide in Agriculture

Overview:

While digital platforms and data analytics have benefited large-scale farming, small-scale farmers in developing countries often lack access to these technologies. This has widened the gap between prosperous and struggling farmers, creating economic and social inequalities.

Discussion Questions:

How does the digital divide challenge the principle of equality in technological innovation?
What steps can be taken to ensure all farmers benefit from digital agriculture tools?
How can local governments and organizations bridge this divide?

Case Study 6: Environmental Impact of E-Waste

Overview:

The rapid adoption of agricultural tech devices has led to increased electronic waste (e-waste). Improper disposal of these devices has polluted soil and water, affecting farming communities and ecosystems.

Discussion Questions:

How does e-waste impact environmental sustainability and public health?
What ethical responsibilities do tech manufacturers have in managing e-waste?
How can farmers contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural technologies?

BTLED-AFA Students

Case Study 1: Smart Farming with IoT (Internet of Things)

Overview:

IoT devices in agriculture, such as soil moisture sensors and weather monitoring tools, help farmers make data-driven decisions. In India, IoT adoption has significantly boosted crop yields, reduced water waste, and optimized fertilizer use, promoting food security and sustainability.

Discussion Questions:

How does smart farming embody the principle of sustainability?
What potential risks or limitations might arise from reliance on IoT in agriculture?
How can small-scale farmers gain access to IoT technologies to prevent inequality?

Case Study 2: Mobile Learning Apps for Agriculture Education

Overview:

Apps like Plantix provide farmers with real-time solutions for pest and disease management. Farmers in rural areas of the Philippines have improved their knowledge and productivity using these accessible digital platforms, closing gaps in agricultural education.

Discussion Questions:

How do mobile learning apps contribute to empowering farmers?
What challenges could arise in areas with limited internet access?
How can governments and organizations support the development of such tools?

Case Study 3: Vertical Farming Innovations

Overview:

Vertical farming, using hydroponics and LED technology, allows for year-round cultivation with minimal land use. Countries like Singapore have embraced this technology to address food security in urban areas, reducing reliance on imports and improving local food availability.

Discussion Questions:

What are the environmental benefits of vertical farming compared to traditional farming?
Could vertical farming be made affordable for rural communities? If so, how?
How does this technology reshape our understanding of "The Good Life" in agriculture?

Case Study 4: Deforestation Caused by Agricultural Expansion

Overview:

Satellite technology has been used to monitor large-scale deforestation driven by agriculture, especially in the Amazon. While the technology helps track environmental damage, its use highlights ethical concerns over unsustainable agricultural practices that harm ecosystems and indigenous communities.

Discussion Questions:

How does deforestation due to agricultural technology conflict with the principle of sustainability?
What alternatives can balance agricultural productivity and environmental protection?
How can technology be repurposed to restore rather than degrade ecosystems?

Case Study 5: Pesticide Resistance from Overuse of Spraying Drones

Overview:

The introduction of drones for pesticide application has increased efficiency, but excessive use has led to pesticide resistance in pests. This has resulted in higher costs for farmers and negative environmental impacts, including harm to beneficial insects.

Discussion Questions:

How does the misuse of spraying drones highlight the importance of ethical agricultural practices?
What policies or regulations could prevent pesticide overuse?
How can drone technology be adapted to minimize harm while retaining its benefits?

Case Study 6: Technological Waste in Rural Communities

Overview:

The rapid adoption of tech-based tools in farming has created a rise in electronic waste (e-waste). In many rural areas, improper disposal of broken devices contaminates soil and water, harming health and agricultural productivity.

Discussion Questions:

How does e-waste contradict the ethical principle of environmental stewardship?
What strategies can rural communities adopt to manage e-waste effectively?
How can manufacturers contribute to reducing the environmental impact of agricultural technology?

III. Online Quiz

Objective:

This activity aims to assess your understanding of the human person flourishing in science and technology and their application to real-world scenarios, particularly in agriculture and education.

Instructions:

Access the quiz through the provided link and answer all questions thoroughly before the deadline. Ensure you apply STS principles in your responses, focusing on the social, ethical, and environmental implications of science and technology in the scenarios presented. Late submissions will not be accepted, so complete the quiz on time.

LINK: ONLINE QUIZ 4 (not yet live)
Deadline: (to be announced)

IV. Public YouTube Video Group 3 and 4

Objective:

To create an engaging 5-8 minute YouTube video that demonstrates your understanding of your assigned case study, incorporating feedback and connecting it to Science, Technology, and Society (STS). This exercise aims to evaluate your ability to apply critiques and produce a professional, concise, and creative presentation.

Instructions:

Two groups will produce a video showcasing their case study analysis, integrating corrections from the oral discussions. The videos will be graded based on editing skills (smooth transitions, clear audio, and proper pacing), content (accurate integration of case study details and critiques), and videography (lighting, composition, camera work, and professional appearance). Once completed, upload your video publicly to YouTube and submit the link as a comment under the designated photo in our private Facebook group. Ensure your work aligns with the provided rubric and maintains a clear, engaging delivery.

V. Speech Group 5 & 6

Objective:

The objective of this activity is to develop your ability to analyze and communicate the the human person flourishing in science and technology in a structured and engaging manner. This task challenges you to craft a TED Talk-style speech that incorporates feedback from the oral discussion and effectively connects your assigned case study to broader societal contexts, demonstrating a strong understanding of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) principles..

Instructions:

Prepare a 250-word speech based on the the human person flourishing in science and technology. The speech must integrate all corrections from the oral discussion and adhere to writing mechanics: include a title, your complete name, section, date, group, proper margins, and indentation. Have your manuscript reviewed and checked by your group leader before submitting it in our next face-to-face class. Record your speech in TED Talk style as a video, ensuring clear delivery, and post the video in the designated album in our private Facebook group. Evaluation will focus on writing mechanics (10 points), content quality (based on the rubric below), and delivery skills (rubric provided).

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