LSC S1:Introduction to General Science

Introduction
Science, In this chapter, you will be able to understand the meaning of general science and why you should study it. This will enable you identify the science issues that you learnt in the primary school and link them to the study of general science. You will be able to understand the difference between natural science, social science and between science and technology.

Think about how science has improved man’s life.
This will enable you identify daily phenomena that can be explained using scientific knowledge. What are the different activities you can engage in your community that can lead to fulfilling your career? How is science related with technology? You will also understand how science and technology affects society.
General science is a very important subject that allows us to understand instances in which science and technology has been misused by society. Take time and think about the different activities that can lead to the misuse of science and technology. When you are able to identify challenges and solve them in the society, you become a scientist.

Improvements in science and technology are taking place every day. Figure. 1.1
shows the changes in technology.
1.1: Primary School Science
In primary school science you learnt integrated science. It is a foundation for your study of general science. You learnt many concepts including the human Skeleton (Figure. 1.2) and germination (Figure. 1.3) among others.
That was great to learn. How did that knowledge improve your life? Science and technology have an impact on even what you are sitting on, your books, pens and communication with your friends in distant places.

In the course of your primary level, you were exposed to different science aspects that are essential for day-to-day activities. Therefore, one should appreciate how important each aspect is. Activity 1.1 will enable you to recall other science aspects you studied in primary.
Activity 1.1: Discussing science aspects studied in primary
What you need: Notebooks, Braille papers, Perkins brailer, Stylus and Slate.
What to do: In groups;
Other than the aspects shown in Figure. 1.2 and Figure. 1.3.

1. Discuss some concepts you learnt in the primary school science.
2. Explain how the aspects you learnt have been helpful to you.
3. Present your group contributions to the class.
4. Individually write or braille the class conclusions.
   1.2: Science Concept
   Science is a very broad subject that is addressed through a number of branches depending on how it is applied in daily life.
   Look at what surrounds the building you are in now. Some of the things you can see are natural while others are man-made.
   In Activity 1.2, you will be in position to explore the different forms of science and how they are applied in daily life.

Activity 1.2: Distinguishing between Natural Science, Social Science Science and Technology
What you need: Notebooks, Internet connection, Slate, Stylus, Perkins brailler and Braille papers.
What to do: In groups;
Use resource materials like science textbooks, encyclopedia or internet and research about;

1. The meaning of natural sciences, social sciences and technology.
2. The differences between Science and technology.
3. The difference between natural sciences and social sciences.
4. Present your findings in class.
5. Individually write or braille the class conclusions.
   Based on the Activity, one ought to appreciate and understand the concept of natural science, social science, and science and technology, which are indeed in our daily life.
   1.3: Applicability of Science
   Science is applicable in daily life. Everything revolves around science. In activity
   1.3, you will be in position to generate and also discover some phenomena in daily life that are explained by science.
   Activity 1.3: Discovering daily events that are explained by science

What you need: Notebooks, Internet connection, textbooks, stylus, slate and Perkins brailler
What to do:
Besides the suggested phenomena in figure. 1.4 and 1.5:
I. Write or braille about the different phenomena that can be explained by science.

2. Explain how the phenomena you have identified are related to science.

Compile your answers in a report and discuss with your group members.
3.
Present your work in class.
Individually write or braille the class conclusions.
1.4: Effect of Science and Technology to Society
We exist in a complex world with many different science-based occurrences and applications that are essential for survival in society. Therefore, one ought to appreciate those different phenomena in the environment.
The 21st century has seen an increase in the use of scientific gadgets to make life easy. This is the reason why this is known as the technological era where the machines are highly applied in many fields compared to other labour sources. However, this also has an effect on society in various ways. In activity I .4, you will assess the effect of science and technology on your society.
Activity 1.4: Discovering how science and technology affects society
What you need: Notebook, stylus, slate, perkins brailler, braille papers, radio,
television, CD and a phone.
What to do: As a class;
1. Listen to a talk from visiting community members or watch a video on how
science and technology is of importance to them and the society.
2. Also inquire from the visiting community members about how the misuse
of science and technology affects them and\or the society.

3 .Individually record the findings during the discussion and compile a report.
Your report should include:
How science explains superstitions, beliefs and taboos?
Explain how science is important to you and the society.
4. Hand in the report to the teacher for further guidance.

The Activity should have made one to appreciate the relevance and misuse of
science and technology in our societies.
1.5: Misuse of Science and Technology
Despite science and technology being of great importance to society, the two have been abused by many people in their daily activities.
For example, there has been an increase in death due to collapsing buildings, atomic explosions as shown in Figure 1.6, use of biological weapons, improper disposal of polythene bags leading to pollution and hacking into peoples bank accounts.

In activity 1.5, you will highlight other different ways or site out different avenues where science and technology have been misused.
Activity 1.5: Discussing instances where science and technology have been misused
What you need: Notebooks, slate, stylus, perkins brailler, braille papers, internet,
computers and smart phones.
What to do: In groups:

1. Discuss how science and technology have been misused.
2. Present your findings in class.
3. Individually write or braille the class conclusions in your notebooks.
   Apart from the scenario described in the introduction to this subsection and Figure. 1.6 and 1.7, there are many other ways science and technology are misused. However, science and technology is still of great value to us. Engage in a debate in activity 1.6 to unearth that value.
   Activity 1.6: Debating the impact of science and technology to the society

What you need: Notebooks, stylus, slate, perkins brailler and braille papers.
What to do: As a class;

1. Hold a debate on the proposed MOTION “Science has done more harm than good to human life”.
2. Select a chairperson, opposers, proposers and the secretary. Start the debate.
3. After, discuss the secretary’s presentation with the class.
4. Write or braille down the advantages and disadvantages of science and technology. We live in a dynamic world that is highly science and technology-oriented. Therefore, we ought to appreciate the merits and demerits of Science and Technology.