PEH FINALS

• What does the term 'science' derive from?

  It comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning 'knowledge.'
• How is science defined in the context of the study material?

  Science refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation, or both.
• What is the definition of technology according to the study material?

  Technology is the application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems.
• What does the Greek root word 'techne' mean?


  'Techne' means 'art, skill, or cunning of hand.'
• How is society defined in the context of the study material?

  Society is the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.
• What is the nature of the study of Science, Technology, and Society (STS)?

  STS is a relatively young field that combines previously independent and older disciplines, such as the history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science.
• From which period does STS trace its roots according to Harvard University's Kennedy School?

  STS traces its roots from the interwar period and the start of the Cold War.
• Why did historians and scientists become interested in the interconnections of scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society?

  They found interest in these interconnections during the interwar period and the start of the Cold War.
• What led to the emergence of STS as an academic field?


  The rise of STS resulted from the recognition that many schools do not prepare students to respond critically, reflectively, and proactively to challenges posed by science and technology.
• What methods does STS apply to study the nature of science and technology?

  STS applies methods drawn from history, philosophy, and sociology.
• How is STS viewed as a socially embedded enterprise?

  STS emerged from questions about science and technology's dynamic interaction with various aspects of society.
• What does STS seek to bridge according to the Kennedy School?

  STS seeks to bridge the gap between humanities (interpretive) and natural sciences (rational).
• What is the driving force behind the continuous progress in science and technology?

  The desire to raise the quality of life of the people.
• What were some of the concerns of people in ancient times?

  People were concerned with transportation, navigation, communication, record-keeping, mass production, security, protection, health, aesthetics, and architecture.
• Why was transportation significant in ancient times?

  Transportation was significant because people were trying to go places and discover new horizons, trading surplus goods for things they lacked.
• How did communication play a role in ancient endeavors?

  Communication was essential for discovering and occupying new places, facilitating trade, and preventing conflicts.
• Why was record keeping important in ancient times?

  Record keeping was important to remember places visited and document trades made.
• What field did people venture into to integrate their needs for better transportation and protection?


  People ventured into the field of engineering.
• How did the development in engineering influence architecture in ancient times?

  The development in engineering ushered in the introduction of architecture, with elaborate designs signifying technological advancement.
• What conclusion can be drawn about developments in science and technology in ancient times?

  Developments in science and technology were the results of prior antecedents, driven by necessity.
• Where is Sumeria located?

  Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia.
• What is one of the major contributions of the Sumerians?

  One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development of the first writing system known as cuneiform.
• How did cuneiform function as a writing system?

  Cuneiform utilized word pictures and triangular symbols carved on clay using wedge instruments.
• What material did the Sumerians use to build the city of Uruk?

  The Sumerians used mud or clay mixed with reeds to produce sun-baked bricks.
• What was the purpose of the Great Ziggurat of Ur?

  The ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only priests were allowed to enter.
• How did the Sumerians address the challenge of mass food production?

  They created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and control flooding.
• Why were the dikes and irrigation canals considered beneficial engineering works?

  They allowed the Sumerians to enjoy year-long farming and harvesting, increasing food production.
• What was the main mode of transportation for the Sumerians before the invention of the wheel?

  The main mode of transportation was through waterways using boats.
• What was the significance of sailboats for the Sumerians?

  Sailboats were essential for transportation, trading, and fostering culture, information, and technology.
• How did the invention of the wheel impact Sumerian agriculture?

  The wheel made mass production easier, allowing farmers to mill grains with less effort and time.
• What was the purpose of the plow invented by the Mesopotamians?


  The plow enabled farmers to dig the ground for planting seeds, allowing for faster cultivation of larger parcels of land.
• What did the Sumerians develop to facilitate faster travel?

  The Sumerians developed the first roads.
• What was one of the major contributions of the Babylonian civilization?

  One of their major contributions is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
• How is the Hanging Gardens described in the study material?

  It is described as a structure made up of layers upon layers of gardens containing several species of plants, trees, and vines.
• Where did the Egyptian civilization develop?

  Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River.
• Why was the Nile River important to the Egyptian civilization?

  The Nile's annual flooding ensured reliable, rich soil for growing crops.
• How did Egyptian rulers demonstrate and maintain power?

  They used the idea of divine kingship and constructed monumental architecture.
• What was the primary use of the papyrus plant in ancient Egypt?

  The papyrus plant was used to make sails, cloth, mats, cords, and paper.
• What role did papyrus play in ancient Egyptian writing?

  Paper made from papyrus was the chief writing material in ancient Egypt, used for books, correspondence, and legal documents.
• How did the invention of ink change writing in ancient Egypt?

  The Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals to produce inks of different colors, allowing for more durable writing.