Science & Technology

The 20th century constitutes just one percent of the time since the invention of agricultural, yet it witnessed more far reaching scientific discoveries and technological innovations than any previous century. Older ideas about consciousness, disease, human development, human nature, matter, race, and the nature of the universe were challenged and overturned.Meanwhile, as a result of innovations in technology, our physical environment has been transformed.

An elementary science class at Iowa State University. Ames, Iowa. Jack Delano, photographer, May 1942 Library of Congress

Key Questions:

1. What would you consider the most important scientific discoveries and technological innovations of the 20th century? Why?

2. How did the focus of scientific investigation change over the course of the century?

3. Who would you consider the preeminent scientist of the 20th century? Why?