(Purpose) This literature review discusses the history and application of science, technology, and society (STS) teaching methodologies. (Findings) Topics addressed in this paper include: (1) developmental history of STS; (2) fundamental beliefs of STS practitioners; (3) STS methodology in the classroom; (4) Difficulty in implementing STS; (5) STS as reducing content based knowledge in students; (6) STS as increasing student motivation; (7) STS as increasing student involvement in community issues; (8) STS as increasing science content knowledge and mastery; (9) Current findings within the research field; and (10) Future directions in STS implementation within the educational system. (Conclusions) After an overview of the literature, a general trend of STS increasing student motivation and community involvement was observed, while the effects of STS in terms of content mastery has long been a subject of debate, with more recent research presenting data in favor of STS in terms of general student knowledge acquisition.