Creator: Biomimicry 3.8 Institute | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
What is Biomimicry? It is the copying of patterns and ideas in nature to solve technological problems. The number 3.8 refers to the billions of years there has been life on this planet. Biomimicry brings biologists and designers together. As our impact on the Earth has wrought much damage, this new approach can solve some of our most pressing problems. Find a wealth of resources within each of the major topics on this site. Use the Inspiring tab to read articles and view other media about Biomimicry. Wish to learn more or pass on information? Use the Educating tab for ideas for K-12 and University students as well as your professional growth. For more information on K-12 tools and curriculum, see this related review, <a href="/single.cfm?id=15898"> Biomimicry in Youth Education</a>.
In the Classroom
Use this resource to learn more about Biomimicry and how technological problems have been solved using this approach. Share the stories with your students as informational (and inspirational) reading in the sciences. For example, schools of fish swim through a vortex of water that pulls them along with the others. This understanding is being used to design better wind turbines. Look through the Biomimicry Fundamentals ideas to see where you think you should start with your students. Challenge your students to explore the site for articles THEY believe are connected to something they have learned this year in your class. Create a wall of pictures and ideas in the classroom of patterns and processes learned in class that can be an inspiration for design later. Gifted or technology students will love learning about Biomimicry.
At Home
Biomimicry would make for interesting family conversations. After reading about Biomimicry, look through the Biomimicry Fundamentals ideas to see where you think you can start a discussion. Start your family observing and thinking more about "designing for the future."
Tags
STEM, design, problem solving, natural resources, engineering,
Subjects
Biology/Life Science, Engineering/Technology, Gifted, Physics, Science,