Explain to the students that the group diversity will promote creativity when deciding on design projects with each student bringing a unique perspective to the table. Grant E. Gardner; Using Biomimicry to Engage Students in a Design-Based Learning Activity. Think the famous Gherkin building in London. In other words, biomimicry is a form of reverse engineering whereby researchers identify a problem, seek a biological source that has evolved a natural solution to that particular problem, attempt to understand that natural solution, and then redesign the solution for human benefit. Another option would be to have two of the smaller groups merge and see if they agree on the matches they have determined from their Organism Cards and Technology Cards. Engineers often use these ideas to develop cool new products or better ways to do things to help people. This can include solutions at the macroscale, such as the Velcro example provided above, or at the microscale, such as those currently pursued by synthetic biologists and biomaterials engineers. It is observing “what works” in nature and mimicking it to solve problems, create, and innovate. Three Levels Of Biomimicry. Available online at http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/04/biomimetics/tom-mueller-text.html. Biomimicry involves looking at nature for inspiration to solve engineering problems and to develop innovative new designs for products and architecture. Facilitating the learning of design practices: lessons learned from an inquiry into science education. 8 amazing examples of biomimicry. The American Biology Teacher 1 March 2012; 74 (3): 182���184. ... Germany that combines biomimicry with innovative technologies. Biomimicry is a fascinating and novel topic of study for younger students. It is not my intent to rehash the thorough content coverage of Flannery (2010) that can be accessed by other American Biology Teacher readers. Evaluation of the quality of construction and feasibility of materials should be a consideration. (2008) clarified the steps in the technological design process as follows: 2. See more ideas about architecture, design, natural world. Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. This step also allows students to adopt existing design ideas and attempt to enhance them through biomimetic methods. Riechert, S.E. See more ideas about architecture, design, natural world. A good way to begin the class is by offering historical examples of how biological organisms have given rise to the ideas for many technological advances in human society (using the resources provided above). (2010). 1st Grade Science Primary Science Kindergarten Science. Biomimicry: The Genius of Nature In this lesson, students are introduced to the cutting edge field of biomimicry, which is the practice of imitating nature in order to better human life. Point out examples that the students might have in the classroom, such as Velcro, stain-resistant pants, and so on. See more ideas about design, biomimicry examples, nature inspiration. Achieving standards in urban systematic reform: an example of a sixth grade project-based science curriculum. She states: ���It seems that humans have been attempting to copy nature for a very long time, and this impulse continues today��� (p. 452). Science Illustrated, July���August, 62���69. This will likely be the most difficult step. Velcro is widely known example of biomimicry. This exercise encourages students to go outside their comfort zone and integrate other science disciplines to see how they scaffold one another when applied to design projects and technological innovation. Student groups should begin the project by identifying and listing social problems or technological needs. Here’s a great activity to help your students see their surroundings in a new light: Go for a walk outside around your school or in a nearby park. & Post, B.K. Search for other works by this author on: Doppelt, Y., Mehalik, M.M., Schunn, C.D., Silk, E. & Krysinski, D. (2008). Rivet, E.A. For the sake of clarity, each organism and technology has a corresponding number in Table 1 (these numbers would not be included on cards for student use). Once students have a large list of issues, they should prioritize them within the group and submit them to the instructor for approval and feasibility. The Namibian Beetle raises its back into the air as fog rolls into its desert … Next, organize students into small design groups of four or five and give each a shuffled set of biomimetic matching cards (Table 1). I am a member of BEN - Biomimicry Education Network - and a curator of educational resources at BEN.