Biomimicry Design Curriculum Activity
Activity DETAILS
YEAR LEVELS
Curriculum Links
The Biomimicry Design activity introduces students to key design principles and strategies in nature. Students read four Biomimicry Case Studies to consider how different designs draw on nature’s systems and designs, to critically reflect on their application as a sustainable design solution. This activity can be extended to include a student research and design project where students address an issue, investigating and devising a sustainable design solution modelled on ecological principles.
Biodiversity, Species Adaptation, Evolution, Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, Waste
1. Students will be able to describe key design principles and strategies of ecological systems
2. Students will be able to evaluate if a design is sustainably sound using ecological principles and strategies as their criteria
Formative
1. Participation in the Biomimicry Design activity
2. Participation in the Discussion questions
Summative
Students investigate a sustainability issue and design a biomimicry solution informed by two or more key ecological principles and strategies. Students present their design to the class. Please visit asknature.org for a comprehensive list of design features in nature for some inspiration!
1. Tuning in
Outside, have students reflect upon the design and function of flora and fauna in the natural world. Pass around a leaf and invite students to observe the network of veins. To find out more, here is a link to a short video and article featuring ecologist and educator Janine M Benyus who founded the Biomimicry Institute.
Tuning-in questions:
What do you notice about this pattern? What purpose do the veins serve?
Where else do we see this pattern in nature and why?
How do these networks for transporting water compare to our own man-made systems to transport water around this school?
Introduce Biomimicry
Biomimicry is the mimicry of nature’s design features to solve complex human problems.
2. Biomimicry Mix and Match Activity>
Divide the activity cards amongst the students. One card per group. Explain to the students that they either have a product that was inspired by nature or an animal/plant that inspired the design of the product. They need to look closely at their card and read the back for clues, and then go find someone with the corresponding card that matches theirs.
3. Discussion
What was the biomimicry design you had/were matched with, and what was its inspiration from nature?
How might it contribute positively to our environment?
How might it contribute positively to individual people and/or society?
Do you think the design could be improved? How?
What can this activity teach us about vegetable gardening?
4. Observations in our Environment
Invite students to explore the natural environment in the school for various design features or patterns. What purpose may these features serve?