Organisms Lesson - Biomimicry

Today in science we put our engineering hats on and we did an organisms lesson on biomimicry. Biomimicry is a product inspired by the structure and systems of nature including plants and animals. To prepare for this lesson we have been studying plants and animals as well as the features they have that help them to survive and grow.

The first product we investigated was an alarm clock. In groups the students then had to discuss what animal or plant this product may have been inspired by. They also had to discuss what we learned from them as well as what human problem the product solved. All groups determined that the alarm clock was inspired by the rooster. We mimic the sound and it helps us wake up on time.

The second product that we investigated was Velcro. Again in groups the students had to discuss what animal or plant this product was inspired by. They again discussed what we learned from them as well as what human problem the product solved. All groups determined that Velcro was inspired by burs (seeds that stick to clothing and fur/hair). This is a common problem on our playground so that background information was helpful. :) They determined we mimic the "sticky" hooks and that they keep things together.



It was a great day for science in our classroom! :)