The Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge is a contest for K-12 students to learn about biomimicry — design inspired by nature — and use it to create something new. Sponsored by the nonprofit Biomimicry Institute, the contest is open to students at three different levels: K-4 (submissions made by the whole class); 5-8; and 9-12. Prizes will be awarded in all three categories.

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Filed under: Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Grades K-5, K-12 Outreach Programs | Comment »

Tags: Biomimicry, Competitions for Students, Contest

In this lesson, students in grades 6-8 discover how engineers can use biomimicry to enhance their designs. They learn how careful observation of nature — in this case, reverse engineering a flower — can lead to new innovations and products.

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Tags: Biomimicry, Class Activities, Environmental Engineering, Grades 6-8, Lesson Plan

Learn on the Website of David L. Hu, a professor of mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech University, how the ability of snakes to slide helps explain the movement of wheels, ice skates and cross-country skis.

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Tags: Biomimicry, Videos, Web Resources

In this elementary school activity, students learn about biomimicry and how engineers often imitate nature in the design of innovative new products. They demonstrate their knowledge of biomimicry by practicing brainstorming and designing a new product based on what they know about animals and nature.

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Filed under: Class Activities, Grades 6-8, Grades K-5 | 1 Comment »

Tags: Biomimicry, Grades 6-8, Grades K-5

Students learn about biomimicry and how engineers imitate nature in the design of innovative new products. They demonstrate their knowledge by practicing brainstorming and designing a new product based on what they know about animals and nature.

Read More

Filed under: Grades 6-8, Grades K-5, Lesson Plans | Comment »

Tags: Biomimicry