As context for the student activities, this resource draws attention to how nature has guided science and technology in the development of strategies and tools to protect our environment.
Part I - Students are introduced to biomimicry and explore various examples found in nature. They will then investigate different ways biomimicry has been used to inform technology and offer sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
Part 2 - Aided by information and activities provided in the resource guide, students examine the concepts of biodiversity and adaptation. Particular attention is paid to the essential role biodiversity plays in sustaining ecosystems and how human behavior poses a serious threat. Students will identify one species and use its adaptations as inspiration for an invention that will mitigate a problem impacting the local environment. They will then share their biomimicry designs with their classmates.
Part 3 - As a culminating activity students are asked to reflect on the values inherent in nature and the importance of stewardship. A number of extended learning suggestions bring further attention to the need to minimize human impact on the environment and illustrate how nature offers inspiration and ideas to help us do just that.
This resource and the learning guide it includes provides students with a unique and important perspective on concept of biodiversity. As such it will be of particular interest to teachers of science at the middle school level.
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