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Description
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.
General Assessment
Strengths
- The resource addresses the important issue of biodiversity in nature as both a challenge and a solution.
- Students are connected to importance of nature.
- Effort is made to provide a local focus on the issues.
- The lessons support STEM learning.
- Students are given opportunities to formulate and express their values.
Recommendation of how and where to use it
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.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Biodiversity
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
Themes Addressed
Citizenship (1)
- Sustainable Consumption
Ecosystems (2)
- Appreciating the Natural World
- Biodiversity
Science and Technology (1)
- Alternative Ways of Doing Science
