Biomimicry: Solutions Inspired By Nature

The program will combine biology and technology to empower students to think of how to create a more sustainable human world.

Using a wide variety of local specimens, Mass Audubon educators will introduce students to local, native plants and animals through hands-on observation and investigation. Students may, for example, examine tent caterpillar egg cases on cherry twigs; scales on the wings of our native giant silk moths; the movement of a coyote's lower jaw bone; or the reaction of a pine cone to moisture. Students will see, up close, the biological strategies their local plants and animals use to survive.

Students will then transition from learning about the natural world to learning from the natural world. Biomimicry, the emerging discipline of emulating nature's best ideas to solve human problems, turns biological strategies into design principles. Famous examples include Velcro inspired by burdock burrs, solar cells inspired by plant leaves, and self-cleaning exterior paint inspired by the lotus flower plant. After a short power point presentation on biomimicry, students will pick a human problem and brainstorm ways their nature object may provide solutions.

Rather than doom and gloom, this positive approach connects students to their local nature, teaches them how nature solves problems, and then empowers young people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet.

*This program can be taught outside in your schoolyard following all COVID-safe guidelines. Or, invite one of our experienced teacher naturalists into your online class.