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Curricular Unit: Life Science

Contributed by: Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

A photograph of a single tree in a field. Transposed over the top of the image, huge hands are cupping the tree on each side.

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Grade: 7 (6-8)


Summary

This unit covers the processes of photosynthesis, extinction, biomimicry and bioremediation. In the first lesson on photosynthesis, students learn how engineers use the natural process of photosynthesis as an exemplary model of a complex yet efficient process for converting solar energy to chemical energy or distributing water throughout a system. In the next lesson on species extinction, students learn that it is happening at an alarming rate. Students discover that the destruction of habitat is the main reason many species are threatened and how engineers are trying to stop this habitat destruction. The third lesson introduces students to the idea of biomimicry — or looking to nature for engineering ideas. And, in the fourth and final lesson, students learn about a special branch of engineering called bioremediation — the use of living organisms to aid in the clean up of pollutant spills.


Engineering Connection

In today's modern world, engineers are faced with the challenge of designing energy-efficient systems for heating buildings and creating fuel-efficient vehicles. The photosynthetic process serves as an excellent model for engineers when imagining highly efficient engineering designs — they study it to aid in their creations. Engineers can prevent extinction by developing ways to preserve diverse biological habitats. Through their passion of protecting the environment, and their vast knowledge of the engineering design process, engineers develop the following: materials that mimic the qualities of wood to be used instead of rainforest timber, a way to lessen the harmful effects starfish have on coral reef, and ways to combat global warming, which adversely affects coral reef. We know that engineers design products that are essential to our health, happiness, and safety. To meet these human needs, engineers often look to nature for examples of efficient design solutions. Throughout nature, there are many creative solutions that can inspire effective, elegant design ideas. This process is called biomimicry and is quickly becoming a commonly-used practice throughout the engineering world to aid in the creation of innovative engineering designs. Bioremediation is a part of the environmental engineering field. It is a commonly-used practice that takes advantage living organisms to help rid our environment of toxic or harmful pollutants. Engineers take part in so many life's processes that aid our well-being… discover their connection to the life sciences.


Keywords: bacteria, biomimicry, bioremediation, biodiverse, carbon dioxide, cellular energy efficiency, environment, extinction, oil, respiration, spill, photosynthesis, pollution, transpiration


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Copyright

© 2009 by by Regents of the University of Colorado. This digital library content was developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program.

Supporting Program

Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Last Modified: June 4, 2009
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