Design Inspired by Nature
Figure 1. Biomimicry uses natural items as design inspiration.
Students discover how engineers can use biomimicry to enhance their designs. They learn how the careful observation of nature—becoming a nature detective, so to speak—can lead to new innovations and products. In this activity, students reverse engineer a flower to glean design ideas for new products.
Plants and animals are truly nature's engineers. For example, a simple leaf can harness solar energy more efficiently than our best solar panels. Over millions of years, plants and animals have developed ingenious ways to survive on Earth. As engineers, we can consult nature to improve upon our existing designs and products. By studying nature, we can also gain inspiration for designs that have never before existed.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how biomimicry can be used to enhance engineering design.
- Describe the process to reverse engineer an object.
- Explain how brainstorming in a team can lead to more creative ideas.