Exploring the Integumentary Systems of Animals
Students test their mimic epidermis samples using UV light and blue phosphorescent powder.Copyright 2017 Jamie Sorrell, RET Program, School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, University of Southern Mississippi
To evaluate the different integumentary systems found in the animal kingdom, students conduct an exploratory research-based lab. During the activity, students create a model epidermis that contains phosphorescent powder and compare the results to a control model. After learning about the variations of integumentary systems—systems that comprise the skin and other appendages that act to protect animal bodies from damage—students act as engineers to mimic animal skin samples. Their goal is to create a skin sample that closely represents the animal they are mimicking while protecting the base ‘epidermis’ from UV light.
There are many biological systems and patterns found only in nature, but from which engineers often draw inspiration through observation and empirical study. Engineers may conceptualize these unique biological constructs in order to design and find solutions to human challenges. This process is called biomimicry—the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. The field of biomimicry (or biomimetics) has inspired a range of modern applications, most notably flight. Like engineers, students apply the concept of biomimicry by creating the various integumentary systems found in animals.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify controls in an experiment.
- Use engineering skills to build and test a mimic integumentary system.
- Make qualitative and quantitative observations.
- Discuss the outcome of their results.
- Use their own data as well as other students data to compare and contrast the integuments of various animals.