Biomimicry
Students investigate their favorite animal’s influence in the modern world by collecting and curating information into a Google Sheet and creating an infographic.
Overview
Students study biomimicry in a project that runs about twelve days and combines science, engineering, and digital media. The unit opens with a video on spirals and Fibonacci patterns in nature and a Jamboard in which students add images of examples. Students then watch biomimicry videos and read articles, documenting them with sketchnotes or Edpuzzles, and check their understanding with OpenTutor. Each student chooses a favorite animal, collects examples of its influence on modern design in a Google Sheet, and builds an infographic in Google Slides, Adobe Spark, or Piktochart to present. Extension options include 3D printing, drone coding, and glider experiments.
Lesson Objectives
- Students investigate their favorite animal’s influence in the modern world by collecting and curating information into a Google Sheet and creating an infographic.
Standards
NGSS · 1
- MS-ETS1-1Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions
CCSS Math · 2
- 7.G.A.1Solve problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and reproducing a scale drawing at a different scale.
- HSG-MG.A.2Apply geometric methods to solve real world problems.
CCSS ELA · 2
- RST.6-8.7Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).
- RST.6-8.8Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.