Inspired by Nature

Inspired by Nature

How can observing the natural world help us find solutions to human problems?
Subjects: Science
Grade Level: Elementary
Timeframe: 15-20 hours

Project Description

Students explore the structures and behaviors possessed by plants and animals that protect them from danger or otherwise increase their chance of survival. By performing observations, constructing explanations, and building upon prior experiences, students design nature-inspired solutions to a student-identified problem faced by humans and present their solution to a panel of engineers or scientists.

Final Product

Students create and present a prototype biomimetic solution to a problem.

Key Standards

NGSS:

K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2: Engineering design K-2-1-LS-1: Structure, function, and information processing K-2-1-LS3-1: Heredity: Inheritance and variation of traits

CCSS:

ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1:Comprehension and collaboration ELA-LITERACY.W.1.7: Research to build and present knowledge ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Presentation of knowledge and ideas ELA-LIT.W.1.8: Include relevant facts and details

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Project Essentials
The Project