Welcome, young inventors!
Nature has been solving problems for billions of years. Plants and animals have figured out how to stick, swim, stay cool, stay clean, and build strong homes. In this lesson, you'll learn how inventors copy nature's best ideas, and then you'll become one of them.
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What Is Biomimicry?
When people solve problems by copying nature.
Nature is the world's oldest inventor
The word biomimicry has two parts: bio means "life," and mimic means "to copy." So biomimicry means copying living things to solve human problems.
People have always learned from nature. Birds gave us the idea to fly, and fish taught us about swimming. Today, scientists use microscopes and computers to study nature up close, so they can copy even tiny details, like the hairs on a gecko's toe.
A scientist named Janine Benyus made the word famous in her 1997 book, Biomimicry. She says we should ask, "How would nature solve this?"
Scientists, engineers, doctors, and business owners all use biomimicry. It mixes biology (the study of life) with engineering (the science of building things).
Famous copycats
Burrs → Velcro
In 1941, George de Mestral pulled prickly burrs off his dog after a walk. Under a microscope, he saw tiny hooks. He copied them to invent Velcro.
Kingfisher → Bullet train
Japan's bullet train made a loud boom leaving tunnels. Engineer Eiji Nakatsu reshaped its nose like a kingfisher's beak, which slices into water without a splash. The train got quieter and used less power.
Gecko → Super-grip tape
A gecko's toes have millions of tiny hairs that let it climb walls and ceilings. Scientists are copying them to make tape that grips hard but peels off clean.
Lotus leaf → Self-cleaning paint
Lotus leaves are covered in tiny bumps, so water beads up and rolls off, carrying dirt away. Special paints copy this to keep buildings clean.
Shark skin → Germ-fighting surfaces
Shark skin is covered in tiny tooth-like scales that stay clean. A surface pattern copying them makes it hard for germs to grow in hospitals.
Termite mound → Cool building
Termite mounds stay cool in hot Africa by moving air through tunnels. The Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe copies this and uses far less energy for cooling.
Fill in the blanks
Quick quiz
Bio Brainstorm
What could these five living things teach us?
For each living thing, figure out its superpower. Then decide what it could help people invent. Finally, dream up an invention idea of your own. Silly ideas are welcome, since great inventions often start that way!
To earn this badge, answer every question and write at least 3 invention ideas.
Nature's Library
Sixteen living things that are inspiring inventors right now.
Explore the cards
Tap a card to flip it and learn its secret. Open at least 8 cards. 0 opened
Game: Copycat memory match
Flip two cards at a time. Match each living thing with the invention it inspired.
Research: Ask wise old Mother Nature
Pick one living thing from the library (or another one your teacher approves) and research it. Use the card as a starting point, then look for more on trusted websites.
Good places to start: AskNature.org (a nature-ideas library from the Biomimicry Institute) and National Geographic Kids.
Design Studio
Observe nature, pick your inspiration, and invent.
Step 1: Be a nature detective
For one whole day, look closely at nature around you: a dog's paw, a leaf, an ant, a pinecone, a cloud. Things you've seen a hundred times can surprise you when you really look. Log at least 3 observations.
Step 2: Pick your inspiration and learn how it works
Step 3: Invent your design
Your idea can be practical or totally wild. Both count!
Step 4: Draw and label your prototype
Draw your invention, then use the Label tool to name its parts. Your drawing saves automatically.
My invention card
Inventor badge checklist
Send my work to Google Docs
This puts everything you wrote on every page, plus your drawing, into a Google Doc you can edit, print, and turn in.
Gallery Walk
Visit your classmates' inventions and give helpful feedback.
Giving great feedback
Talk about the idea and how well it was explained. Be kind, be specific, and be helpful. "I like it" is nice, but "I like how the hooks copy the burr so well" is much better!
Feedback form
Fill out one form for each design you visit. Give feedback on at least 2 designs to earn the badge.
Feedback I've given
Nothing yet. Fill out the form above to get started.
The Big Test
Ten questions from every page. Get 8 or more right on your first try to earn the Master Mimic badge.
Only your first answer counts, so think before you tap.