Biomimicry
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify biomimicry and use nature as inspiration when designing.
Key learning points
- Designers use biomimicry to influence both form and function of designs, such as the bullet train.
- Designers observe and record nature using sketches and photography.
- Designers use sketches and photography of nature to inspire.
Keywords
Biomimicry - using nature as inspiration to solve problems
Biomorphism - an aesthetic style that imitates nature's beauty
Mood board - a collection of images, texts and samples used by designers to convey feelings about a design
Inspiration - someone or something that gives you ideas
Common misconception
Biomimicry is using nature to inspire aesthetics.
Biomimicry uses nature to inspire solutions to problems, biomorphism is about nature inspiring aesthetics.
Teacher tip
This lesson is a great opportunity to get out of the classroom and observe nature.
Equipment
Additional inspiration images and exemplar mood boards or nature inspired products could be beneficial.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Nature is everything in the world which occurs independently of people. Which of these are natural?
Q2.What is inspiration?
Q3.Inspiration can come from personal opinions. It is said to be ...
Q4.Designers consider different subheadings. Match these subheadings to their definitions.
a particular shape, linked to aesthetics
the purpose
the look including colour, texture, style of theme
a situation, person, or thing that needs attention to be solved
Q5.How can designers research and record sources of inspiration?
Q6.This image is the Eden project in Cornwall, England. What do you think inspired the shape of the buildings?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is 'biomimicry'?
Q2.Which word means an aesthetic style that imitates nature's beauty?
Q3.Match the product and the inspiration from nature.
kingfisher bird
burr
sharkskin
humpback whale fin
Q4.When exploring nature, what is a video particularly useful for?
Q5.What is a collection of images, text and samples which are used to inspire design known as?
Q6.What was the inspiration for the bullet train?
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Biomimicry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Biomimicry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 design and technology lessons from the Papers and boards unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.