Biomimicry is a design approach that seeks solutions to human problems by imitating designs and ideas found in nature.

The Shinkansen Bullet Train redesign was inspired by which three animals?

Owl, Adelie Penguin, and Kingfisher

Explain how the Kingfisher's beak inspired the redesign of the Shinkansen Bullet Train.

The shape of the Kingfisher's beak, which allows it to dive into water with minimal splash, inspired the shape of the train's nose, reducing the sonic boom when exiting tunnels.

Besides mimicking form, what are the other two ways designers can take design ideas from nature, according to Janine Benyus?

Mimicking process and mimicking whole ecosystems.

Give an example of mimicking a process in nature, and explain how it can be applied to solve a human problem.

Mimicking how ants communicate to find food can be applied to the development of autonomous car systems, allowing them to efficiently navigate cities.

Nature Inspires Design Lesson Plan for Grade 8th Grade

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Learning Objective

I can explain how biomimicry uses natural designs to solve human problems.

1
The Shinkansen Bullet Train was redesigned using biomimicry to reduce noise, increase speed, and improve efficiency.
2
Biomimicry is a design approach that seeks inspiration from nature to solve human problems, as highlighted in Janine Benyus's book.
3
Designers can mimic nature's form, processes, or ecosystems to create innovative and sustainable solutions.

Nature Inspires Design

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Learning Objective

Warm-Up Video

Key Concepts

Practice Questions

Exit Ticket

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