Biomimicry

Biomimicry is a way of looking at and learning from nature to solve problems and to invent things. Copying what nature does to make things better for people and the Earth. For example, if you wanted to make a toy car that can drive on bumpy ground, you could look at how lizards climb on rocks and use that to make the car’s wheels better. Or if you wanted to make a building that stays cool in hot weather without using too much energy, you could look at how termites make their homes and use that to make the building cool naturally.

Click here to access our ‘SECRETS OF LIFE’ Directory. It has just some of the fascinating breakthroughs that have happened as a result of the study of plants and animals.

You can download our FREE Biomimicry lesson plans and slides (KS2) here.

Follow us on Social Media where we regularly post about new developments in the world of Biomimicry. You can see a collection of ‘Creature Secrets’ here, and it’s growing by the day. And don’t forget to tune in to our Podcast, ‘Stories Science and Secrets’ and learn more about the science behind our stories as we talk to scientists and experts in Biomimicry.

Engineering

Biomimicry is being used to create more efficient and sustainable technologies. Engineers are studying the structure and function of natural systems and using that knowledge to create new designs. For example, engineers are studying the way that birds fly to create more efficient airplane designs. Similarly, engineers are studying the way that sharks swim to create more efficient underwater vehicles.

Architecture

Biomimicry is being used to create buildings that are more energy-efficient and sustainable. Architects are studying the way that termites build mounds to create buildings that are naturally cooled and ventilated. Similarly, architects are studying the way that birds build nests to create buildings that are more energy-efficient.

Medicine

Biomimicry is being used to create new medical technologies. Medical researchers are studying the way that animals heal to create new treatments for human diseases. For example, researchers are studying the way that sharks can regenerate their skin to create new wound-healing treatments.

Product Design

Biomimicry is being used to create more sustainable products. Product designers are studying the way that natural systems work to create products that are more efficient and sustainable. For example, product designers are studying the way that plants convert sunlight into energy to create more efficient solar cells.