How Does Nature Sense?
Adelheid Fischer, Biomimicry Fellow and Coordinator of InnovationSpace at Arizona State University, explains how she finds inspiration in the star-nosed mole. The mole does not use its unusual nose for smell, but as a touch sensing organ. The mole can also smell under water by sending out bubbles to catch odour molecules, and then…
How Does Nature Cool?
In this video from The Biomimicry 3.8 Institute, Sherry Ritter describes how the red kangaroo stays cool in temperatures of up to 45°C. The kangaroo licks its wrists, where there are a large number of blood vessels close to the surface, and this cools through evaporation. Sherry asks whether we could learn from this cooling technique…
How Does Nature Convert Energy?
In this video Janine Benyus, co-founder of The Biomimicry 3.8 Institute, describes a surprising adaptation of the pistol shrimp. The pistol shrimp has a very large claw and uses this to fire a bubble and stun its prey. The shrimp can close its claw so quickly that a vacuum is created behind the bubble. The vacuum collapses and for…
4/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Hunting and Gathering for Ideas
This resource describes an outdoor activity which can be used to introduce students to the concept of biomimicry. Janine Benyus, founder of the Biomimicry 3.8 Institute, explains how systematically observing nature and then emulating it can lead to innovative and sustainable technologies and designs. She describes how to conduct…
Dye-sensitized Solar Energy
The activity, from the Biomimicry 3.8 Institute, provides an illustration of biomimetic technology. Students explore how to produce electricity by constructing a dye-sensitised solar cell at ambient temperatures, using a few simple materials. In the manufacturing of most solar cells, silica must be heated to separate the silicon…
Futurecade
Futurecade is an innovative interactive suite of games from the Science Museum that allows students to explore how science and technology impacts on their everyday lives. Futurecade’s four games are inspired by current and future technology in the fields of robotics, satellites and space junk, geo-engineering and synthetic…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Interactive resource
Fortune Tellers
In this Planet Science resource, instructions are given for making a fortune teller so students can make one with their own questions and answers. Attractive templates are provided where the science topic links to a possible career. They can be used to stimulate interest among 9 to 13 year olds and suggest possible careers. The cooking…
MRI Scanning (Siemens)
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the super magnets used in MRI scanning machines. Can MRI scans discover if you're telling lies? Siemens produce super-magnets for their MRI scanning machines. These produce incredibly detailed pictures of inside your body without the need for dangerous…
The Mosquito
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating how science is used to build devices that drive groups of youngsters away from buildings. Hearing loss is age-related: this company uses that science knowledge to build devices that drive groups of youngsters away from buildings. Kids are naturally outraged…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Teacher guidance
Acticoat (Smith & Nephew)
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the use of metals to kill germs in the treatment of wounds. 'Silver Pants' is a humorous take on a modern application of ancient technology - using metals to kill germs. Smith & Nephew have developed a posh plaster called 'Acticoat'.…
Industrial Hemp
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the industrial uses of Hemp. Hemp is making a comeback! Industrial hemp (as it should be referred to) has been used for thousands of years for ropes, medicines, insulation, oil, seed, paper, canvas - even for concrete by the Romans. It seriously fell…