Biomimicry in education – learning from nature
Biomimicry is an approach in which we take inspiration from nature and its solutions when looking for answers to human problems. Over millions of years, nature has “tested” a variety of strategies and can be a source of ideas for engineering, architecture and design, as well as for education.
At school, biomimicry connects scientific inquiry, creativity, experimentation, technology and sustainability. Students do not just learn about nature; they learn to look at nature as a source of ideas and inspiration. They observe how living organisms and natural systems work, look for the principles behind them and then think about how these could be used in everyday life. This kind of learning naturally connects the sciences, technology, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving.
The goal is not simply to imitate nature but to understand its principles and learn from it. Biomimicry in education thus encourages curiosity, creativity and seeing nature as a teacher and a source of inspiration for sustainable solutions.
Examples of biomimicry
- Bird wings – different wing shapes are adapted to different ways of flying. Students explore how shape affects function and how these principles could be used in designing structures.
- The lotus leaf – its surface repels water and dirt. This principle inspired the development of self-cleaning and water-repellent materials.
- The spider web – its properties can inspire the creation of materials that are both strong and light. BioLearn mentions, for example, spider-web-inspired glass that can help protect birds from collisions.
- The gecko – tiny structures on its feet allow it to cling to various surfaces. This principle inspired new types of adhesive materials.
- The egg – its shape provides great strength with relatively little material. Students can explore how shape can affect the strength of a structure.
- Colors in nature – some animals, such as peacocks, create colors through the structure of a surface rather than through pigments. We can also explore this phenomenon as inspiration for new materials.
- Pine cones – they open and close depending on humidity. Nature thus offers an example of a material that can respond to its surroundings without using any energy.
How we use biomimicry at school
In these activities, students observe, ask questions, experiment, look for solutions and propose their own ideas inspired by nature. We also draw ideas for our activities from the BioLearn – Biomimicry for Schools project. Its website offers many ready-made activities, teaching materials and examples of how to bring learning from nature directly into lessons. BioLearn presents practical, inquiry-based activities that connect biomimicry with STEM education and sustainability topics.