The star-nosed mole’s incredible-looking nose is not used to smell; instead, the nose is used to feel. Moles spend most of their time underground, where it is dark, so it is important to have a good sense of touch.
This fascinating animal is the only known mammal that can smell underwater! Wow!
The mole sends out little bubbles, and the bubbles catch odour molecules. The moles’ tunnels often end up in the river, so the moles need to be good swimmers.
Moles have front paws that are perfect for digging, perfect inspiration for designing a digging machine.
But why not combine this with the amazing star-nosed moles, who can smell food underwater? Lots of ideas are twirling around in my head! I hope it sparks lots of ideas!
Moles provide opportunities for wonder and possibilities for inventing all sorts of things. The ideas may not work in real life, but daydreaming is the first step towards great things, and most of all, it is fun!
Five years later, an idea sparked here actually became something real — see Star-Nosed Mole Biomimicry: MOLisha’s Plastic Detector for what we eventually built.
And it turns out real scientists have been dreaming the same dream. Researchers have since built robotic hands that combine touch and smell, just like a star-nosed mole, to recognise objects without needing to see them at all — perfect for search-and-rescue robots working through smoke, rubble, or murky water. Other teams have built soft robots with flexible, star-shaped sensors that can explore and map spaces in complete darkness, the same way a mole navigates its tunnels. The daydream in this post wasn’t so far-fetched after all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applying what we learn to design and problem-solving. Instead of inventing from scratch, it means studying how plants, animals, and ecosystems have already solved a challenge — like staying cool, collecting water, or absorbing carbon — and adapting that strategy for human use.
How does biomimicry help address climate change?
Nature has been adapting to extreme conditions for billions of years, so many organisms already hold working solutions to problems we now face at a larger scale — cooling buildings without electricity (termite mounds), collecting water in drought (the Namib beetle), protecting coastlines from storms (mangrove roots), and capturing carbon (corals, forests, kelp). Biomimicry means studying those solutions and applying the same principles to human design.
How can children get involved in biomimicry?
Children don’t need special training to think like a biomimicrist — just curiosity and a habit of asking “how does nature solve this?” Simple ways to start include a backyard scavenger hunt for nature’s patterns, a “design-an-animal” challenge for a changing climate, or building a small model (like a passive-cooling structure or a water collector) inspired by something they’ve observed outdoors.
Is biomimicry only for scientists and engineers?
No — biomimicry is as much a mindset as a profession. Anyone can practice it by observing nature closely and asking design questions. Professional biomimicry practitioners apply it in architecture, materials science, and engineering, but the same core skill — careful observation followed by “what if we built it that way?” — is exactly what this post’s classroom and family activities are designed to build in children.
Åsa Jomård
In 2015, Åsa completed a course in Biomimicry: A Sustainable Design Methodology at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. With over 10 years of experience exploring nature for inspiration and as a former member of Ben, Biomimicry Education Network, she brings both academic background and creative teaching experience to her work. Her materials seamlessly integrate stories, nature observations, and design challenges, making them perfect for inquiry-led learning in early primary contexts.
AI was used as a Thinking Partner.
Sweet little moles….so misunderstood. 😊
Yes, lots of people prefer nice lawns rather than moles!
I have never really delved into learning about moles so I don’t know much about them but I know that students could really get into learning about them.
I hope your students will enjoy learning more about moles, who are fascinating creatures.
Moles are so misunderstood and understudied but fascinating creatures. This would make such a great unit.
I hope you students will enjoy learning more about the tiny creature who digs tunnels everywhere!