World Seagrass Day - March 1st March starts with World Seagrass Day. This day was introduced in 2022 by the UN's General Assembly. Seagrasses are flowering plants in shallow waters from the tropics to the Arctic Circle. Seagrasses are biologically rich habitats that provide food and shelter to thousands of fish species, seahorses and turtles. (In contrast,Continue reading "March in the Nature Classroom"
What is a Keystone Species? – Sea Otters, Kelp Forests & Sea Urchins
In our book, Orla's Golden Blanket: Sea Otters’ Secret to a Bright Blue Future, we explore how keystone species like sea otters have a big impact on an ecosystem. Keystone species, also called ecosystem engineers, can be animals, plants or microorganisms. Wolves, elephants, sea stars, and corals are examples of keystone species. In the videoContinue reading "What is a Keystone Species? – Sea Otters, Kelp Forests & Sea Urchins"
Watercolour Sea Creatures
Inspired by a blog post on the blog Mud + Bloom, we made some sea creatures that Orla, the sea otter, might encounter while diving in the underwater kelp forest. We blew watercolour paint around through a paper straw. Be generous with the amount of water that you use. After the paint had dried, weContinue reading "Watercolour Sea Creatures"
Orla’s Golden Blanket: Sea Otters’ Secret to a Bright Blue Future
An otterly lovely gift for every nature lover Go ahead, dive in! It’s pleasurable, really. You’ll explore golden kelp forests and learn about the importance that sea otters play in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Sea otters are playful and always hungry. They love kelping and playing in the underwater forests. But how can aContinue reading "Orla’s Golden Blanket: Sea Otters’ Secret to a Bright Blue Future"
Trees are Important for Cities! – Inspirational Videos
Trees are important for our cities! By 2025, it is estimated that two out of every three people will be living in cities or other urban centres (UN report). It is also estimated that by 2030 there will be 43 so-called megacities, cities with more than 10 million inhabitants. Today there are 31 megacities. MostContinue reading "Trees are Important for Cities! – Inspirational Videos"
February in the Nature Classroom
While February is known to be full of paper hearts and chocolate, it is also bursting with early signs of Spring. Snowdrops have adapted to midwinter flowering, and the delicate white flowers are welcome when they push through the hard, frosty ground. It might still be cold and windy, but what will Spring weather lookContinue reading "February in the Nature Classroom"
Sea Urchins & Kelp Forests
Below are a couple of videos about sea urchins. These global and spiny echinoderms are often very pretty, and they come in a variety of colours. They can be found on the sea beds of every ocean. Like most things in nature, balance is vital - and too many sea urchins can severely influence anContinue reading "Sea Urchins & Kelp Forests"
Treescrapers for Kids
Yesterday, I posted a rather long blog post about Treescrapers. Here are some of our ideas. It is winter here, so not much material to collect in the garden. But we used what we found, and after all, it is the learning and ideas that are important. Frequently Asked Questions What is biomimicry? Biomimicry isContinue reading "Treescrapers for Kids"
How to Design a Future Green City with Treescrapers
Treescrapers are skyscrapers that work like trees. The scrapers make oxygen, distil water, and produce energy. Let's design a City with Treescrapers. In a previous blog post, "Cities that help saving our planet," we explored two examples of green ideas for cities: the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and Bosco Verticale in Milan. InContinue reading "How to Design a Future Green City with Treescrapers"
January in the Nature Classroom
Kick off the New Year by getting outside. Weather permitting, you can explore amazing wildlife. National Bird Day - January 5th The 5th of January is National Bird Day. A special day dedicated to celebrations of birds. In the UK, there is also the Big Garden Birdwatch. Between 26 and 28 January, you can recordContinue reading "January in the Nature Classroom"
How Patterns in Nature Inspire Designers
Happy New Year! Imagine 2024 buzzing with ideas for exciting designs, inventions, and ways to solve problems. Using nature as inspiration for projects in your classroom can engage children and spark curiosity and creativity! Let's start with a favourite topic - patterns in nature. Looking for patterns may be fun, but can they also be useful? A coupleContinue reading "How Patterns in Nature Inspire Designers"
What is Watermelon Snow?
Snow is white or whiteish, right? Wrong! There is yellow, orange, grey, green, black, blue and even red snow! Some of the colours come from dust and dirt, while others come from algae. Watermelon snow is also known as blood snow, pink or red snow. You find this snow in mountains and polar regions. TheContinue reading "What is Watermelon Snow?"
Amazing Students’ Biomimicry Designs to Deal with Extreme Heat
A couple of months ago, I posted a blog post about using Snails to inspire ideas. Look and marvel at this team of high school students in Pakistan, using inspiration from the shells of desert snails and the Saharan silver ant. These animals have unique biological strategies that help them survive in hot climates. TheContinue reading "Amazing Students’ Biomimicry Designs to Deal with Extreme Heat"
Cities that help saving our planet
The video from Planet Earth 11 is so inspiring! Love the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. And the project in Milan is awesome. These ideas show that it is possible to design cities that are friendly to wildlife, more energy efficient, and more sustainable. We can design cities for the future! Cities for theContinue reading "Cities that help saving our planet"
Inspiration from Ridiculously Cute Sea Otters
There is so much more to sea otters than being ridiculously cute. They are regarded as keystone species in their ecosystem - ecosystem engineers. Sea otters eat sea urchins, which help the underwater kelp forests to flourish. They look almost comical when their faces are bobbing up and down in the waters. They love lyingContinue reading "Inspiration from Ridiculously Cute Sea Otters"
Kelp’s role in our Ocean
Underwater kelp forests are among the most productive places on Earth. The forests support a range of marine life, and they are one of the most biodiverse places on our planet. Here you'll find squid nurseries, crabs, seals, whales, and sea otters. Kelps are not plants; they are algae. Some species form large underwater forestsContinue reading "Kelp’s role in our Ocean"
Birds’ Third Eyelid – Inspirational Video
What an extraordinary slow-motion video by Japanese photographer Fumihiko Hirai. The video shows a close-up of the nictitating membranes in action. The third eyelid protects the eye, moistening it, and may potentially aid in camouflage. This translucent or opaque membrane is also found in reptiles and certain mammals. Take your time and watch this videoContinue reading "Birds’ Third Eyelid – Inspirational Video"
Sponges! How to design flood-resistant cities.
What is a sponge city? Sponges are known for their exceptional ability to absorb water. Sponge cities are designed to imitate the natural water cycle. The aim is to use green infrastructure to slow water and enhance ground absorption of water. By using, for example, green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, parks and wetlands, the ideaContinue reading "Sponges! How to design flood-resistant cities."
Reasons why it’s important to be Curious about Patterns in Nature
Nature is filled with ingenious designs - from how a leaf grows to spots on a leopard, and spirals of shells to bubbles used by snails. Studying patterns can be a wonderful activity, yet making sense of wonders is not always easy. The purpose of patterns can range from camouflage and warning signals to regulatingContinue reading "Reasons why it’s important to be Curious about Patterns in Nature"
Observing Changes in Seasons
"In that earliest childhood, we get those invisible glasses through which we look at the world all our lives, and these glasses color our views."Lainšček, 2020 The end of Autumn! Observing the changes in the weather and the seasons is fascinating. But often, we do not take the time to watch and ponder over theContinue reading "Observing Changes in Seasons"
How to be Animal-Friendly this Spooky Season?
Spooky celebrations can be such fun! Creating a ghost-like atmosphere in the garden or classroom is something that many of us take very seriously. We challenges our readers to think about: How can you decorate without using materials that can harm animals? What animals can get stuck in decorations? What animals eat decorations? What materialsContinue reading "How to be Animal-Friendly this Spooky Season?"
Super Mushroom & Fungi – Innovative Ideas
You can download this poster for free and use it in your classroom to inspire creative thinking using mushroom and fungi. Hope your kids get lots of glowing ideas! mushroom-innovative-ideas_flattenDownload Click here for blog posts about fungi. Frequently Asked Questions What is biomimicry? Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applyingContinue reading "Super Mushroom & Fungi – Innovative Ideas"
Four Rhino Biomimicry Projects – Feet, Horns, Skin and Ecobiomimicry
A biomimicry project using rhinos as inspiration can spark off great ideas and provide insight into ways to solve tricky design problems. Biomimicry can be classified at three levels: form, process and system. Rhino are ecosystem engineers, and they can be used as inspiration for system biomimicry, also called ecosystem biomimicry. Let's start with theContinue reading "Four Rhino Biomimicry Projects – Feet, Horns, Skin and Ecobiomimicry"
Why are Rhinos Important?
Rhinos are ecosystem engineers! They help to shape the wilderness so that other species may thrive. Thus, the loss of rhinos will impact several other species. These remarkable animals are vital in maintaining and creating a balanced and healthy ecosystem. No species should go extinct due to human impact, and understanding how every creature contributesContinue reading "Why are Rhinos Important?"
What Does a Baby Rhino Sound Like?
Baby rhinos make the most unexpected sound. The most adorable sound - a cross between a whale and puppies or kittens. What do these baby rhinos sound like to you? Elephants might have been my first love! And there are so many memorable Hippo stories, but the more I learned about rhinos they more IContinue reading "What Does a Baby Rhino Sound Like?"
The Story behind the Story – The Rhino In Me
Earlier this year I attended a workshop about animal communication. One of the speakers was Helena Kriel the Founder and Board President from Baby Rhino Rescue. The book "The Rhino In Me: A Story of Friendship, Protection and Milk Lollies" was inspired by her story about a baby rhino and a sheep. This book hasContinue reading "The Story behind the Story – The Rhino In Me"
The One and Only Ruby
Tuskday! This brilliant sequel to Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob is certain to steal kids' hearts. It deals with complex, emotional and extremely important issues, yet the adorable Ruby manages to provide hope for the conservation of elephant populations. I love the included elephant glossary, which includesContinue reading "The One and Only Ruby"
Woodpeckers: Fantastic Long Tongue and Amazing Skull
Learn how to draw a woodpecker. Pause the video and follow the step-by-step instructions. You can also draw a sketch of the woodpecker's skull. Where does the woodpecker keep its long tongue? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aJult_q5A0 Use the drawing to explore amazing biological strategies that the woodpecker is using. You may also like Amazing Creatures to Spot inContinue reading "Woodpeckers: Fantastic Long Tongue and Amazing Skull"
Amazing Creatures to Spot in Autumn
Built-in hammers! During autumn, you can see squirrels collecting acorns. But woodpeckers also love acorns! The acorn woodpecker is famous for hoarding acorns. In our garden, we occasionally have a visit from green woodpeckers. This stunning green bird has a red crown. Both sexes have a moustache stripe, but the male's is red in theContinue reading "Amazing Creatures to Spot in Autumn"
September Sound Mapping
"The day will come when man will have to fight noise as inexorably as cholera and the plague." Robert Koch, 1905 Nobel Prize-winning bacteriologist The city is filled with noises - loud, monotone sounds. Often in today's world, silence is difficult to find and create. Quiet is good not only for us humans but alsoContinue reading "September Sound Mapping"
Aye-aye – Endangered, Misunderstood and Remarkable!
Do your kids love animals that look a bit creepy? Meet the scary-looking nocturnal lemur with freaking fingers. This unique primate has the face of a possum, the tooth of a mouse, and a bat’s ears. Its scientific name is Daubentonia Madagascariensis, and the lemur is in Madagascar. It is an endangered and misunderstood animal.Continue reading "Aye-aye – Endangered, Misunderstood and Remarkable!"
How everyone can be inspired by how nature solves problems
Interested in using Biomimicry but unsure how to use nature as inpiration? Here is a FREE guide to Biomimicry. You can also purchase the book Biomimicry with Theo & Tuva: Nature spotting inspires wild ideas. "Join Theo and Tuva on their nature walks and be inspired by their observations using a biomimicry lens of theContinue reading "How everyone can be inspired by how nature solves problems"
Managing Heat – Inspiration from Nature
This summer might have been cold, wet and windy where I live, but the summer has been marked as another year with record-breaking heat across the globe, from China to North Africa and North America to parts of Europe. July was the hottest month on record since 1880; see NASA. Thus, the need for waysContinue reading "Managing Heat – Inspiration from Nature"
Think, think, think nature!
A short video that encourages and inspires you to think nature! Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IMUew8SaZ8 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 aContinue reading "Think, think, think nature!"
Climate Change – What would Nature do?
Climate change is upsetting the balance - the balance in nature. When systems that have run smoothly on Earth for hundreds and even thousands of years face an imbalance, nature deals with the challenges. Sometimes, nature uses mutations, and sometimes, nature adapts to the changes. Animals and plants are 'shapeshifting' worldwide; their limbs, beaks, andContinue reading "Climate Change – What would Nature do?"
Green Growing Robot Project
Kids deserve resources that challenge them to explore new ideas. Here, the newest ideas in robotics have inspired the making of a booklet for kids. Creating a robot that grows like a plant is indeed mind-boggling, but I believe kids have original ideas and can indeed change the world. Ideas come from looking around andContinue reading "Green Growing Robot Project"
Anglerfish Project
Do your kids love animals that look a bit scary? Meet the creepy-looking deep-sea anglerfish with built-in nightlights as well as an invisibility cloak. Anglerfish like to live at dark and chilly depths – around 500 m to 5 000 meters below sea level. Our knowledge about the deep sea is still very limited. ThisContinue reading "Anglerfish Project"
Brilliant Nature Books for Curious Kids
From stories about birds to creatures who inspire our homes, here's our list of favourite children's reading this summer. The Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson & Catherine Rayner Found an empty nest on your nature walk? Or spotted some fledglings? Birds are great inspirations for young biomimicrists. Birds build all sorts of interesting nests. The bowerbirdsContinue reading "Brilliant Nature Books for Curious Kids"
Unique & Remarkable – Shoebills
Sometimes you need something remarkable to capture kids' interest, especially towards the end of the school year. Few kids can help but be fascinated by the goofy-looking shoebill. Shoebills are a unique, prehistoric-looking tall bird with a large beak resembling a Dutch clog. The beak is perfect for catching and carrying large fish. Shoebills makeContinue reading "Unique & Remarkable – Shoebills"
What is a River? By Monika Vaicenavičiené
The book "What is a River?" by Lithuanian illustrator and storyteller Monika Vaicenavičienė is a beautiful prose poem about the things a river is and can be. It is also part encyclopedia, and curious young biomimicrists will find lots of things to ponder over. Facts about famous rivers and the animals and people who liveContinue reading "What is a River? By Monika Vaicenavičiené"
Elephant Tiles and Other Amazing Biomimicry Ideas
Majestic and beautiful with their characteristic wrinkled grey skin. Elephants have inspired several innovative ideas. From a trunk that inspired soft robotics to skin patterns now cooling real buildings, elephants are a masterclass in biomimicry — proof that even a single animal can offer several completely different design solutions at once. What you'll learn: HowContinue reading "Elephant Tiles and Other Amazing Biomimicry Ideas"
Chameleons – Biological Strategies
The colour-changing ability of chameleons is fascinating! These remarkable creatures are perfect for introducing biological strategies to young children. Exploring how they change colour at will is something that will capture kids' imagination. Yet, the colour changing is only the start. Chameleons’ tongues can be twice as long as their bodies. The tongue can extendContinue reading "Chameleons – Biological Strategies"
Biomimicry Design Projects for Homeschool Students
Biomimicry Projects for Homeschool Students As homeschoolers, we have enormous advantages when bringing nature into the homeschool room. Introducing biomimicry into your home is a great opportunity to remove the magnifying glasses and binoculars and also the art supplies—a wonderful opportunity to mix science and art. A biomimicry lens allows your kids to engage withContinue reading "Biomimicry Design Projects for Homeschool Students"
Biomimicry Design Inspired by Tree Observations on a Frosty Morning
I love frosty mornings when everything is covered with sugary ice. The garden reminds me of Sleeping Beauty. The world has gone into a long, much-needed rest to breathe and gather strength. But there is actually plenty of life, beauty and wonder even on a frosty, cold winter morning. The core of biomimicry is toContinue reading "Biomimicry Design Inspired by Tree Observations on a Frosty Morning"
Mermaid Purses
Beachcombing along the shoreline is exciting. You never know what you might find. If you are lucky enough, you might find a real treasure - a mermaid's purse hiding among the seaweed. It is a bit mind-boggling to imagine that a shark or skate might have emerged from the egg case. The little pouches areContinue reading "Mermaid Purses"
Glowing Platypus – Biomimicry Journal
Platypuses are remarkable creatures with beaks that lay eggs. They are not classed as birds; they are known as monotremes—mammals that lay eggs. They are also biofluorescent animals, which is different from bioluminescence, where the animal produces the light or hosts other organisms that shine. Various plants, fungi, flowers, insects, and fruits glow green orContinue reading "Glowing Platypus – Biomimicry Journal"
Echidna’s clever way to stay cool – Snot Bubbles
Exciting news about this remarkable monotreme mammal. Echidnas use their own mucus to stay cool. Echidnas cannot sweat, pant, or lick to keep their bodies cool. But they have an impressive tolerance to heat. Now, scientists have discovered how they do it. Echidnas stay cool by blowing mucus bubbles through their snout. The bubbles burstContinue reading "Echidna’s clever way to stay cool – Snot Bubbles"
Echidna Super Cool Snout
Echidnas are super cool! This spiky mammal lays eggs. There are five monotremes - four of them are echidnas, and the other mammal is the fascinating platypus. Echidnas have hard, flat eyes, and the claws on their hind limbs curve backwards to help them dig burrows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YB6mVWadKQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2XfF1hWICc&t=50s Yet, their snout, sometimes called a beak,Continue reading "Echidna Super Cool Snout"
New Year Poem
I found this beautiful video this morning and I thought it would be a great start to the new year. You can read more about the poem and the video here. Have a nature-filled 2023! https://player.vimeo.com/video/673019873?h=f009b2400b&color=ffdb00 The Universe in Verse | Part 1: Bloom from Maria Popova on Vimeo. Frequently Asked Questions What is biomimicry?Continue reading "New Year Poem"
Green Robots to Explore the Oceans and the Moon! – Design Inspired by Plants
Growing robots may help us explore unknown places like the Moon. Plants use growth to move and explore and even take over the environment. In contrast, animals do not grow to be able to move. Inspired by plants, we can design search applications where we do not know what the environment looks like beforehand. WhatContinue reading "Green Robots to Explore the Oceans and the Moon! – Design Inspired by Plants"
Growing Robots!
Jumping kangaroo-inspired robots, soft, flexible robots inspired by the elephant's trunk. What next? I have been fascinated by the idea of using animals as inspiration for robots. Yet, to push the way we design robots even further, we might need to look at the world of plants. Plants as the inspiration, you might think. PlantsContinue reading "Growing Robots!"
Mushroom Leather Shoes for Kids – Inspired by Nature
Squirrels love munching on mushrooms and even poisonous ones. You can see them nibbling on the bright red toadstool, and for some reason I always thought that the squirrels had stopped eating them and left a bit of a mess on the lawn. But squirrels can eat fungi that are poisonous to us humans. SoContinue reading "Mushroom Leather Shoes for Kids – Inspired by Nature"
How does an animal see colours? Inspired by An Immense World
I love the new book by Ed Young - An Immense World. A mind-blowing journey into how other animals experience our world. This book pushes you to the limit to understand our world. It challenges you to see the world through the eyes of other animals. Changing your perspective when it comes to other people'sContinue reading "How does an animal see colours? Inspired by An Immense World"
Summer Reading for Young Curious Nature Lovers
Is there anything better than reading a book and listening to the buzzing bees? At last, summer has arrived, and you can sit under a tree in the shade, enjoying the endless questions that some books spark. The not bad animals brilliant explores how some animals have been misunderstood. Like the spiders, who really areContinue reading "Summer Reading for Young Curious Nature Lovers"
Symmetry in Nature
Ingenious designs! Nature is bursting with patterns, and the diversity is fantastic — from leopards' spots that merge into rosette markings as cubs grow, to shells and bumblebees with their black and yellow stripes. Symmetry is one of nature's most common patterns, and it's a great entry point into biomimicry — noticing how a shapeContinue reading "Symmetry in Nature"
Inspirational Books for Young Biomimicry Enthusiasts
At the moment we are enjoying these two books. Check them out! The Animal BFFs is written by Sophie Corrigan. Here you can read about different types of Friendships among animals: mutualism commensalism and parasitism. The natural world is filled with strange and unlikely friendships. Odd couples that highlight the idea that sometimes it's betterContinue reading "Inspirational Books for Young Biomimicry Enthusiasts"
Sundance School – Biomimicry Inspired by Sunflowers
Sunflowers have many superpowers. What if children could learn and grow in a Sundance School - a school inspired by this remarkable plant? When you are designing a building using sunflowers as inspiration, you can use: Visual inspiration—your design looks like a sunflower plant. Use a principle found in nature; for example, the sunflower movesContinue reading "Sundance School – Biomimicry Inspired by Sunflowers"
Sunflowers – Strength, Peace & Biomimicry Inspiration
Strive for Peace! Build and Nurture a Better world by reaching for the Sun, filled with super Sunflower Power! Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine. These proud flowers have throughout history been associated with power, strength, warmth and positivity. The strong resemblance to our Sun often puts a smile on our faces. In theContinue reading "Sunflowers – Strength, Peace & Biomimicry Inspiration"
The Green Planet – Inspiration for Young Biomimicrists
What a spectacular programme! And great accompanying books. New camera techniques have made it possible to dive into the world of plants with images that really make you feel more connected to plants. The Green Planet shows plants like you have never seen them before - new and surprising insights. The series focuses on theContinue reading "The Green Planet – Inspiration for Young Biomimicrists"
Why do we need Biodiversity?
"Is this the biggest tree in the park. . . the forest. . . or the whole world? We may hear kids being impressed by trees, plants and animals, and that is great. But we can also support kids to notice and be impressed by the variety of different types of trees, plants, and animalsContinue reading "Why do we need Biodiversity?"
Planktonium – A Journey to a Microscopic World
Children are driven by curiosity! What can be more exciting than discovering the microscopic world? A microscope is a super tool for encouraging children to love biology and also to develop their observational skills. Despite a fascination for tiny organisms, I must admit I was not quite prepared for the voyage that filmmaker Jan vanContinue reading "Planktonium – A Journey to a Microscopic World"
Dolphin Sleep Pattern and Other Interesting Things
Sleeping like a dolphin has its advantages! Would it not be wonderful to rest one of your brain hemispheres at a time and to sleep with one eye open? Dolphins are fascinating, and their sleep pattern is a great example of biomimicry in the making — a strategy nature perfected long before humans needed itContinue reading "Dolphin Sleep Pattern and Other Interesting Things"
Brilliant inspirational nature books för curious kids
The best inspiration, apart from spending time in nature, is picture books. I am passionate about all sorts of books, and children's books are no different. Wonderful pictures, exciting stories, and silly rhymes are the best way to get ideas. The best picture books contain plenty of opportunities for learning, yet it does not feelContinue reading "Brilliant inspirational nature books för curious kids"
Biomimicry Educator – Inspiring Students
A new school term and perhaps time to introduce Biomimicry to your students! “Biomimicry builds off of a child’s natural curiosity, and it allows students to discover how things (evolved into) its current state. It allows students to see the differences and similarities in nature. It allows learners to become heroes of their own learning…Continue reading "Biomimicry Educator – Inspiring Students"
Introducing Biomimicry Life’s Principles for Young Students
Nature works by relying on some deep patterns, and Life's Principles are design lessons from nature. It is a framework that can help us when we are exploring nature. This is done by focusing on one of the six principles at a time. People who work with creating nature-inspired solutions are familiar with these principlesContinue reading "Introducing Biomimicry Life’s Principles for Young Students"
BioThinkDive about Ice-Cream, Beaches, and Travelling
Spring has arrived, with bats, butterflies, and nest-building! Weekends and school holidays are spent at the beach. Ice cream, sunhats, and sandcastles are part of a visit to the beach. But can a visit to the beach involve biomimicry? Biomimicry is the conscious observation of the natural world. The observations can be used to solveContinue reading "BioThinkDive about Ice-Cream, Beaches, and Travelling"
Why is Biodiversity important for Biomimicry
From fungi to flamingos, plants to animals - the variety of life on our planet is wonderful. Biodiversity is the name we give to the variety of all life on Earth. The term is complex to grasp, but it is this complexity that makes our planet the perfect place for us humans as well asContinue reading "Why is Biodiversity important for Biomimicry"
Biomimicry Invention Game – Intriguing Insects
Some projects take forever, but now the Insect Biomimicry Board Game is finished! It is similar to the Mammal and Australian Board Game, and the idea is to encourage children to play a non-competitive game where the focus is on exploring insects and wild, exciting ideas. Photo By Quit007 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,Continue reading "Biomimicry Invention Game – Intriguing Insects"
Turtle’s View are Fascinating – Book Tips for Nature Lovers
This book looks stunning. It has not been published yet but you can pre-order it. "This beautiful book will help you explore the five oceans on our planet, meeting the creatures who live there and finding out just how their incredible surroundings work. From tides and currents to migrations and conservation, see our oceans inContinue reading "Turtle’s View are Fascinating – Book Tips for Nature Lovers"
Inspiring Books about Climate Changes for Curious Readers
Below is a selection of books about Climate Change that are perfect for use at home or in the classroom. Biomimicrists believe that it is vital to explore solutions to problems, and the focus should always be on exploring how nature can inspire solutions and new innovations. Check out my materials for young children thatContinue reading "Inspiring Books about Climate Changes for Curious Readers"
Inspirational video – Pitcher plants inspire super-slippery materials
Would it not be nice to stop scrubbing every day? How do you keep surfaces clean without using lots of water and chemicals? And how do you save time cleaning your house so that you can enjoy reading books? Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants that have leaves that have been modified to trap prey. TheContinue reading "Inspirational video – Pitcher plants inspire super-slippery materials"
Does it work? Biomimicry in Education
Happy New Year! A New Year's Day tradition is to watch Vienna Philharmonic Concert. At this year's concert the guest conductor Riccardo Muti talks about joy, hope, peace, brotherhood, and "Love" with capital "L,". The world needs to consider culture as one of the primary pre-measure elements to help build a better society in theContinue reading "Does it work? Biomimicry in Education"
Inspiration from a Snowy Owl
The pretty cool snow owl is famous for being a bit magical. Harry Potter's pet owl Hedwig, proved over and over again that she was a bit better than the rest of the owls at the wizarding school. Palaeolithic paintings in the Chauvet cave in France depict owls alongside prehistoric lions and horses, so weContinue reading "Inspiration from a Snowy Owl"
The Most Mesmerising Books for Nature-Loving Children
Here is some books about nature that caught our eyes. Books to be cherished for years and enjoyed by the whole family. Books filled with prehistoric pets, strange-looking animals and plants, lovely poems as well as mesmering spells. Perfect Christmas gifts! From the inspired pairing behind the award-winning The Lost Words comes a luminous hymn toContinue reading "The Most Mesmerising Books for Nature-Loving Children"
Penguin Superpowers – Brillant Ways to Survive
Penguins, like all animals and plants, have developed brilliant ways to survive. Penguins can be found in cold as well as warm climates. They deal with the climate challenges in different ways; penguin chicks in Antarctica learn to skate on the ice, whereas Galápagos penguin chicks are masters of sliding on rocks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQquEh6zQ5c&feature=emb_logo https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=99&v=qbtIUK_F-I0&feature=emb_logo ChangesContinue reading "Penguin Superpowers – Brillant Ways to Survive"
New Challenges, New Adventures
The dream was to write a series of books about Theo & Tuva, and now the outline for the second book is taking shape. 2020 has been a year filled with challenges; new challenges, but also old familiar problems have been lurking in the background. Greta Thunberg and young climate activists have not given up,Continue reading "New Challenges, New Adventures"
Books that Inspire Creative Thinking and Environmental Responsibility
"We have not come here to beg world leaders to care. You have ignored us in the past and you will ignore us again. We have run out of excuses and we are running out of time. We have come here to let you know that change is coming whether you like it or not.Continue reading "Books that Inspire Creative Thinking and Environmental Responsibility"
Beachcombing – Bladderwrack!
Ahh, at last the smell of sea! Spent some lovely days last week beachcombing. Lots of shells, most of them tiny, glittering in the sand on the tidal shore. Also, lots of seaweed that looked like bubble wrap with its distinctive air bubbles. The air sacs are known as air bladders, which give the algaeContinue reading "Beachcombing – Bladderwrack!"
Biomimicry Ballet
Meet the photographer of the book Biomimicry with Theo & Tuva"- Ann-Margrethe. Here she is practising "Biomimicry Ballet". A wonderfully healthy way to experience nature while pondering over ideas inspired by nature. That children who understand nature are better at taking care of it is perhaps not so strange. Some children lack experience of nature,Continue reading "Biomimicry Ballet"
Under a Log!
“I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of…” A cold but sunny September morning. The first day of Autumn, at least in meteorological terms, but the changes in the natural world such as the fantastic colourful autumn leaves display may still wait. A perfect time to study unique microhabitats where you live - under bushes,Continue reading "Under a Log!"
Inspiring Endangered Birds – Biomimicry and Biodiversity
Why is biodiversity important? How to increase biodiversity using BIOMIMICRY? In the film The Birds produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the focus is on a series of sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks on the people of Bodega Bay, California. A classic horror film; however, the true horror is perhaps a world without birds.Continue reading "Inspiring Endangered Birds – Biomimicry and Biodiversity"
Summer Reading – Books for Curious Minds
Hurry out to the sun with a pile of books. Or cuddle up on the sofa while you watch raindrops sliding down the window panes at the same time as you flick through pages filled with exquisite and colourful fungi, animals and plants. Some books about nature that caught our eyes. Perfect books for lazyContinue reading "Summer Reading – Books for Curious Minds"
Inspiration for Biomimicry Story – Pink Fairy Armadillo
Pink fairy armadillo! The smallest of the armadillo family is a fascinating species that, like so many animals on our planet, is endangered. The animal is nicknamed sand digger, and according to stories, it can"burrow through the ground as fast as a fish can swim in the sea". It might be difficult to believe thatContinue reading "Inspiration for Biomimicry Story – Pink Fairy Armadillo"
Invent the Room – Sustainability & Biomimicry
I have spent sunny days in the garden reading the excellent Engineering Education for the Next Generation by Samuel Cord Stier, who is the executive director of The Center for Learning with Nature. This book, together with wild gardening books, Wild Your Garden and Wildlife Gardening, provided the basis for the ideas about bringing sustainabilityContinue reading "Invent the Room – Sustainability & Biomimicry"
Dandelions – Doing it Nature’s Way
A plant revealing its wonderous secrets! Picking a Dandelion head, making a wish, and blowing the puff into the air, watching as the little white fluff floats away on a light breeze, is a lovely way to experience nature's magic. Many people regard dandelions as weeds, but they can also be seen as wildflowers sinceContinue reading "Dandelions – Doing it Nature’s Way"
What happended when we all stopped
"I’ve often considered it strange that the most intellectual creature ever to walk the earth is destroying its only home. This wonderful story, What Happened When We All Stopped, helps parents and their children to overcome the disconnect between our clever brains and our loving compassionate hearts. We must find a way of living in harmony with nature so thatContinue reading "What happended when we all stopped"
Hummingbird Whisperer – Inspirational Videos
Irresitable Rufous Hummingbirds trust Maise. Migrating rufous hummingbirds are famous for their extraordinary flight skills. The hummingbirds remember feeders and flowers along the way to their breeding grounds. Due to climate change, many flowers that the birds feeds on during the breeding season have started blooming prior to the birds' arrival. The rufous may arriveContinue reading "Hummingbird Whisperer – Inspirational Videos"
Utopian Glimmer – Covid-19
On Monday, 1st June, some pupils in the UK will return to school after the lockdown due to coronavirus. Lots of thoughts and worries, but listening to Janine Benyus talk about the "great pause" as she calls the lockdown, offers a vision of utopian glimmer in the darkness. The lockdown due to the coronavirus hasContinue reading "Utopian Glimmer – Covid-19"
Llamas, Biomimicry and Viruses
Will the llamas become heroes in the fight against COVID-19? Llamas are gorgeous-looking animals that have captured many hearts with their soulful big eyes, funny haircut and velvety snout. The fluffy gentle giants have also attracted the attention of scientists studying antibodies. The remarkable antibodies of camelids, llamas, camels and alpacas, have been studied sinceContinue reading "Llamas, Biomimicry and Viruses"
Nature Drawing and Biomimicry Journaling
Our gardens, parks, and forests are filled with wonders and beauty. Breathtaking wildlife and beautiful plants give us life. It’s important to understand our world, and nature drawing and biomimicry journaling give children an opportunity to enhance their understanding and appreciation of our earth. The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling provides great inspirationContinue reading "Nature Drawing and Biomimicry Journaling"
Fluttering Beauties – Biomimicry & Butterflies
I love to mix art and science! Biomimicry is a great opportunity to take out art supplies. Spring is the perfect time to study butterflies. With their colourful wings and gentle fluttering, it is easy to understand why they are such a welcome sign of Spring. The arrival of butterflies is also an important measureContinue reading "Fluttering Beauties – Biomimicry & Butterflies"
Caterpillar – Google Classroom
A new resource for Google Classroom. I hope you like it and that it will help to create many memorable experiences in your classroom. Perfect for homeschooling and distance learning! You find it here. Frequently Asked Questions What is biomimicry? Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applying what we learnContinue reading "Caterpillar – Google Classroom"
A Memorable Experience
Biomimicry education should be a memorable experience! Several different approaches can be used to inspire children to explore nature and to feel excited about solving problems or inventing things. You can read books such as "How an Idea from Nature Changed Our World" by Dorna Schroeter and explore how biomimicry can be used to solveContinue reading "A Memorable Experience"
Project-based learning perfect for homeschooling
Small, colourful and spectacular! Hummingbirds are beautiful and strong. They provide the perfect inspiration for great ideas! A wonderful way to keep schoolchildren happy and engaged at home, as well as ensuring that they are continuing their learning, is to start a project. Project-based learning is an engaging way to spark an interest in aContinue reading "Project-based learning perfect for homeschooling"
Inspirational Video – Ferrets
What everyday problem could a body like a ferret solve? Love all the wonderful ideas that pop up while you watch this video of a ferret in slow motion. Like magic the ferret lowers and stretches itself out, making its body 30% longer. This helps they when they are running through small tunnels. Amazingly theyContinue reading "Inspirational Video – Ferrets"
For Google Classroom – Biomimicry, Manatees & Dugongs
When I started making Biomimicry resources I had a vision of what I wanted them to look like. Google Classroom has made it possible to get a bit closer. Still, some ideas that I would like to include. Things can always be improved. Edward de Bono said, "Good But Not Enough"! Mantees and dugongs makeContinue reading "For Google Classroom – Biomimicry, Manatees & Dugongs"
Board Game
Made another board game! Similar to the one with mammals, but this time the theme is Australia. Games are an educational tool that is underestimated. They are engaging and fun. Nevertheless, I like the idea of games that, at their core, are non-competitive. And this Biomimicry Invention Board Game is more about ideas and exploringContinue reading "Board Game"
Biomimicry, Bushfires and Wombats
Wombats are one of Australia’s most loved marsupials, but they are often misunderstood. In children's books they are described as slow and clumsy, yet, they can actually run faster than a human or dog over a short distance. Muddle-headed wombats! No, they are quick to learn and they have adapted to their life underground. However,Continue reading "Biomimicry, Bushfires and Wombats"
Bushfires and Biomimicry
A dangerous summer is unfolding in Australia, and so far millions, even billions, of animals have lost their lives in raging bushfires. Bushfires are common in Australia so animals and plants have developed various ways to survive and reproduce. This year, the bushfires are not normal; hundreds of fires are burning, and the links toContinue reading "Bushfires and Biomimicry"
How to foster students’ love of learning, creative thinking and desires to improve the world
Bring nature and curiosity into your classroom! Learning is more fun and memorable when you are encouraged to ask questions and solve engaging problems. By inspiring your students to explore biomimicry, you allow them to be amazed by the natural world. Biomimicry offers an opportunity to explore strategies, look for natural patterns, and mimic themContinue reading "How to foster students’ love of learning, creative thinking and desires to improve the world"