Biomimicry

Lee, Dora. 2011. BIOMIMICRY. Ill. by Margot Thompson. Toronto: Kids Can Press. ISBN 9781554534678 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-7]

REVIEW

Finding patterns in nature’s diversity and using technology to adapt them for human use is biomimicry. The book identifies a number of biomimicry-inspired inventions and discusses their origins and development. Nature’s sustainable patterns, evolved over the years, serve as examples for engineers and scientists to mimic to create technology for improving lives and the Earth’s future. Short, information-packed sections about the different nature-inspired inventions follow an introduction section that organizes the inventions in that group.

Subdued earth tones in the acrylic art highlight the text and the forms in nature that inspired the technology. The art suggests rather than details the natural inspiration, which is well covered in the text. The final spread concludes with a charge to sustain the future of humans on Earth and live within the limits of the web of life on this planet.

This nonfiction book provides a fascinating look at a range of inventions resulting from nature. It gives a challenge and inspiration to look to nature for solutions to very real problems on Earth.

CONNECTIONS

Explore several examples of how humans have taken inspiration from nature using examples in the book. Then challenge the young people to invent their own design for an invention based on a form in nature. The “On the Move” chapter provides adaptable suggestions.

RELATED BOOKS

Other books for children about nature inspired design:

Esbensen, Barbara Juster. ECHOES FOR THE EYE: POEMS TO CELEBRATE PATTERNS IN NATURE. ISBN 9780060243982

Gates, Phil. NATURE GOT THERE FIRST: INVENTIONS INSPIRED BY NATURE. ISBN 97-0753464106

By Shirley Duke