Biomimicry and Design at SOIT

Biomimicry and Design

Science and Art

     In this STEAM project combining science and art, Mrs. Simon’s SOIT art class learned how nature can provide the basis for not only creative art works but also for creative designs that can have wide applications in society.  Many designers use nature as well as strategies from nature to invent a variety of sustainable products and processes that are well adapted to our earth and environment and sustainable in the long run.

     STEAM students first learned that the word “biomimicry” comes from the Greek “bios” meaning life, and “mimesis” meaning imitation.  In addition, a "biomimicry design" is not only a product but a process, drawing on natural life and the way it functions in order to motivate innovative thinking. (School Arts pp.38-39, March 2015)

Students learned: "Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. The goal is to create products, processes, and policies—new ways of living—that are well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul."  According to the Biomincry Institute:  "The core idea is that nature has already solved many of the problems we are grappling with. Animals, plants, and microbes are the consummate engineers. After billions of years of research andevelopment, failures are fossils, and what surrounds us is the secret to survival."

www.biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/

     To create their STEAM projects, students first used the internet to research and select a living organism of their choice such as an animal, bird, insect, plant or fungus.  Students researched their organism learning about its physical qualities, habits, and habitat.  For the next step, students used white 9 x 9 inch paper to create three high quality sketches used a variety of drawing media, based on this selected organism.  

     The first drawing consisted of the organism drawn realistically.  For this drawing students paid a great attention to detail, using extra fine point sharpie pens and other drawing media.

For the second drawing, students drew a specific section of the organism magnified.  In other words, they drew a "close-up" of the organism, referring to a specific section of their original image.    

For the last and most thought provoking sketch, students brainstormed ("blue skied") and created a design that was based on their original organism.  This design had to be able to be reproduced in a factory (i.e. able to be manufactured in a factory)  to satisfy the requirements of this art project.

For example, students could create a household item, a car, a building, jewelry, or other object from their organism   While creating this last drawing, students were required to use their critical thinking skills as well as their imaginations.  




     Later in the project, during In a final critique, students discussed their biomimicry designs and shared them with others.  They talked about the possibilities of discovering new and innovative technological processes and products using the concept of biomimicry and realized the deep connections between science and art.