Biomimicry and Science: Applying Nature’s Strategies challenges chemistry, physics, and biology students to look at “nature as a mentor” in order to solve sustainability challenges. This curriculum was written in partnership with the Biomimicry Institute.

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At a time when we need sustainable solutions to solve many pressing local and global challenges, researchers are finding that solutions to many of these problems already exist in nature. Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for strategies to solve human challenges. This course reinforces core content in chemistry, physics, and biology, using striking examples from nature and bio-inspired design as a framework to capture student interest.

Biomimicry and Science: Applying Nature’s Strategies includes:

  • Introduction to Biomimicry, a lesson that can be used from the launching point of any classroom to orient students to the exciting practice of biomimicry.

  • 15 unique and engaging biomimicry lessons—five for each of three core areas: chemistry, physics, and biology.

  • A capstone biomimicry design challenge provides students an opportunity to participate in an international design challenge through the Biomimicry Institute. See more information here.

  • Lessons in both English and Spanish that include a range of teaching strategies, including presentations, videos, activity sheets, assessments, technology tools, extension opportunities, critical thinking cards, and inspirational posters.

Download the Biomimicry Curriculum Suite Overview here.

The Biomimicry and Science lessons are aligned to the following standards:

  • Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

  • Cloud Education for Sustainability (EfS) Standards & Performance Indicators

  • Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS)

  • Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP)

  • Competencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

The complete curriculum, Biomimicry and Science: Applying Nature’s Strategies, was created in partnership with the Biomimicry Institute.

EcoRise has been transformative in the way I teach science and 21st century skills. I wholeheartedly recommend it to other teachers who are looking to energize their teaching practices and connect their students with resources that help them understand their roles as global problem-solvers.

Washington, DC Teacher

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