Build It From Nature
Activity - Classroom
GradesPK, K, 1, 2Science
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Provided by PBS
What it is
- This printable activity invites children to explore how nature inspires human-made designs.
- Children cut out and match pictures of three animals to three human-made objects that were inspired by them: a frog to swim fins, a kingfisher to the bullet train, and a bird to the airplane.
Teaching tips
Classroom Implementation:
- Print and pre-cut the picture cards for younger children, or have older students cut their own as a fine-motor warm-up before the matching activity.
- After matching, ask students to explain in their own words which animal feature helped each object work, reinforcing the idea that structure supports function.
- Use body movements to imitate different animals' characteristics and how they work in the inventions.
Extensions:
- Take students on a walk to find other natural features (wings, webbed feet, shells) and brainstorm what human-made tools those features could inspire.
- Have students sketch new inventions that employ biomimicry in their designs.
From the scientist review
This resource explores how inventors and engineers often use nature as inspiration for their designs. A picture matching activity is paired with clear text that gives young students a window into the design process. This activity shows how solutions to complex design problems can often be found in nature and is recommended for teaching.
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