In this inventive engineering lesson, students explore the fascinating concept of biomimicry, the practice of taking inspiration from nature to solve human problems.
In this inventive engineering lesson, students explore the fascinating concept of biomimicry, the practice of taking inspiration from nature to solve human problems. Learners study how trees withstand wind and weather, examining their structure, flexibility, and design. Using these natural adaptations as inspiration, students are challenged to engineer an umbrella that functions like a tree- strong, balanced, and resilient against wind. The testing phase, where umbrellas face simulated windstorms, brings excitement and discovery as students see firsthand how nature’s designs inspire engineering success.
1
Introduce the challenge
2
Design & build
3
Test it
4
Improve & share
At a glance
Grades
1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
Subject
Engineering
Theme
Plants and Animals, Weather and Natural Disasters, Forces & Motion
Formats
Digital Lesson, Mini Lesson
Standards
NGSS-aligned, cross-curricular STEAM
File type
PDF (print or project)
Student work examples
Student workReal student work from Better UmbrellaWhat’s includedA quick tour of the full Digital LessonWhat’s includedShows the full Digital Lesson. The Mini Lesson has the same core pages, shorter.
