A Catalyst article describing how glow worms and other insects emit light by bioluminescence. All over the world, on land and in the sea, living things have been making light for millions of years. From the glow of the sea on a dark night due to myriads of phytoplankton, to the dance of the male fireflies trying to...

This SATIS Revisited resource looks at the environmental and ecological consequences of further expansion of biofuel crops due to deforestation, biodiversity and landscapes.

Biodiesel is a fuel derived from biomass (...

These resources can be used as a context to look at 14-16 and post-16 biology curriculum areas of:

• vision and the eye

• structure and function of the retina

• development and use of biomaterials

• tissue transplants and stem cells in the treatment of human disorders

• working...

Biomedical Horizons is a multi-pronged project, funded by the Wellcome Trust, designed to raise awareness and spark discussion about the biomedical sciences – from pursuing a career to their role within society.

The aim of this resource is to:
* raise awareness of biomedical sciences and the variety...

This brief article taken from CS4FN looks at how a user authenticates themselves to a computer could be used as the starting point for class discussions around passwords, security, biometrics and other related topics concerning how users...

This unit introduces students to the different types of biometrics and how they can be used to identify an individual. It highlights how data derived from the measurement of individuals' biological characteristics can be used positively, but also how the collection, control, use and potential misuse of biometric...

A Catalyst article describing how new materials can be designed by studying natural materials and how they work. In particular the development of Velcro, military fabric, swimwear and waterproofing is looked at. These products were developed by scientific study of natural products such as plant burrs, pinecones,...

This resource looks at how biomimicry enables engineers to take ideas from the natural world to develop new products and designs. The specific example of gecko tape is used to illustrate this. Students play a game of pairs where they need to match technology with the animal or plant which inspired its development....

This Catalyst article investigates biomimetics and discovers how scientists are finding ways of copying ideas from nature to improve products. The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 26, Issue...

Part two of a series of five lessons covering biomimicry students will develop strategies to produce creative design ideas using nature and natural forms as inspiration. Students will understand through designer examples (Alessi) how companies take inspiration using morphing as a strategy. A series of activities...

Part five of a series of five lessons covering biomimicry students will re-cap previous lessons learning on biomimicry. They will work in small groups and in a short time period complete a design challenge of producing a scaled model of an item of furniture using a provided image board. Students will be provided...

Part four of a series of five lessons covering biomimicry students will develop an understanding of how biomimicry has inspired architecture through shape and form. Throughout the lesson resource students will develop memory skills from studying images and being able to recreate them quickly as a free line sketch....

Part three of a series of five lessons covering biomimicry students will develop an understanding of how biomimicry has inspired textile design from modern products to those throughout art and design history. Students will learn how fabrics and textiles have been inspired by nature through theory, images and videos...

This resource was developed by a STEM Ambassador, working with St Bonaventure’s School. It looks at how the natural world has inspired design. Student research and developed ideas for their biomimicry-based modes of transport, and modelled them.
Students then presented their ideas and models, explaining how...

A collection of resources to support teaching the principles of biomimicry in design and engineering.