“. . . observe simply for the sake of curiosity.” Inspired by the book iSites: Nature Journaling for Biomimicry by Erin Rovalo, the plan was to spend at least part of the day observing the natural world. Spring is sometimes the best of times to tuning in the senses and just be filled by theContinue reading “Observing Nature”
Author Archives: maliasa
Moles with incredible noses and paws
The star-nosed mole incredible looking nose is not used to smell, instead, the nose is used to feel. Moles spend most of their time underground where it is dark so it is important with a good sense of touch. This fascinating animal is the only known mammal that can smell under water! Wow! The moleContinue reading “Moles with incredible noses and paws”
Ideas and Groundhogs are Everywhere!
The groundhog is an interesting character and a perfect animal to use as an introduction to biomimicry. If the various names this rodent is known under does not spark any ideas its behaviour and fascinating face might. Groundhogs are known as woodchuck groundpig, whistlepig, thickwood badger, monax, moonack, weenusk, red monk and, among French Canadians inContinue reading “Ideas and Groundhogs are Everywhere!”
Fridays for Future!
1st of February. When I look out of the window I cannot help to ponder over the extreme weather around the world. Heat waves, bush fires and extreme cold. The climate is changing and in Norden a range of climate strikes are planned. The strike is part of the climate activist Greta Thunberg’s work toContinue reading “Fridays for Future!”
What is Biomimicry?
I often get a blank face when I talk about biomimicry. So what exactly is biomimicry? Well, like most things, the more you know, the more complicated it becomes to explain something. A quick answer is that the word biomimicry consists of two words: bio which means life mimic which means to imitate. Bio whichContinue reading “What is Biomimicry?”
Fungi Friday – Pretty in Blue
Blue is the rarest occuring pigment found in nature, which makes is even more thrilling to spot the blue velvet spread on a gloomy cold winter day. Terana caerulea is also known as cobalt crust fungus is a real beauty. Wonderful surpises is hidden in nature. Little gems an be found everywhere if you take theContinue reading “Fungi Friday – Pretty in Blue”
Biomimicry for Young Children – Book
Happy to present the twins – Tuva and Theo. Soon you can read about their adventures and be inspired by their ideas. The working title of the book is Biomimicry for Young Children and the book will be available in an English and Swedish version. I am responsible for the writing while my dear friendContinue reading “Biomimicry for Young Children – Book”
An Egg is Quiet
This post contains ad links. Smashing the walls of a coconut takes some skill! An Egg Is Quiet (Nature Books) is stunningly beautiful and makes a fascinating introduction to the amazing world of eggs. Poetic text and wonderfully informative, it explores interesting facts about eggs that really sparks the curiosity and imagination. Written by DiannaContinue reading “An Egg is Quiet”
Dusky Lady Beetle Larva – Inspirational Video
Who can resist this spiky looking little creature from the rainforest of Ecuador? Yet, looks can be deceptive, and the striking white tufts are waxy secretions that may protect the larva from predators. The larva may simple be very tricky to catch and may not taste very nice. The dusky ladybeetle belongs to the Coccinellidae,Continue reading “Dusky Lady Beetle Larva – Inspirational Video”
Daydreaming about Ladybirds
November and not a ladybird in sight. The cold November weather has arrived and the pretty ladybird is hibernating. And somehow, the things you cannot see quickly becomes more interesting! The slow motion video below of a ladybird taking off provides you with an opportunity to slow down. Being mindful is to slow down andContinue reading “Daydreaming about Ladybirds”
Cool and Warm Ptarmigan Sneaker Kit – Biomimicry for Young Children
What if, we could design a greener and cheaper shoe where you replace part of the shoe when the weather changes or when one part of the shoe is worn out? My strongest memory of seeing ptarmigan comes from a skiing holiday in the Swedish mountains. I never really liked cross-country skiing and on aContinue reading “Cool and Warm Ptarmigan Sneaker Kit – Biomimicry for Young Children”
Creepy Smelly Burglar Alarm
Can you rethink the way burglar alarms is working? The creepy looking devil’s fingers sparked the idea. Looks are important but for this nature inspired idea the smells that the fungi release is more crucial for the alarm to work. A burglar alarm usually works by making a loud noise. The focus is on sendingContinue reading “Creepy Smelly Burglar Alarm”
Moth – An Evolution Story
The colour of an animal can decide whether it lives or dies. Moth is a story of the peppered moth written by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus. An awe-inspiring story about a speckled and freckled master of disguise. A fight for survival in a world that is changed by humans. Important and a bit sad questionsContinue reading “Moth – An Evolution Story”
Devil’s Fingers – Spooky Video Inspiration –
Looking for non-plastic inspiration to celebrate Hallooween? Nature is not always pretty and beautiful. It can be ghoulish and horrific! Imagine that you are out walking on a sunny autumn afternoon when you stumble across a fungus emerging from what looks like strange looking eggs. Slender pinkish-red arms emerging from the top which creepily canContinue reading “Devil’s Fingers – Spooky Video Inspiration –”
Sea Slug Borrowers – Inspirational video
Spots, stripes, bold vibrant colours or soft milky pastels. Nudibranchs do everything to capture your attention. These soft-bodied creatures warn predators with their high contrast markings and colours. But some sea slugs are a bit more cunning, and they steal stinging cells that they collect from hydroid prey. The nudibranch’s gut is impressive, with fingerlikeContinue reading “Sea Slug Borrowers – Inspirational video”
Inspired by Wonderland: A Year of Britain’s Wildlife, Day by Day
Red deer, squirrel, dormice, and harlequin ladybird for Halloween! October month is filled with fascinating animals and plants. There is plenty to see and sometimes wildlife is right on our doorstep if we know what to look for and how to look. The book Wonderland: A Year of Britain’s Wildlife, Day by Day by BrettContinue reading “Inspired by Wonderland: A Year of Britain’s Wildlife, Day by Day”
Reindeer Challenge – Zero Waste Ideas for a Reindeer Party
Plastic is everywhere! Can you help design packing material’s for a Reindeer Party to celebrate that all the Xmas gifts have been delivered around the world. Reindeer are vegetarians, so they eat only plants, During the summer months they eat grass and shrubs. Once the snow covers the tundra, they start looking for lichen. WhyContinue reading “Reindeer Challenge – Zero Waste Ideas for a Reindeer Party”
Dot-ish Positive Nature Words
Wild things Mud Faces Talking trees Adventure Peace Magical Fill a page in your Biomimicry Journal with positive nature words. Creative and inspirational energy is important when you think dive into nature. For young biomimicrists it is vital to look at animals and plants with a positive and curious mindset. We are after all huntingContinue reading “Dot-ish Positive Nature Words”
Supertiny Bats with Superpowers
Unstoppable hunters of the nights! A couple of weeks ago, we went for a bat walk in Sutton Park. Equipped with warm clothes and torches we searched for bats in the dark autumn evening using bat detectors. The rain was drizzling but luckily the bats still came out to feed. Bats are mammals and they areContinue reading “Supertiny Bats with Superpowers”
Inspired by Fungi
Fly agaric, jelly ear, shaggy inkcap and sickener. How many fungi can you identify? And have you ever seen ghost fungus? Fungi grow in a range of different environments. They live in the soil, on plants and animals, in fresh water and seawater. They even grow on your body! Many fungi are colourful and someContinue reading “Inspired by Fungi”
Step out of the classroom and into nature
Looking for an hands-on lessons and activities that engage children in environmental literacy? Biomimicry offers project-based instructions that may inspire future generations to care for nature and to see nature as a spot that offer not only calmness and spectacular experiences of beauty and drama but also can make your head twirl around with possibilities.Continue reading “Step out of the classroom and into nature”
Super Siri Spider Sieve
What lives in the ocean? Fish, dolphins, sea otters, whales, octopuses, plants, corals sea turtles and sea spiders. And plastic! Marine creatures are vulnerable to fragments of plastic littering the world’s oceans. Big animals such as whales are ingesting microplastics. Microplastics are small fragments of plastic, less than 5 mm. There are different types ofContinue reading “Super Siri Spider Sieve”
Wobbly flight of the bumblebee – Inspirational Video
Summer time and the air is filled with beautiful buzzing bumblebees. It looks like they know exactly which flower that offers the best nectar. They are true connoisseurs. But appearances can be deceptive and their clumsy flight has been revealed by a high-speed camera. A hight speed camera allows us to magnify in time andContinue reading “Wobbly flight of the bumblebee – Inspirational Video”
Shells – Biomimicry
Make a garland of your drawings of seashells that you find at the beach. Cut out the drawings and a make a little hole. A ribbon or string though the holes and the garland is finished. Put the garland in your Biomimicry Journal and save it as inspiration. Or put the seashell garland in aContinue reading “Shells – Biomimicry”
A day at the Beach
Use the beach to spark your imagination! What can be better than to lie in silence at the shore, listening to the waves and watching sand grains roll back and forth? Explore beaches and admire sea shells while you breathe in the sea air. A day at the beach is a wonderous adventure. A greatContinue reading “A day at the Beach”
Inspired by Plantopedia
This blog post contains affiliate links. Bring the joy of plants to children! Parks, woodlands and gardens are dazzling with interesting plants. There are the stinkers, the airfreshers, and the perfumed. Plantopedia: Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth (Wide Eyed) by Adrienne Barman has all sorts of plants from the biggest, to the mostContinue reading “Inspired by Plantopedia”
Buildings inspired by Termite Mounds – Inspirational Video
What can be worse than spending a day in a too cold classroom? Schools are often too cold or too hot for optimal learning. Research suggests that the best results are achieved when the room temperature is 22 degrees Celsius. A too hot classroom makes students sleepy and a too cold classroom makes them focusingContinue reading “Buildings inspired by Termite Mounds – Inspirational Video”
Cherry Blossom Estate – Eco-friendly Houses Inspired by Nature
“build buildings like trees and cities like forests” William McDonough Ah, the dance of the cherry trees. Few things in nature are as lovely as the pink clouds of cherry blossoms. A wonderful way to welcome Spring. The loveliness is perhaps even more lovely since it is so fleeting. And the display in our gardenContinue reading “Cherry Blossom Estate – Eco-friendly Houses Inspired by Nature”
Biobing – Caterpillar Climbing Shoes
Inspired by the wonderful caterpillars in the previous blog posts, we designed some Biobing shoes. These shoes are made for climbing in the mountains. Just like a caterpillar you can climb upside down when you are wearing these shoes. There are little sticky caterpillar shaped wheels that lets you scale big rocks. These wheels automaticallyContinue reading “Biobing – Caterpillar Climbing Shoes”
Awe-inspiring Caterpillars
What if you had a couple of false legs, what could you do? Caterpillars with feathery blue spikes, long black whiskers, curling orange horns and what looks like a hundred feet. A caterpillar has 6 feet, but it looks like some have more than 6 legs. Most of those legs are false legs. These legsContinue reading “Awe-inspiring Caterpillars”
Blue Eggs and Blue Caterpillars – Inspirational Video
Blue! Blue is a rather rare colour in nature. But in this awe-inspiring video there are blue eggs and blue caterpillars. Butterflies are incredible but in this video, the stars are eggs and caterpillars. The magic comes alive when you look close at the tiny eggs and the wriggling caterpillars. A painted lady butterfly isContinue reading “Blue Eggs and Blue Caterpillars – Inspirational Video”
Biomimicrylicious Time
Finding engaging activities that inspire our children to be responsible guardians of Earth, is challenging. But biomimicry – learning from nature – can make all the difference. By using nature as inspiration children can find viable solutions and invent things that are characterized by a more natural and sustainable foundation. Children can search for patternsContinue reading “Biomimicrylicious Time”
Leaf Beetle -Inspirational Video
Almost anything is possible in the rainforest. And this stunning little beetle is only the start of the mystery. Most animals try to blend in with environment. But how could this warty shiny fuchsia and purple beetle blend in? This beetle is found in the Amazon rainforest is trying to mimic the droppings of aContinue reading “Leaf Beetle -Inspirational Video”
Inspired by Gentle Giants – Giraffes
This blog post contains adlinks. Cool Giraffe Neck Twister Game Giraffe Jaws Giraffe Long Tongue Robot Come up with an idea for a giraffe invention. A useful or not so useful innovation inspired by the beautiful animals with the long gracious necks, dark long tongues and four stomachs to help them digest their food. IllustrateContinue reading “Inspired by Gentle Giants – Giraffes”
A Beetle is Shy
This post contains adlinks. How would you describe a bettle? Beetles can be colossal or tiny creatures. They can be colourful or plain, friendly and helpful or harmful. Beetles can even be tasty. And telegraphic! During Spring beetles and bugs are everywhere we look outside, and it is the perfect time to explore theirContinue reading “A Beetle is Shy”
Build a Character – Explore functions
This post contains ad links. Create your own creature. What is its name? What kind of habitat will it live in? What things can you invent inspired by the creature? Storytellers have invented all sorts of creatures, such as dragons and unicorns. But you can also invent a creature consisting of body parts of realContinue reading “Build a Character – Explore functions”
Cuddly Robots – Valentine Special
Valentine Special! Looking for ways to compliment reading some Lovable books about Valentine’s Day with some fun exercises? Why not try Biomimicry with big LOVE? “How can you build a CUDDLY robot?” “What do you need to build a LOVE robot?” Maybe a big heart, or three hearts? You can buy the booklet filled withContinue reading “Cuddly Robots – Valentine Special”
The Birch Tree adds a Silver Lining
Trees are amazing! I was born in the city of birches, a city in the northern part of Sweden. So birches have always had a special place in my heart. They also like so many trees live a mysterious and secret life. Trees have so many stories that they want to tell, and they haveContinue reading “The Birch Tree adds a Silver Lining”
Non-Boring Trees
Are trees boring? Do all trees look the same? Ever heard of the Rainbow tree? Or seen a tree where the fruits grow on the bark? And what if you could see the roots of the tree? Thinking about and searching for information about trees is a great way to not only learn about natureContinue reading “Non-Boring Trees”
How biomimicry boosts students’ observation skills, creativity and critical thinking.
Creativity is the process of having original ideas that have value. Ken Robinson Slugs and snails can usually be found hiding under branches and rocks in the schoolyard. Introduce students to biomimicry and you are likely to come across groups of students marvel at a slug or snail creep along the surface. This may not onlyContinue reading “How biomimicry boosts students’ observation skills, creativity and critical thinking.”
Inspirational Video – How does a penguin launch itself from the sea?
Can you guess how quickly the emperor penguins launch themselves out at sea? Twice as quickly as their normal swimming speeds, swimming speed is 3.4 m/s (7.6 mph). It looks almost as if these rather heavy flightless birds are flying. The flight might be short but how do they do it? Penguins trap microbubbles withinContinue reading “Inspirational Video – How does a penguin launch itself from the sea?”
Winter Bird Observations
Frost and snow tend to spark lots of questions. How cold are the squirrel’s feet? How does the fox find any food? How does the robin stay warm? A frosty morning may look pretty but winter is a challenging time for birds. Finding a snug place on a cold winter’s night seems like a difficultContinue reading “Winter Bird Observations”
Wishlist for a Young Biomimicrist
Books, magnifying glass, journal and pencils. Here are some ideas to inspire a love for inventions and nature. Robert Macfarlane The Lost Words is a beautiful large-format children’s book with stunning illustrations by Jackie Morris. Go here to read a review. Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart is a perfect introduction to feathers. FeathersContinue reading “Wishlist for a Young Biomimicrist”
How to Speak Monkey
Do you have any special food call? A special ice cream call? Or a banana call? Playing with language can we fun as well as a serious business. Watching the TED-Ed video by Anne Savage provided us with plenty of inspiration for pondering about how we communicate. A think dive into communication from a differentContinue reading “How to Speak Monkey”
Festive Reindeer Mind Map
Get into the Festive Spirit and learn about the cool reindeer! Help Father Christmas and use biomimicry to invent new gadets to makes his life easier. Begin the biomimicry journey by making a Festive Reindeer Mind Map using Christmas decorations. We made a mind map from old decorations and wrapping paper. You can use tinsel,Continue reading “Festive Reindeer Mind Map”
Inspirational Video – Fox And The Whale
An imaginative charming film about pursuit and longing. Atmospheric scenery and wonderful animals. Feel inspired! Fox And The Whale from robin joseph on Vimeo.
Festive Biomimicry Reindeer
The Festive Season is perfect for exploring some magical fun! Reindeer are amazing. Wonderful inspiration for helping Father Christmas. Exploring questions, fun, silly and serious, that excite our mind and then looking for ways to put an answer together. Sometimes the solution will work, sometimes, especially when exploring the world with young children, the magicContinue reading “Festive Biomimicry Reindeer”
Pussy Willow Madness – Art, Poem and Science
What way does the willow grow where you live? There are some special willows that grow in the Arctic. The branches help to protect the plants from the cold wind. Can you draw a Polar Willow that grows in the Arctic? The pussy willows are out and that is a sure sign that spring isContinue reading “Pussy Willow Madness – Art, Poem and Science”
Inspirational Video – Chameleon Tongue Attack
What if your tongue was twice the length of your body? What could you do? What would you like to do? Can you invent something useful, magical and fun by using the flexible yet powerful chameleon’s tongue as inspiration? Sticking out your tongue may be a bit rude but is a powerful weapon if youContinue reading “Inspirational Video – Chameleon Tongue Attack”
Inspirational Video – When plants fight back
Did you know that plants can “smell”? Buds open och flowers bloom, but to most of us plants live a passive life. They do not move around nor do they live an exciting life. Yet, it turns out that it is our inability to perceive slow and subtle changes that has prevented us from seeContinue reading “Inspirational Video – When plants fight back”
Biomimicry Journal – Bubble Froth Inspiration
What if you can use foam to protect yourself from germs? What would you look like? Foam-nesting frogs build meringue-like structures to protect their young even under the harshest of conditions. The nests look delicate but they are tough structures. These types of frogs can provide inspiration for lots of ideas. Creating a Biomimicry JournalContinue reading “Biomimicry Journal – Bubble Froth Inspiration”
Patterns Everywhere! Be Inspired
Almost too perfect to be true. Like an artist has dreamed up some geometrically perfect and correct plants or sand dunes. Nature’s symmetry is a subject that has fascinated philosophers, mathematicians, artists, architects, and physicists. Photo: Pixabay Patterns can be found everywhere in nature and walking around looking for pattern is a fun, imaginary activityContinue reading “Patterns Everywhere! Be Inspired”
Build a Snow City
There has been plenty of chances to watch the squirrels who visit our garden more or less every day. Squirrels are quick, agile and fascinating. Also squirrels. . . have sharp claws that helps them shift direction when they are climbing trees can run headfirst down trees have light and small bodies And most importantlyContinue reading “Build a Snow City”
What colour are flamingo egg yolks? Pink or Not Pink?
Would it not be wonderful if flamingoes had pink egg yolks? Pink meme When you look for inspiration for ideas it is easy to stumble upon something that is not true. Teaching children to double-check and check again is a vital skill. And no, flamingo eggs are not pink. Flamingo egg yolks are yellowContinue reading “What colour are flamingo egg yolks? Pink or Not Pink?”
The Genius Factor: How to Capture an Invisible Cat
Can you teach a caterpillar maths? Or turn a super-sized cat invisible? Meet the 6th-grade genius and inventor Nate Bannister who every Friday the 13th does three not-so-smart things to keep life interesting. The Genius Factor: How to Capture an Invisible Cat by Paul Tobin is the perfect treat for future inventors. This book isContinue reading “The Genius Factor: How to Capture an Invisible Cat”
Inspirational Video – Invisible Shadow
What if you could hide in your own shadow by glowing? Not sure I quite understand how the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) can cruise above its prey without casting a shadow even on a moonlight night but it is fascinating! And beautiful. There is something almost magical with bioluminescence. The tiny squid hunt atContinue reading “Inspirational Video – Invisible Shadow”
What if a pile of colourful autumn leaves was used as inspiration?
A think dive into a pile of colourful autumn leaves. The forest is going to sleep. Days are getting shorter and the animals are squirreling away for winter. Plants and flowers are capsulated and the trees start to let go of their leaves. Autumn is a wonderful season for discovering what happens when natures slowsContinue reading “What if a pile of colourful autumn leaves was used as inspiration?”
Inspirational Video – Jay Collecting Acorns
How many acorns will a jay collect over a season? Squirrels are not the only animal that love to collect and bury acorns. A jay can store as many as 5, 000 acorns! They place their acorns in many different places such as natural holes, crevices in tree bark and under leaf litter. Just likeContinue reading “Inspirational Video – Jay Collecting Acorns”
The wonders of an Autumn walk
Children are curious about the wonders of autumn. They would ponder natures beauty of leaves changing colours and trees dropping treasures. Even if you have witnessed many autumns you many still be impressed by the beauty. Autumn in the forest is so magical. Raindrops look like jewels and the towering trees provide the perfect backdropContinue reading “The wonders of an Autumn walk”
Mind-Blowing Insects
Discover the world through the eyes of a child. Photographer Levon Biss was looking for a new, extraordinary subject when one afternoon he and his young son popped a ground beetle under a microscope. Why not take out your magnifying glass and discover the extraordinary beauty of something ordinary. Wonderful photos of insects can beContinue reading “Mind-Blowing Insects”
The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane, Jackie Morris
Children may be better at identifying Pokémon characters than real animals and plants but is that really the problem? The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane is a quest to reconnect young readers with the natural world. All over the country, there are words disappering from children’s lives. Today, many words of the natural words areContinue reading “The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane, Jackie Morris”
Inspirational Video – Sea Star walking on the Beach
Watch their tube feet wiggling! Sea stars are beautiful animals that can be a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. All of them resemble a beautiful star but while some sea stars appear smooth, they all have spines covering their upper surface and a soft underside. Hundreds of tube feet are located on theirContinue reading “Inspirational Video – Sea Star walking on the Beach”
Creatures of the Deep: The Pop-Up Book
Awesome inpiration for little innovators! Open slowly this pop-up book and marvel when the exquiste pop-ups pop-out in slow motion. Creatures of the Deep: The Pop-Up Book is a perfect for educational purposes since every pop-up can been seen from all sides. But most of all it is wonderful combination of science, art and paper engineering.Continue reading “Creatures of the Deep: The Pop-Up Book”
Invite a Tree and a Tree Kangaroo for Tea!
The Woodland Trust is encouraging families to celebrate the UK’s incredible trees and woods by throwing a tree party! Become a leaf expert and learn more about trees! We spent a morning walking around in a big local park looking for a suitable tree to invite. So difficult to choose. It would be lovely toContinue reading “Invite a Tree and a Tree Kangaroo for Tea!”
Be Inspired by Antarctic Ballet and Sliding Penguins
Running, hopping, waddling, jumping, sliding, porpoising, tobogganing, and diving penguins. Penguins are always ready for action. On land, they have rather poor eyesight but in the water, they have exceptional vision. They can dive up to 35 meters in the water. Why not draw a diving robot that can dive and see under water? OrContinue reading “Be Inspired by Antarctic Ballet and Sliding Penguins”
Pop-Up Paper Projects
Pop-up projects are such fun! Making a 3D birthday card is a quick and easy and will entertain children. A perfect rainy day project. But pop-up paper projects can also be taken to a completely new level. And the book, New Pop-Up Paper Projects: Step-by-step paper engineering for all ages, by Paul Johnson is aContinue reading “Pop-Up Paper Projects”
Inspirational Video – Octlantis
What goes on in a cephalopod city?
Wild Ideas by Elin Kelsey
Problems are like sticky burrs. They poke. They prick. They nag. Step into the forests, skies and oceans. Explore how animals solve problems. The book Wild Ideas is a perfect book for young biomimicrists. Weaving a place to feel safe and rest or leaping into a new situation, the animal world can provide us withContinue reading “Wild Ideas by Elin Kelsey”
Curious Me – Dragonflies
Biomimicry is a smart way to teach children to observe nature and to use it as inspiration to solve tough problems. The focus is on observing functions and the way nature solves problems. Nature is filled with unique designs and behaviours that help living things to adapt to their environment and to survive. Biomimicry allowsContinue reading “Curious Me – Dragonflies”
How to raise a child that cares about nature
It is in the news every day, from climate change to disappearing species, and we need to do something to reverse these trends. But how do we encourage children to not only care but also take action? Curiosity, care and compassion for our natural world comes from early contact with nature. A sense of wonder,Continue reading “How to raise a child that cares about nature”
Vitamin G – The Importance of Exploring Nature
Smell, splash and listen! Put on your wellies and dance outside! How high is an oak tree? How do you measure the height of an ant nest? How does a wet pile of autumn leaves smell? Some answer are not found inside the classroom, instead you have to walk out in nature to find theContinue reading “Vitamin G – The Importance of Exploring Nature”
Whispering Ancient Trees – Listening to Nature
Do trees take the shape of the voices they have heard? That was one question that popped up on a walk when we saw this magnificent old tree with gnarled trunk. A trunk filled with faces and animals. . . Trees are a precious part of our heritage and at the very beginning of ourContinue reading “Whispering Ancient Trees – Listening to Nature”
Cubist Glue Art, Doodling, and Sleepy Parrotfish – Biomimicry for Young Children
Imagine that you are a tired parrotfish.You are going to sleep but first you need to make a protective cocoon. A cocoon that will keep enemies away.What does it feel like inside the cocoon? One exercise in the booklet Biomimicry for Young Children – Sea Life is about the colourful and interesting parrotfish. What thingsContinue reading “Cubist Glue Art, Doodling, and Sleepy Parrotfish – Biomimicry for Young Children”
Biomimicry for Young Children – Inspired by Endangered Orangutans
On the third day of March We saved three Swinging Orangutans Our think dive this month is inspired by not only orangutans but also dreams about Easter bunnies and chocolate. After we have learnt that the production of palm oil is a major threat to orangutans we decided to make a chocolate bark using chocolateContinue reading “Biomimicry for Young Children – Inspired by Endangered Orangutans”
Be Inspired by Frogs
Do you know why frogs have big eyes that bulge out? Or why frogs can walk upside down? Frog eyes are big and come in a stunning range of colors and patterns. Perhaps you have seen a frog resting in the water with only its eyes and nose above the surface. Frogs can protrude theirContinue reading “Be Inspired by Frogs”
Slugs are Cool
Would it not be great if you could smell with your body just like a slug? Slugs are everywhere! And gooey slime is a wonderful substance that can solve many problems. Britain has ideal conditions for slugs to thrive – cool damp summers and warmish mild wet winters. Climate changes also contribute into turning ourContinue reading “Slugs are Cool”
What is Biomimicry?
Biomimicry is an exciting way to inspire young children to be creative, curious and to observe the world. Children come to understand how animals and plants can be used as a platform upon which ideas and inventions can be developed. Biomimicry bridges the boundaries traditionally found in education and provides young children with an opportunityContinue reading “What is Biomimicry?”
Hunting for the Golden Ratio
Does the golden ratio exist in the world of art, architecture and design? Or is it a myth? Why not spend some time to check it out for yourself? The golden ratio is regarded as a way to define something beautiful. Great artists such as Salvador Dalí is said to have used the number sequenceContinue reading “Hunting for the Golden Ratio”
Climate Smart Fairy Houses
Nowadays even fairies need to be climate smart. So we built climate smart houses for the fairies that live in our garden. We got inspiration from studying cones. Pine cones open and close depending upon the level of moisture in the air. The scales of pine cones open in hot and dry weather andContinue reading “Climate Smart Fairy Houses”
Inspirational Video – Never-Ending Bloom
Artist, designer, and inventor, John Edmark are fascinated by spirals. Watch his unfolding blooming Fibonacci sculptures. Go for a hunt in the woods or local park and serach for Nature’s numbering system – the Fibonacci numbers. Bring your sketch book and camera!
Ice-Cream Roots – Mixing Ideas with a Touch of Magic and Imagination
Thinking, whether it is planning what information you need to solve a problem, exploring where in your body you feel certain, or searching for new ideas, is something that should be exciting and fun. For too long the image of a serious person sitting still and thinking about serious stuff have ruled. A creative approachContinue reading “Ice-Cream Roots – Mixing Ideas with a Touch of Magic and Imagination”
Looking for Spirals in Nature
Filled with inspiration after having completed a course at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) in Biomimicry: A Sustainable Design Methodology. One week was spent looking for patterns in nature. Like the fractal nature of tree branching and antlers. Or spirals like galaxies, shells, pines cones and sunflower heads. After a while IContinue reading “Looking for Spirals in Nature”
Exploring Concepts and Building Things
The focus during the first years of formal education, is to teach children basic concepts such as height and length. Worksheets are often designed to help teach identifying what is the same and what is different, and to determine which things that go together. A concept is an abstract pattern in the brain that standsContinue reading “Exploring Concepts and Building Things”
Interesting eyes! – Biomimicry for Young Children
Eyes! Geckos with zig-zagged pupils. Chameleons that can look at two directions at the same time. And frogs that can see above the surface while they are underwater! Eyes are a great topic to explore when you are talking about biomimicry. You can solve design challenges: “Use one of the words that rhyme with frog.Continue reading “Interesting eyes! – Biomimicry for Young Children”
Animal Architects: Amazing Animals Who Build Their Homes
Animals are the most fantastic architects and chimpanzee nests and beaver dams are intricate structures. This original exploration of animals and their homes is sure to spark an interest in not only animals but also in getting the LEGO, building blocks and cardboard boxes out. Collect twigs and branches on your nature walk and imagineContinue reading “Animal Architects: Amazing Animals Who Build Their Homes”
Design a Helmet Inspired by Ladybirds
Imagine that you have wings like a ladybird. What would you do? Ladybirds are delightful to have around and we always close our eyes and make a wish when a ladybird flies away from our hands. Since I love roses, ladybirds are a true friend for that reason as well. And a rosebush is indeedContinue reading “Design a Helmet Inspired by Ladybirds”
Cool Chocolate Challenge
Chocolate Bunnies provided inspiration for this challenge. Easter is after all chocolate time.Chocolate Easter eggs are an old tradition and the first eggs were made in Europe in the early 19th century. Some early eggs were solid, and the technique for mass-producing moulded chocolate had not been devised. France and Germany started this artistic confectionery.Continue reading “Cool Chocolate Challenge”
Biomimicry, Pasta and Mind Mapping – Dandelion Magic
Ahhh, you never really know where a you might end up when you blow dandelion seeds. Watching the little parachutes dance away in the chilly spring breeze may spark all sort of ideas. Observe, listen, touch, smell and in same cases even taste. To be creative, curious and to observe the world is an excitingContinue reading “Biomimicry, Pasta and Mind Mapping – Dandelion Magic”
Daffodils Dancing in the Wind – Biomimicry for Young Children
The poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” or Daffodils was composed in 1804, two years after Wordsworth saw the flowers while walking by Ullswater. It was a stormy day and the inspiration for the poem came from a description of the event written by his sister Dorothy. Through our curious biomimicry lens we wereContinue reading “Daffodils Dancing in the Wind – Biomimicry for Young Children”
Dream up New Furnitures and Toys
Imagine a chair where you can insert your own drawings? Or a chair that just like a flower grows? Why not inspire your kids to dream up and design some cool furnitures and toys? Inventing new games, toys and furnitures are often tasks that are included in biomimicry material for young children. Milan design weekContinue reading “Dream up New Furnitures and Toys”
Biomimicry Challenge – Day 7
Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment. Claude Monet Colour is important but it is rarely discussed outside the art lesson. Biomimicry offers a great opportunity to use colour in the classroom in interesting new ways to inspire creative thinking. Animals and plants may use their unique colouring for protection, attracting a partner, forContinue reading “Biomimicry Challenge – Day 7”
A Day at the Beach – Inspired by Sandpipers and Seagulls
Building sandcastles, surfing on waves, and licking the world’s yummiest ice-cream! A day at the beach can be truly magical. Children can tank their bodies with warm sun rays and parents’ endless love. But it can also be a day filled with wonderous and mind-boggling ideas and questions. Dream, build and invent. Invent playground shapedContinue reading “A Day at the Beach – Inspired by Sandpipers and Seagulls”
Autumn Owl Robo – Use Biomimicry to Teach Children to Think
I have big eyes. The big eyes help me to. . . Owls are most vocal in Autumn and you can twit-twhoo-ing when you make this craft inspired by owls’ big eyes. The big eyes help owls to see in the dark. We made an Autumn Owl robo with several eyes so that it canContinue reading “Autumn Owl Robo – Use Biomimicry to Teach Children to Think”
The Polar Bear By Jenni Desmond
A wonderful exploration of polar bears and their habitat. The Polar Bear by Jenni Desmond is a rare treat, a book that is both magical and factually accurate. You are taken on a journey of polar bear bodies, habits, as well as habitats. Yet, the reading the book is a bit bittersweet. Polar bears areContinue reading “The Polar Bear By Jenni Desmond”
Biomimicry Challenge – Day 6
Dandelions. Everywhere! Random is often not a very positive word so we have to teach children to embrace the idea of randomness. Randomness lies at the very heart of creative thinking. A random word or picture helps us to break patterns.We can think from a new and often unusual perspective. A random word or pictureContinue reading “Biomimicry Challenge – Day 6”
Biomimicry Challenge – Day 5
Take out the magnifying glass and study some ants. Look at the way they work together to bring food to the nest. Ants can find food and bring in into their nests in a couple of minutes. What does the ants do that is so great? How do you think they find the shortest routeContinue reading “Biomimicry Challenge – Day 5”
Biomimicry Inspiration from Africa with Crocolicious Love
The Crocodile “No animal is half as vile As Crocky–Wock, the crocodile. On Saturdays he likes to crunch Six juicy children for his lunch And he especially enjoys Just three of each, three girls, three boys. From Dirty Beasts by Roald Dahl We had a period when we read rhymes from Dirty Beasts every night.Continue reading “Biomimicry Inspiration from Africa with Crocolicious Love”
Wide-Awake Hedgehog – An Autumnlicious Book
“The evenings were darkening and the leaves were turning gold. It was the time when hedgehogs should be settling for their winter sleep. But Isaac the hedge was not feeling sleepy. Isaac wanted to play But who would play with Isaac?” Wide-Awake Hedgehog by Rosie Wellesley is a perfect book to snuggle up under aContinue reading “Wide-Awake Hedgehog – An Autumnlicious Book”
Hunt for Straight Lines
What prevents a tree from growing in straight lines? Are there straight lines in nature? And are there right angles? The trees have lost most of their leaves and the structure of the trees are visible. So the other day we hunted for the tree with the straightest trunk and branches. When we look atContinue reading “Hunt for Straight Lines”
Be a Rabbit Detective – Life Cycle, Biomimicry, Inspiration for Ideas
In a local park not far from our house there are lots of rabbits running around. Watching the bouncy rabbits is always an exciting time.Rabbits are also a common pet. And pets can provide the perfect inspiration for new ideas. Clipart Le Petite Market What if you were trapped in a cage with no friendsContinue reading “Be a Rabbit Detective – Life Cycle, Biomimicry, Inspiration for Ideas”
Biomimicry for Young Children 