Universal manual
To be able to exchange our learning resources, we focussed on creating them in a common language. This has resulted in a pool of English modules that forms our universal manual. You can find this universal manual on this page. Click on the module that you are interested in to download the module.
Modules
This resource provides material for educators to explore biomimicry (innovation inspired by nature) with
students 12-16 years old. After using the introductory modules (lessons), the remaining set of modules can
be delivered in many different sequences and lengths, enabling teachers to build their own individualized
programs depending on interest and time.
See more and the standard template of modules here: How to use the toolkit
Frequently used pages:
Introduction modules
Biomimicry Principles
Age: 12-16
Hours: 1,5 per lesson
Number of lessons: one introduction on hte principles and then 9 lesson covering 9 principles
Subjects: biology
This is a series of modules each exploring one biomimicry principle each. Together they provide a comprehensive introduction to the basis princpiples of biomimicry. The serie in total gives a good understanding and the design principles of nature
Marvellous Models
Age: 12-16
Hours: 2
Number of lessons: 2
Subjects: biology, science
Learning from nature to address a challenge or opportunity starts with asking the question ‘’how does nature manage a similar challenge?” This introductory module focuses on the basic skills that are needed to be able to learn from nature.
Introducing Biomimicry
Age: 13-15
Hours: 1,5
Number of lessons: 2
Subjects: biology, design, engineering & technology
This module introduces students to biomimicry through the use of examples, a
card sort and an activity where they learn to apply biomimicry principles. This
module can sit alone, or in preparation for the ‘Big Biomimicry Challenge’ module.
Download Introducing Biomimicry
Big Biomimicry Challenge
Age: 13-15
Hours: 2,5
Number of lessons: 3
Subjects: biology, chemistry, design & technology
This module takes students through the process of nature-inspired design, and a structured design task, involving individual and group work. The module is designed to stand alone, or as part of a large scheme of work. While many of the concepts are relevant to Design Technology and Biology, the module will also appeal to teachers looking to develop study skills including team work and presentation competences in students.
Download Big Biomimicry Challenge
Other modules
Water Water Everywhere
Age: 13-15
Hours: 3
Number of lessons: 3,5
Subjects: science: biology & chemistry
In this module students explore how nature has a range of different abilities we can learn from. Students use the abilities of nature to inspire ways to address the challenge of plastic bottle pollution. By the end of the module, students will have created their own solutions to the challenge of plastic bottle pollution.
Healthy by Nature
Age: 12-16
Hours: 3,5
Number of lessons: 4
Subjects: science: biology, chemistry
How to become strong as e bear? Or how to stay healthy as a fish? And do animals use medicine? What does nature do to stay healthy of to become healthy again when sick. What can nature teach us about health and prevention for illnesses.
Download Healthy by Nature Module
The Natural Economy
Age: 12-16
Hours: 3
Number of lessons: 4
Subjects: science: biology, chemistry, physics; design, engineering & technology
In the natural world, all materials are made using resources found locally; organisms do this at room temperature and pressure. Once materials are done with, they biodegrade back to their base element. This module explores how we can learn from nature to produce the materials we need sustainably.
Download Natural Economy Module
Adaptation to Climate Change
Age: 12-16
Hours: 7,5
Number of lessons: 10
Subjects: science: biology, physics; design, engineering & technology; mathematics
This module presents students with two challenges arising from the climate change: one exploring the effects of warming in towns, and the second flooding. Each challenge is designed for students to understand how nature deals with natural
events, and how we can learn from this to address the climate change. Each challenge can be delivered as a discrete lesson, or combined.
Download Adaptation to Climate Change Module
Adaptation to Climate Change Student Worksheets
Presentations:
Download Plant Transipration Presentation
Download Plant Cooling Presentation
Buildings
Age: 14-16
Hours: 3,5
Number of lessons: 5
Subjects: science: biology, physics, physics; design, engineering & technology; arts; mathematics
Shelter, warmth and protection are all functions of buildings. In this module, students search for similar functions in nature and investigate how to use this
knowledge to create better and more sustainable buildings.
Packaging
Age: 12-15
Hours: 1,5
Number of lessons: 2
Subjects: biology, design & technology
Like our food and many other products, every organism is packaged. Our skin, the armour of a crab, the peel of a banana, the shell of an oyster, the bark of a coconut, a pineapple (seed pack) and every cell in our body has its own packaging. How can nature’s different ways of packaging help us design solutions to our own packaging challenges?
Cooperative problem solving
Age: 12-16
Hours: 1,5
Number of lessons: 2
Subjects: science: biology, physics; design, engineering & technology
In this modules groups of student train their observation skills, analogical and critical thinking, discussing and problem-oriented decision making while learning from nature.
Download Cooperative Problem Solving Module
Plant Protection Inspired by Nature
Age: 12-14
Hours: 3
Number of lessons: 4
Subjects: science: biology, chemistry; design, engineering & technology; arts
In order to stay alive and healthy we need to protect the environment, our body and our food (and crops) against damage. How can we do this without harming other living organisms on the planet? In this module, students will explore plant protection inspired by nature.
Water Management in a City Park
Age: 12-16
Hours: 3,5
Number of lessons: 4
Subjects: science: biology, chemistry, physics; design, engineering & technology; arts
Our challenges regarding water management are getting bigger and bigger. There are areas that suffer from extreme drought, while in other places there are floods. Access to clean water is a major challenge for many people. In this module, students
will discover these challenges and come up with solutions themselves, based on how nature deals with water management. These challenges all come together in one case study, the design of a city park.
Teacher Training Guide
This guide is to help those who wish to support others using the BioLearn modules. It is specifically developed for trainers who want to implement teacher trainings using the BioLearn modules.
In this booklet we explore what biomimicry is, which methods are used, and how it is applied in education. It also provides practical ideas, the actual BioLearn modules, and it ends with a suggested evaluation form for Teacher trainings.
This manual is intended for trainers who are already familiar with biomimicry and the BioLearn modules, but also can be used by teachers who want to know more about the topic.
Download Teacher Training Guide