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Inspired by Nature (Biomimicry)Activity for Kids

Waterproof Shoe DIY

Duration: 15-20 min
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $0 to $5

Make a shoe waterproof using an idea from nature!

Visit The Full Lesson Download Instructions as PDF

Material List

1Old pair of canvas shoes (adults permission required)
1Candle
1Hairdryer
1Pitcher of water
1Large plastic tub

Instructions

1Rub the candle back and forth all over the surface of one shoe.
2Have an adult help you use a hairdryer to melt the candle wax into the shoe.
3For best results repeat this process one or two more times.
4Hold the treated shoe over a shallow container and pour water gently on it.
5Next take the untreated shoe and pour water on it to see the difference.

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How It Works

The treated shoe has a special coating of wax that protects the shoe from getting wet. This is similar to the nasturtium plant in the video or the feathers on a duck. When you poured water on the treated shoe, the water just slid off. The untreated shoe got wet when you poured water on it. Being inspired by nature to solve a problem is called biomimicry.