Inspired by Nature (Biomimicry)

A turtle has a shell that protects it. A woodpecker has a sharp beak that allows it to break through bark to get to food. A horse has a long tail that helps keep flies away.

Examples of problems could be not having waterproof shoes when there is a flooded street or not being able to reach a book on a shelf.

One possible solution could be to put plastic bags over your shoes. You could also use special shoes that do not get wet.

It might be fun to have webbed feet like a duck or a frog to help with swimming. It also might be fun to have wings like a bird or a bat so that you could fly.

One invention that solves a problem is a fan. It helps to keep you cool.

We can learn how different kinds of beaks help birds get food. We can also learn how some animal’s feet help them climb trees, swim or run fast.

A structure on a plant that protect it are thorns. Some structures on animals that protect them are shells, horns or sharp teeth.

The feet of the gecko have lots of tiny hairs that allow the gecko to climb up walls.

Yes, we have opposable thumbs that help us grab things. Our eyes and ears can help us know if danger is nearby. Our legs can allow us to run very far.

A raincoat, shoes, furniture or carpet could be more useful if they were waterproof.

The seeds of a cocklebur plant can attach to the fur of animals, so it can be moved from place to place by the animal. Scientists saw this and invented Velcro which uses tiny hooks and special material that are inspired by the seed.

The hard covering of the armadillo and the way it can roll up into a ball has influenced a back-pack design.