Biomimicry Science Fair Project Choice, Assignment, and Pre-Class Materials
I know some of you have yet to make up the first class, missed due to snow; however, I wanted to go ahead and post the following materials for those that attended class today (Thursday 23rd). If you are attending the make-up class next week then please do not read ahead until after you attend class on the 29th.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL PARENTS MUST ATTEND THE SECOND CLASS ON EITHER FEBRUARY 5TH OR 6TH.
CHOOSING A BIOMIMICRY PROJECT
As you know your student will be choosing a biomimicry project for their science fair display.
For 5-7 year old students: the students may choose a project where they research a human problem and the animal/plant that solves a similar problem. They may then design a model, using the creatures key features, and present this as their project. Models should be fairly large, at least the size of a shoe box or larger.
For 8-12 year old students: the students will also choose a project where they research a human problem and the animal/plant that solves a similar problem. Not only will they design and build a solution but they must also test their design using replication and control. This age group will be responsible for data collection and making graphs (line or bar).
Both age groups will be required to develop a hypothesis and present a trifold poster. In the second class I will go over, in more detail, how the poster should be arranged and laid out.
WHERE DO I FIND RESOURCES?
- biomimicry science fair ideas This document I put together with many different biomimicry science fair ideas that should be doable for the different age groups. These ideas are not set in stone and can be changed or modified. Each idea has “younger,” “older,” or “all ages” next to the title. This tells you if it’s suited for 5-7’s, 8-12’s or all ages 5-12.
- Ask Nature is the Biomimicry Institute’s website for ideas about problem solving using nature. Type in either the animal/plant you’re interested in or the problem you want to solve, such as “climbing” or “self cleaning.”
FOR NEXT CLASS:
Students of both age groups must come to class with the following:
- A question they want to answer about a human problem and an animal or plant solution.
- Some basic research about their chosen plant or animal
- A hypothesis they want to test (or for younger students a model to build)
- Experimental Design (rough) based on the plant or animal they want to study. For younger students this will be the design of their invention.
FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE POSTERS WILL LOOK LIKE
In the second class I will be going over scientific design with each parent and student, as well as discussing with the entire class, how to create their posters for display. For older students I will focus on replication and controls.
Here is a document that outlines what the posters will look like: SERC Home School Biomimicry Science Fair Poster Requirements
Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions McDonaldK@si.edu.
Patti,
Yes, you are registered for the Wed. classes, starting with the make up this week. The class time is 10:30 am-Noon. The next class will be February 5th and the final science fair is Feb. 26th. I’ll see you this week!