Biomimicry

Biomimicry

I accompanied 15 fantastic students on an excursion to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne to learn about biomimicry and how replicating the design and function of nature can be replicated to solve real problems in business, engineering and architecture. The students were exposed to a learning setting that they don’t usually experience in the classroom, it was pleasing to see that they all took advantage of such a privilege! With a range of students from years 8-10, they were all able to participate and create their own solutions using the design and functions of ferns, there were some very interesting and unique ideas produced by each group. Let’s hope that the weather is better next time!

Edward Long

Science Teacher

I was lucky enough to participate in the biomimicry event at the Royal Botanic Gardens and learnt so much about what it means to emulate designs found in nature and apply them to solve complex human problems. The excursion consisted of us being guided around the gardens to observe and question the design of different types of plants and various fungi. It was great to see the different local and exotic flora that called this place home and it intrigued me to find out their purpose in nature. The main activity for the day was to design a product off of the look and functions of a fern, and the goal was to enable it to help the planet while utilizing the traits found in ferns. Overall, this experience was a well presented eye-opener to the world of biomimicry and Bio-design and I had fun while doing it too.

Jonathan Retuta 

Year 10

The whole excursion was an amazing experience, having a whole day surrounded by nature and fascinating plants was great. Having to work together as a group and attempt to create a sustainable design using biomimicry was a challenge. We had to mimic the function and design of a fern tree, and it encouraged us to really think as a group. Overall, this experience was so fun, and I definitely recommend anyone to go on this excursion if it were to occur again.  

Denzel Kleinveldt 

Year 10

On Tuesday the 7th of June a representation of our Science and Mathematics High Ability Students attended an extension program at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The feedback from the presenters at the gardens was that our students engaged with the workshop with excellent innovations and impressive collaboration.  

 

This excursion took place as part of Taylors Lakes Secondary College Student Excellence Program. 

 

For further information regarding extension programs at the College, contact Elizabeth Green 

Instructional Practice Leader 

Elizabeth.Green@education.vic.gov.au