Primary Learners Explore Biomimicry and Ecosystems!
This week, the Primary learners had a wonderful opportunity to broaden their understanding of several nature-related topics that help address the central driving question of this PBL project: How can we learn from nature to solve human challenges?
On our first day, we delved into the fascinating concept of biomimicry, where humans draw inspiration from nature’s ingenious designs to create innovations and enhance the quality of life. We explored key examples of survival strategies and adaptations in various plants and animals, alongside real-world technologies inspired by these natural elements. This set the stage for discussions on how nature has influenced human progress through its time-tested solutions.
As the week progressed, learners turned their attention to ecosystems, focusing on fundamental concepts such as food chains, food webs, and biodiversity. Through playful activities and interactive puzzles, learners explored the intricate interactions between living and non-living components within ecosystems, gaining a deeper understanding of how these systems operate and respond to external influences like climate and human activity.
Learners applied their newfound knowledge by creating nature-tech charts, which showcased a range of existing technologies alongside their nature-inspired origins. This activity encouraged critical thinking as learners matched inventions with their natural inspirations, drawing connections between structures or functions found in nature and their technological counterparts.
They also participated in a fun family trading card game, collecting a complete set representing an ecosystem. This interactive activity helped them reflect on the importance of biodiversity and interconnectivity in nature, solidifying their understanding of the week’s lessons.