Faculty Pen Article for Great Lakes Biomimicry

"We realized our passion could easily translate into a unique teaching experience for both of us and a learning experience for our students," said Thomas and Delia. After applying for and receiving a summer grant, the pair created a whole-brain approach to the biomimicry-based design process.  Allowing students to generate their own questions, students were then tasked to "biologize" the problem and design a solution.

"Students were amazed that so many of our problems in the world today really could be solved by looking to nature," said Thomas and Delia. The teachers also noticed that students were consistently excited about coming to both art and science classes, and barely needed guidance or motivating words to use class time productively.

The three-week unit cluminated in an open-house where students displayed their work. Parents noted that they were amazed their children were thinking such "big" thoughts, digging deep, and feeling the real world connection.

The two teachers followed their experience with an essay "Art and Science Combine in 7th Grade Biomimicry Lessons at Hawken School," published in the February newsletter of Great Lakes Biomimicry.