Nature-Inspired Solutions to Disease Problems

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 23.05.06

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Rationale
  3. School Demographics
  4. Overview
  5. What is Biomimicry and Biodiversity and why do they matter?
  6. Biomimicry and Medicine
  7. Biomimicry and Tools/Machines
  8. Now What?
  9. Teaching Strategies
  10. Classroom Activities
  11. Activity One- Compare and Connect
  12. Activity 2- Mimic Matching
  13. Activity Three-Mimic Who?
  14. Activity 4- Nature Walk
  15. Bibliography
  16. Endnotes
  17. Teacher Resources
  18. Student Resources
  19. Appendix-Implementing District Standards

Nature Says Do This: Solving Problems by Mimicking Nature

Aliyah Hoye

Published September 2023

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Now What?

Now that we have learned about biodiversity and biomimicry in medicines and machines, what do we do next? Now is the time to begin fostering a sense of appreciation for nature among our students. It is time to have the wonder begin to unfold in the students because the students sitting in your classroom could be the next bioengineers being inspired by nature to solve the future problems of our world. I talked a great deal about medicines used to treat physical ailments, but there are myriad studies that show when students have more access to nature as well as opportunities to interact with nature, this can drastically improve their mental health as well. Spending time in nature has been proven to increase focus, improve moods, and decrease stress. Children who have access to more green spaces in their neighborhoods have a lesser risk of developing mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders. The risk of children who have the lowest level of green spaces around them was up 55% compared to children who have more access to green spaces in their neighborhoods and communities. 13

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